Ridge augmentation is a common bone grafting procedure used to recreate the natural contour of the gums and jawbone after tooth loss and bone loss. The alveolar ridge of the jaw is the bone that surrounds and supports the roots of the teeth. This ridge may deteriorate after tooth loss or removal, leaving an indentation in the jawbone. Bone loss after tooth loss can not only affect your smile aesthetically but can also make tooth replacement more difficult. Our periodontists may recommend a ridge augmentation procedure to restore the original height and width of the alveolar ridge for aesthetic purposes or to allow the successful placement of a dental implant.
During the ridge augmentation procedure, our periodontists will carefully fill the indented area of the jawbone with bone grafting material. This helps to rebuild the alveolar ridge for a more natural appearance and to enable successful implant placement.
Ridge augmentation can often be performed immediately after the tooth is extracted to eliminate the need for a second procedure later. However, it may also be performed at a later time to prepare for implant placement.
If you are having a tooth extracted, our periodontists will likely recommend socket preservation to prevent bone loss after the extraction. After a tooth is extracted, the bone that surrounded and supported the tooth root (called the alveolar ridge bone) begins to deteriorate. A socket preservation bone graft will supplement your existing bone and maintain the structure of the ridge. This promotes a healthy recovery and will ensure that the area is able to support a tooth replacement, such as a dental implant or bridge.
Socket preservation has two main phases. First, when extracting the tooth, our periodontists will use careful techniques to preserve as much bone as possible. The second phase is to add bone replacement material to the extraction site to prevent the collapse of the socket. When performing this type of bone graft, we will thoroughly clean out the socket and insert specially prepared human-grade bone material. Then we will place a small absorbable plug or suture over the socket. In some cases, the socket preservation procedure can be completed during the same appointment in which the tooth is extracted. To find out if this is an option for you, please speak with our periodontists.
For more information about ridge augmentation and preservation, we welcome you to call or visit our office today. We look forward to caring for your smile!