Ridge Augmentation
Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants – Grand Rapids & Rockford MI
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.
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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. Van Heukelom, Dr. Noordhoek or Dr. Grinzinger 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 Drs. Van Heukelom, Noordhoek or Grinzinger’s office under local anesthesia. Some patients may also request sedative medication.
Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
Patient Review By Connie G
I was extremely satisfied with my care and am already planning on having more work done there.
- Connie G
Patient Review By Lori W
There is no way to thank Dr Panek and his staff for all the work, that was done for me. I hope sometime in the future I can pay it forward, to some one else. Thank you so very much. And to the girl who handled that huge camera, that took the finished pictures, great job!!!
- Lori W