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 altered due to bone loss from a tooth extraction, or for other reasons.

The alveolar ridge is that part of the jaw bone that surrounds the roots of teeth. When a tooth is removed an empty socket is left in the alveolar bone. Usually this empty socket will heal on its own, filling with bone and tissue. Sometimes when a tooth is removed the bone surrounding the socket breaks and is unable to heal on its own. The previous height and width of the socket will become altered and will deteriorate further if not treated.

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 in and around the extraction socket. It is often done immediately after the tooth is removed to avoid the need for a second procedure at a later date.  Dr. Maiorino may choose to use a space-maintaining product (a membrane) over the top of the graft to facilitate new bone growth. Once the site has healed and the alveolar ridge has been augmented the dental implant can be placed.

A ridge augmentation procedure is typically performed in Dr. Maiorino’s office either under local anesthesia or intravenous sedation depending on the patients preference.

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