Extraction of a tooth leads to a rapid and continuing loss of jaw bone. Socket preservation is a dental procedure which slows or eliminates this resorption process. The procedure involves placing bone grafting material in the socket of the tooth that has been extracted. This acts to preserve the thickness and height of bone so that a dental implant can be placed. It also preserve the shape of the patient facial appearance.
Note: After a tooth extraction there is always a 25% chance of horizontal bone resorption (loss).
In summary, without preservation, bone could lose volume resulting in loss of facial vertical and horizontal dimension and changes in facial soft tissue structures.