What is a Ridge Augmentation?
A ridge augmentation is a common dental procedure that is often done after a tooth extraction to restore the natural shape of the gums and jaw that may have been lost due to bone loss from the extraction or other reasons.
The alveolar ridge is the bone that surrounds the roots of teeth in the jaw. When a tooth is removed, it leaves an empty socket in the alveolar ridge bone. Usually, this socket will heal on its own by filling with bone and tissue. However, sometimes the bone around the socket breaks and is unable to heal properly, causing the socket to deteriorate in height and width.
While rebuilding the original height and width of the alveolar ridge is not necessary for medical reasons, it may be necessary for dental implant placement or for aesthetic purposes. Dental implants need bone support, and a ridge augmentation can help rebuild the bone to support the implant.
How is the Oral Surgery Accomplished?
A ridge augmentation procedure involves placing bone graft material in the tooth socket immediately after tooth removal to avoid the need for a second procedure. The gum tissue is then placed over the socket and secured with sutures. Dr. Groth may use a space-maintaining product to restore the height and width of the space created by tooth and bone loss. Once the socket has healed, the alveolar ridge can be prepared for dental implant placement. This procedure is typically performed by Dr. Groth under local anesthesia and IV sedation in an office setting.
