Ridge Augmentation

Experience the highest standard of care with our Ridge Augmentation procedures at Lenox Hill Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. This treatment is vital for patients who have undergone tooth extraction, ensuring the natural contour of the gums and jaw is preserved and ready for future dental implants.

What Is Ridge Augmentation?

Ridge augmentation(i.e. Socket preservation procedure) is a surgical procedure that is typically done after(or at the time of the) tooth extraction. This procedure recreates the natural contour of the gums or jaw that was lost during the extraction. It also minimizes additional bone loss that normally happens as a part of the natural healing process. The bone that surrounds the roots of the teeth is called the alveolar ridge of the jaw. When a tooth is extracted, there is an empty socket left where the tooth originally was. This socket typically will heal on its own, however significant collapse of bony and soft tissue volume often occurs as a result.

Prevention of this collapse of the alveolar ridge is  necessary to ensure that a patient has adequate bone if he or she requires a dental implant, as implants need a sufficient amount of healthy bone structure for proper support.

A Ridge augmentation procedure helps to recreate bone and tissue to support future dental implants, and to make the gum contour and jaw area aesthetically pleasing. This procedure helps to provide better long term function, and is typically done on patients that have decided to move forward with dental implants or for patients who have not decided yet but would like to keep that option “open”.

A ridge augmentation procedure is done directly after the tooth is extracted or within a few weeks afterwards. This procedure places bone grafting material in the tooth socket to rebuild the area, and provide the necessary support for tooth replacement. Your surgeon will discuss the type of the grafting material that is best suitable for your needs. Doing this procedure directly after tooth extraction is ideal as it helps to avoid the need for a second procedure and tends to deliver better results.

Once the area is built up, gum tissue is placed over the socket, and sutures are used to secure the area. An Additional barrier such as a membrane or other “space maintaining product” can be used over the area to help restore both the height and width of the space that was created after tooth extraction. The area must heal before the patient can return to prepare for their dental implant. Typically, local anesthesia is used to help keep patients comfortable during the procedure, although we are happy to provide more advanced options for patients who have dental anxiety/phobias, if needed.

Depending on the severity of the defect and complexity of procedure, as well as your general health and lifestyle habits, we will determine how long your healing period will be. Typically, the healing period after a ridge augmentation procedure takes a few months. This gives the area time for the bone to grow and mature. After your procedure our doctors will discuss an after-care plan, and give you recommendations on how to care for your mouth at home during recovery.

We do recommend patients follow a soft food diet, and as the area heals, they can reintroduce harder foods back into their diet. Patients should avoid using straws or smoking as this can create pressure on the area, decrease blood supply to the wound and impact the healing process. Patients should continue to practice good oral hygiene with brushing and flossing, and make sure to be gentle around the surgery area. Once the area is completely healed, the patient will return to the office to discuss further steps in tooth replacement.

Enhance Your Smile with Ridge Augmentation - Schedule a Consultation. Trust Lenox Hill for exceptional Ridge Augmentation services.

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