Jaw Augmentation & Expansion

A Ridge augmentation/modification is a common dental procedure often performed to help recreate the natural contours of the gums and jaw that may have been lost due to bone loss as a result of a tooth extraction, or trauma. The ridge of the jaw is the bone that surrounds the roots of the teeth. When a tooth is removed, an empty socket is left in the alveolar ridge bone. Most of the time, bone graft is added after extraction to preserve the width and height of the jaw. This is called “Socket Preservation.” If this procedure is not performed, the bone surrounding the socket breaks and resorbs. The previous height and width of the socket will continue to deteriorate causing resorption. Rebuilding the original height and width of the alveolar ridge is 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.

During the ridge modification and augmentation procedures, the gum is lifted away from the ridge to fully expose the defect in the bone. The bony defect is then be filled with bone graft material which can help regenerate lost bone, or a bone substitute.

Finally, the incision is closed and several months of healing will be required. Depending on the case and type of implant and procedure, a dental implant may be placed during the ridge modification procedure or when healing is complete; much depends on the precise condition of the bone.

Ridge modification improves the cosmetic appearance, functionality of the mouth, and the chance of enjoying dental implants for many years.