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 lost due to bone loss from a tooth extraction,  infection 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. 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 continue to deteriorate.

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 the tooth socket. 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 to facilitate the new bone and tissue growth.  Once the site has healed and bone graft matured usually 3-5 months the site is ready for dental implant placement.

A ridge augmentation procedure is typically performed in Dr. Hummeldorf’s office under local anesthesia. Some patients may also request sedative medication.

Are You a Candidate for Bone Grafting

Advances in the field of oral surgery have made bone grafting procedures much simpler. Kurt Hummeldorf, DMD-PC provides excellent care with great patient outcomes.

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