01
Tooth removal leaves a socket
After a tooth is removed, an empty socket remains in the alveolar ridge, the part of the jawbone that surrounds tooth roots.
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Procedures
Ridge augmentation.
Ridge augmentation helps recreate the natural contour of the gums and jaw after tooth extraction or bone loss. It can be an important step when the jaw needs more support for a future dental implant.
Rebuilding natural contour
A ridge augmentation restores the shape of the jaw after bone loss.
The alveolar ridge is the part of the jawbone that surrounds the roots of the teeth. When a tooth is removed, a socket is left behind in that ridge.
In many cases, the socket fills naturally with bone and tissue. In others, the bone around the socket can break down or lose its previous height and width.
Rebuilding that original contour is not always medically necessary, but it may be important for dental implant placement or for restoring a more natural appearance of the gums and jaw.
Implant planning
Dental implants need enough healthy bone for support. Ridge augmentation can rebuild the bone needed to accommodate an implant in a stronger, more natural position.
How it works
The procedure preserves or rebuilds the socket before implant planning.
Ridge augmentation is often performed immediately after a tooth is removed, which can help avoid the need for a second grafting procedure later.
02
Bone may not fully hold its shape
Many sockets heal on their own, but if the surrounding bone breaks down or cannot heal predictably, the height and width of the ridge may continue to deteriorate.
03
Graft material rebuilds support
Bone graft material can be placed in the socket to help recreate the natural contour of the jaw and gum tissue.
04
The ridge is prepared for implants
Once the grafted socket has healed, the alveolar ridge can be evaluated and prepared for dental implant placement when appropriate.
Why it helps
Better ridge shape can make future restoration more predictable.
By supporting the socket as it heals, ridge augmentation can preserve more of the natural jaw shape and create a better foundation for future tooth replacement.
Rebuilds ridge height and width
Improves implant placement options
Helps restore natural gum contour
May reduce need for later grafting
Graft placement
Bone graft material is placed in the tooth socket.
After graft material is placed, the gum tissue is positioned over the socket and secured with sutures. A space-maintaining product may be used to support new bone growth.
Comfort options
Ridge augmentation is usually completed in the office.
This procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia. Some patients may also choose sedative medication for additional comfort.
Preserve the ridge
Plan the socket before bone is lost.
We can evaluate the extraction site, discuss whether grafting is needed, and help protect your options for future implant placement.