Ridge Augmentation
What is a Ridge Augmentation?
A ridge augmentation is a common dental procedure often performed following a tooth extraction to help recreate the natural contour of the gums and jaw that may have been lost due to bone loss as a result of 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. This empty socket will usually lose previous height and width of the socket and will continue to deteriorate. On average, approximately 40% of the height and width of the bone will be lost in a short period of time. A ridge preservation graft can help avoid this.
Rebuilding the original height and width of the alveolar ridge is not 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 Oral Surgery Accomplished?
A ridge augmentation is accomplished by placing bone graft material on the resorbed bone. It is often done immediately after the tooth is removed, to avoid the need for a second procedure later. Next, a membrane is placed over the socket and secured with sutures. Once the area has healed, the alveolar ridge can be prepared for dental implant placement.
A ridge augmentation procedure is typically performed in Dr. Wiggins's office.