Ridge Augmentation

What Is A Ridge Augmentation?

A ridge augmentation is a common surgical procedure often performed to help recreate the natural contour of the jaw that may have been lost as a result of 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. However, the alveolar bone is lost and therefore, the vertical and horizontal width of the jaw bone is reduced. Rebuilding the height and width of the jaw bone is called ridge augmentation.

Socket Preservation

This procedure is different than ridge augmentation. Socket preservation is performed immediately after tooth removal. Again, this maintains the height and width of the bone so the patient can have a good support for the dental implant.

Ridge Expansion

Ridge expansion falls under ridge augmentation procedures. In general, a patient needs a ridge expansion when the jaw bone is too narrow horizontally but has enough height for a dental implant. Ridge expansion can be achieved by splitting the ridge, placement of tenting screws and membrane or by using a block of bone harvested from ramus of mandible.

How Do You Prepare For A Ridge Augmentation?

On the day of consult, a 3D scan will be taken to view the bone level in different angles. Dr. Jamali will then decide on the type of bone to use to rebuild the jaw bone. Just like any other surgery, patients must refrain from using NSAIDs/Aspirin days prior to the surgery.

Please see the anesthesia section on how to prepare if IV sedation is used.

Why Is A Ridge Expansion Performed?

Rebuilding the original height and width of the alveolar ridge is not 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.

What Can You Expect During A Ridge Augmentation?

A ridge augmentation is accomplished by placing bone graft material in the tooth socket. It is often done immediately after the tooth is removed in order to avoid the need for a second procedure later. Next, the gum tissue is placed over the socket and secured with sutures. Dr. Jamali may choose to use a space-maintaining product over the top of the graft to help restore the height and width. Once the socket has healed, the alveolar ridge can be prepared for the dental implant placement. A ridge augmentation procedure is commonly performed and is totally painless. If the patient decides to stay awake for the augmentation, he/she will receive local anesthesia. Dr. Jamali will stop per patient request at any time. Obviously, if sedation is performed, the patient will not feel the dental needles and would be comfortable.

What Is The Followup And Recovery Like For A Ridge Augmentation?

Just like any other surgical procedure, recovery depends on many factors such as the skill of the surgeon, age of the patient and the way each patient responds to the procedure. With ridge augmentation, recovery also depends on the extent of the augmentation. Typically, the patient will have some swelling for 3-5 days. Liquid/Purée diet is recommended during the first 10 days. Pain is controlled with medications. The patient will be seen by Dr. Jamali again for a follow up to remove the sutures. Another 3D scan will be taken a few months after to visualize the reconstruction.

What Are The Potential Costs For A Ridge Expansion?

The cost of ridge augmentation varies between$1,500-$3,500 for each quadrant.

What Are The Potential Risks For A Ridge Expansion?

Potential risks for ridge augmentation are:

• Infection
• Nonunion of bone
• Need of additional surgery to rebuild the bone