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What Is a Ridge Augmentation?
A ridge augmentation is preformed when the alveolar ridge (bone that surrounds the socket of the tooth) needs to be preserved or recreated following the extraction of a single tooth, or multiple teeth.
The alveolar ridge of the jaw is the bone that surrounds the roots of teeth. Sometimes when a tooth is removed, the bone surrounding the socket breaks, and it is unable to heal on its own. Therefore, the previous height and width of the socket will continue to deteriorate, making it a difficult scenario to restore with dental implants. Rebuilding the original height and width of the alveolar ridge is not medically necessary, but may be required for dental implant placement. Dental implants require bone to support their structure, and a ridge augmentation can help rebuild this bone to accommodate the future placement of dental implants.
How Is a Ridge Augmentation Accomplished?
A ridge augmentation is accomplished by placing bone graft material around the area of extraction. It is often done immediately after the tooth is removed, to avoid the need for a second procedure later. Next, the gum tissue is placed over the socket and secured with sutures. Dr. Cavallari may choose to use a space-maintaining product over the top of the graft to help restore the height and width of the space created by the tooth and bone loss, and into which new bone should grow. Once the ridge has healed, the alveolar ridge can be prepared for dental implant placement.
A ridge augmentation procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. Some patients may also request sedative medication in addition to local anesthesia.
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