What is ridge augmentation?
A ridge augmentation is a common dental procedure performed after a tooth extraction to restore the natural shape of the gums and jaw that may have been lost due to bone loss. The alveolar ridge, which surrounds the roots of teeth in the jaw, can deteriorate in height and width if the bone around a socket breaks and fails to heal properly. While rebuilding the original height and width of the alveolar ridge may not be medically necessary, it can be essential for dental implant placement or for aesthetic reasons. Dental implants require bone support, and a ridge augmentation can help rebuild the bone to provide the necessary support for the implant.
How Is Oral Surgery Done?
The ridge augmentation procedure includes placing bone graft material in the tooth socket right after tooth extraction to prevent the need for a second procedure. The gum tissue is then placed over the socket and stitched in place. Our periodontist may use a space-maintaining product to restore the height and width of the space left by tooth and bone loss. After the socket has healed, the alveolar ridge can be prepared for dental implant placement. This procedure is usually done by our doctor using local anesthesia and IV sedation in an office setting.
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