WHAT IS A RIDGE AUGMENTATION?
A ridge augmentation is a common dental procedure often performed after a tooth extraction to help recreate the natural contour of the gums and jaw that may have been lost due as a result of a tooth extraction, or another reason.
MORE ABOUT RIDGE AUGMENTATION
The alveolar ridge is the bone that surrounds the tooth roots. When a tooth is removed, an empty socket is left in the alveolar ridge bone. This empty socket will often fill over time with bone and tissue, and healing can be improved by socket augmentation. Sometimes when a tooth is removed, the bone surrounding the socket breaks, and it is unable to heal on its own. The previous height and width of the socket will continue to deteriorate.
Rebuilding the original height and width of the alveolar ridge 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 RIDGE AUGMENTATION ACCOMPLISHED?
While the patient is numb, a ridge augmentation is accomplished by placing bone graft material around the tooth socket or area missing a tooth, applying a “band aid” material if needed, and securing the area.
Ridge augmentation may be performed immediately after the tooth is removed, to avoid the need for a second procedure later. In cases of severe infection, the grafting may not be successful, so it can be delayed until the area heals. If needed, additional bone grafting can be added at the time of implant placement. Once the area has healed and the bone has matured, a dental implant can be placed.
A ridge augmentation procedure is typically performed Dr. Mason’s office under local anesthesia, and patients can return to normal activities. Sedation options are also available.
—William A.