What is ridge augmentation?

A ridge augmentation is a common bone grafting procedure used to recreate the natural contour of the gums and jawbone after tooth loss and bone loss. The alveolar ridge of the jaw is the bone that surrounds and supports the roots of the teeth. The ridge augmentation procedure is used to restore the original height and width of the alveolar ridge for aesthetic purposes or to allow the placement of a dental implant.

Do I need ridge augmentation?

When a tooth is lost or extracted, it leaves an empty socket in the alveolar ridge bone. This empty socket often heals on its own, filling with bone and tissue. In some cases, however, the tooth extraction results in breakages in the surrounding bone which cannot heal on their own. This leads to continued deterioration of the height and width of the alveolar ridge. To rebuild the alveolar ridge and allow the successful placement of dental implants, our oral surgeon may recommend ridge augmentation in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Ridge augmentation is often performed immediately after the tooth is extracted to eliminate the need for a second procedure later. It may also be performed later to prepare for implant placement. For more information about ridge augmentation and the other types of bone grafting we provide at Cannon Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we invite you to contact Dr. Daniel Cannon’s office today at 918-743-1351.