Ridge Augmentation

What is a Ridge Augmentation?

A ridge augmentation is a common dental procedure often performed following a tooth extraction to help 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 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. Sometimes when a tooth is removed, the bone surrounding the socket breaks, and it unable to heal on its own. The previous height and width of the socket will continue to deteriorate.

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.

How is the Oral Surgery 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. Next, the gum tissue is placed over the socket and secured with sutures. The surgeons at Capital Oral & Facial Surgery 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 should grow. Once the socket has healed, the alveolar ridge can be prepared for dental implant placement.

A ridge augmentation procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia. 

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Capital Oral & Facial Surgery

5 out of 5 stars based on 6 Ridge Augmentation reviews

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I'm so grateful to have found this office. I needed extensive work done and have a fear of dental procedures. Dr. Cavola has been a god send ( sounds cheesy I know). He has been very kind and compassionate, went over my procedure with me and actually listened to my questions. Surgery went well and he even saw me today because of my irrational concerns and he didn't make me feel stupid for seeing him ( plus we were able to talk directly to HIM on the phone yesterday). And not only the the dr awesome but his office staff and nurses are great too I will be recommending him to all of my friends and family and will be seeing him for any future work that I need.

- Colleen B

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I have grown a fear of having dental work done. Thankfully i was referred to Capital Oral & Facial Surgery for 4 teeth to be pulled! They had only been crowned a few short years ago. My tmj kills me and I can't open my mouth too wide. This entire office staff assured me of no pain today and said all the right things to try to ease my anxiety which was over a 10! Thanks everyone for getting me through!!!!!!

- Kathy H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

really can't say enough good things about Dr. Ahmad and his staff at Capital Oral and Facial Surgery. If you need wisdom teeth removed this is the place to go. I had all four of mine removed by Dr. Ahmad about two weeks ago. It was a great experience I have to say. After hearing all the horror stories from family and friends it is easy to expect the worst. I'm happy to say it was a very pleasant experience. I don't remember any of the procedure. After the procedure I really did not have any pain and would have been okay with no pain medicine. I put this procedure off for years and seemed to have lucked out with Dr. Ahmad. Really cool guy. He even called me to check on me later the day of the surgery. I certainly plan on returning to Capital Oral and Facial in the future, should the need arise. On another note...the anesthesia is the best sleep you'll ever have. -Antwan

- Antwan H

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I started to have some discomfort with my wisdom teeth, so I searched online for reviews of oral sugeons in the area. I picked Capital Oral Surgery because I liked what I read and their website. I was very pleased with the facility and service when I came for my initial appointment. The surgery was a piece of cake. I didnt feel a thing. Of course, I was put to sleep. When I woke up, we were done. I didnt believe it. It felt like we just started. I didnt take any of the pain medication afterwards and healed great. I highly recommend Dr. Ahmad to anybody who needs their wisdom teeth out. It was easy and painless.

- Chris W

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

I am an older patient and did not want anesthesia but a local to have my wisdom tooth removed. I came in very scared but the staff and the doctor reassured me and the procedure went smoothly and I was very pleased with the entire procedure and experience. I would highly recommend the doctor and his staff.

- Sherry

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonial

Fabulous staff and location.

- Jennifer B

5 out of 5 stars on