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, 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, the gum tissue is placed over the socket and secured with sutures.
• Dr. Ravi & Rod may choose to use a space-maintaining product over the top of the graft to facilitate new bone growth.
• Once the socket has healed, the alveolar ridge can be prepared for dental implant placement.


• A ridge augmentation procedure is typically performed in Dr. Ravi & Rod's office under local anesthesia.
• Some patients may also request sedative medication.