Ridge Augmentation

What is ridge augmentation?

Ridge Augmentation is the surgical procedure that aims at increasing the quantity and/or quality of bone or soft tissues (gums) in areas of missing teeth.

Why do I need ridge augmentation?

Ridge augmentation is intended to allow for future implant replacement, or to provide better functional and esthetic restorations in the esthetic zone. 

Increasing the height and width of bone helps ensure the success and longecity of dental implants. 

How is ridge augmentation done?

Surgeons can utilize a variety of surgical procedures in ridge augmentation. The surgical procedure will depend on the amount of available bone, the amount of augmentation necessary and patient related factors.

The most common techniques include

Guided Bone Regeneration: This procedure involves the use of bone replacement grafts along with biologic collagen membranes that help maintain the shape of the ridge and exclude the oral epithelium from invading the graft Block Grafts: Block grafts are bone replacement grafts that are used in the form of a solid block, the source of this block can be autogenous (from the patient) or in the form of a preprocessed block. 

Ridge Split/Expansion: This procedure involves expanding the existing bone to allow for bone growth in between the expanded segments.

Biologic Factors: Biologic factors that are either synthetic or from the patient's own plasma can be used to enhance the results

Soft Tissue Augmentation: Periodontists are experts in sof tissue augmentation, the soft tissues of the oral cavity play a vital role in esthetics, and stability of both teeth and restorations. Soft tissue augmentation can be performed using the patient's own soft tissues or in the form of preprocessed grafts.