Ridge Augmentation | Kokomo IN

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What is a Ridge Augmentation?

A ridge augmentation is a common oral surgery procedure that would be performed sometime later after a tooth or teeth have been extracted. 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, 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 doesn’t heal as well 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 procedure accomplished?

A ridge augmentation procedure is typically performed in Dr. Thompson’s office under either local or IV sedation anesthesia. Bone graft material is placed through a small incision in the gum tissue. The gum is then sutured in place. Time, usually 4-5 months, is allowed for the newly grafted bone to heal and become solid, fusing to your own alveolar ridge bone.

Not all patients are good candidates for ridge augmentation bone grafting. If you or your dentist think this procedure might be necessary in your own case, please schedule a consultation appointment in our office.

The best scenario is to be proactive, by having extraction site bone preservation performed at the time of your tooth extraction. (See sidebar and click for explanation of extraction sire bone preservation.)