Ridge Augmentation, Yorktown Heights New York

What is a Ridge Augmentation?

A ridge augmentation is a common dental procedure often performed following a tooth extraction. It helps recreate the natural contour of the gums and jaw that may have been lost due to bone loss as a result of a tooth extraction or other conditions such as previous tooth extractions, infections, cysts or tumors.

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. Sometimes this empty socket will heal on its own, filling with bone and tissue. If the socket is unable to  heal on its own then ridge augmentation may be needed to rebuild the  height and width of the socket and prevent further deterioration.

Rebuilding the original height and width of the alveolar ridge is necessary and 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 Ridge Augmentation 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.  Dr. Wetzler 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 will grow (guided bone regeneration). Once the socket has healed, the alveolar ridge is ready for dental implant placement.

A ridge augmentation procedure is typically performed in Dr. Wetzler’s office under local anesthesia. Some patients may also request sedation medication (oral conscious sedation).