Ridge Augmentation

What is a Ridge Augmentation?

A ridge augmentation is a common dental procedure often performed following a tooth extraction. This procedure helps recreate the natural contour of the gums and jaw that may have been lost due to bone loss from a tooth extraction, or for another reason.

The alveolar ridge of the jaw is the bone that surrounds the roots of teeth. When a tooth is removed an empty socket is left in the alveolar ridge bone. Usually this empty socket will heal on its own, filling with bone and tissue. The bone in this area may not heal to the original size prior to extraction. It may also lose volume as time passes from the extraction. Often times when a patient is ready for an implant we may not have the adequate amount of bone that is ideal. 

Rebuilding the original height and width of the alveolar ridge is not always medically necessary, but may be required for dental implant placement or for aesthetic purposes. Dental implants require bone to support their structure and a ridge augmentation can help rebuild this bone to accommodate the implant.

How is the procedure Accomplished?

A ridge augmentation is accomplished by placing bone graft material at the site of previously extracted teeth. This means that the gum tissue has completely healed at this site and the bone is inadequate for a dental implant. This procedure usually entails incisions at and/or near the site of the bone deficiency. This will allow the surgeon to place bone graft material and potentially other materials in order to generate healthy living bone in this area. This site is typically sutured closed and allowed to heal for multiple months.  Drs. Harris, Ismail or Hyneman will expertly tailor your procedure in regards to incision design, bone graft material selection and use of any biologic aides to promote healing. A ridge augmentation procedure is typically performed in Drs. Harris, Ismail and Hyneman’s office under IV sedation, as well as local anesthesia.