Ridge Augmentation

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What Is Ridge Augmentation?

Ridge augmentation is a dental bone-grafting procedure used to rebuild the natural shape and volume of the jawbone after bone loss. It is commonly performed after tooth extraction when the bone surrounding the missing tooth has become too thin, narrow, or insufficient to support a dental implant.

The alveolar ridge is the portion of the jawbone that surrounds and supports the roots of your teeth. After a tooth is removed, the resulting socket typically heals naturally as new bone and tissue develop. However, in some cases, the bone surrounding the socket may be damaged or may gradually shrink during the healing process.

As the jawbone loses height or width, the original contour of the ridge can change. Although rebuilding the ridge is not always medically necessary, additional bone may be needed when a patient is considering dental implant placement. Dental implants require adequate bone volume and density for proper support, stability, and long-term function.

Ridge augmentation can help restore the lost bone structure and create a more suitable foundation for an implant. It may also be recommended to improve the appearance and contour of the gum and jaw following tooth loss.

How Is Ridge Augmentation Performed?

Ridge augmentation generally involves placing bone graft material into an area where bone has been lost. When appropriate, the procedure can be performed at the time of tooth extraction, helping preserve the shape and volume of the socket during healing and potentially avoiding the need for an additional procedure later.

After the graft material is placed, the gum tissue is carefully positioned over the treatment area and secured with sutures. A protective membrane or space-maintaining material may also be used to help stabilize the graft and support the formation of new bone.

Over time, the grafted area heals as new bone develops and the ridge gradually gains the volume needed for future treatment. Once healing is complete and sufficient bone has formed, the area can be evaluated and prepared for dental implant placement if an implant is part of the treatment plan.

Ridge augmentation is typically performed using local anesthesia. Sedation may also be available for patients who experience dental anxiety or prefer additional comfort during the procedure.

Signs you may need treatment

Persistent Tooth
Loss Bone Loss

Gum Disease
Or Loose Teeth

Sunken Or Altered
Facial Appearance

Inadequate Bone
For Implants

What to expect

1

Evaluate

We examine the treatment area and use dental imaging, including 3D CBCT scans when needed, to assess the available bone and determine the extent of augmentation required.

2

Augment

We place biocompatible bone graft material in the area of bone loss and may use a protective membrane or space-maintaining material to stabilize the graft and support new bone formation.

3

Heal & Prepare

The grafted area is allowed to heal and develop new bone. Once adequate bone volume has been achieved, the area can be evaluated and prepared for dental implant placement when an implant is part of your treatment plan.

Common questions

What is the purpose of ridge augmentation?
Ridge augmentation is used to rebuild areas of the jawbone that have lost height or width, often after tooth extraction. It can create a stronger foundation for a future dental implant.
No. Not every patient requires ridge augmentation. It may be recommended when bone loss or the shape of the extraction site could affect future implant placement or the appearance of the gum and jaw.
Yes. When appropriate, bone grafting can be performed immediately after extraction to help preserve the shape and volume of the socket while it heals.
Healing time varies depending on the amount of bone loss, the grafting technique, and individual healing. Your dental specialist will determine when the area has developed enough bone for the next stage of treatment.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during treatment. Some soreness, swelling, or tenderness may occur afterward and can usually be managed with the aftercare instructions provided by your dental team.