Ridge Augmentation
What is ridge augmentation?
A ridge augmentation is a common dental procedure often performed following a tooth extraction. This procedure helps recreate the natural contour of the gums and jaw that may have been lost due to bone loss from 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 has been removed the bone surrounding the socket breaks and is 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 always 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 ridge augmentation 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. Dr. Fear or Dr. Fear may choose to use a space-maintaining product over the top of the graft to facilitate new bone growth. Once the socket has healed, the alveolar ridge can be prepared for dental implant placement.
A ridge augmentation procedure is typically performed in Drs. Fear and Fear’s office under local anesthesia. Some patients may also request sedative medication.
Ready To Book A Consultation?
Contact our office today to schedule an appointment!
Legacy Oral and Facial Surgery Center Office Phone Number (734) 210-0677 Book Online
Legacy Oral and Facial Surgery Center
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Will come back if needed love this place
- Amy B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Always a comforting experience. The entire staff puts me at ease. Thank you!
- Suzanne S.
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I give Legacy 5 stars and 100% Excellence.
- LaSandra R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great Job!
- Praskovya N
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Got me in as soon as I called, severe pain, bad wisdom tooth, complications "Can you be here in 45 minutes? Absolutely. Couldn't be any smoother or professional from the start. Top level facility and service. This Doc., Doctor Dalbert Fear is the most compassionate Doctor I have encountered in my 63 year lifetime. I had an impacted 3rd molar that was infected trying to grow a wrong direction in my jawbone that was a very tough surgery. Consequently the lingual nerve that affects the tongue was disturbed in the process and caused excruciating pain and numbness after the 1st surgery. The 2nd molar also had to be extracted because of this. Doctor Fear took an immidiate interest in solving this issue in any way possible, after 2 more encounters into general anesthesia the reason for the excruciating pain, inability to swallow or talk was discovered and Dr. Fear solved the problem of not being able to swallow, eat or talk for 3 weeks. It has been the most traumatizing medical emergency of my life and this man and his staff stuck with me every day, every minute until the pain problem was solved. The surgery that was performed was a very hard issue as the lingual nerve passes right by where the tooth had to be extracted, Trust me when I tell you, you NEVER want to experience this kind of pain. I have drilled a hole through my hand with a #8 size drill bit, had broken ribs, dislocated shoulder, broken collar bone, deviated septum surgery under local anesthesia, broken bones in my right hand, and foot, 4 root canals, 3 tooth implants. All of these events were a square dance compared to this. I NEVER thought or knew that pain like this was possible and the good Doctor and his staff kept me as comfortable and pain free as possible with any medications that were required or additional surgeries or other tasks that needed to be performed. The postoperative care that I received and continue to receive from Legacy Oral and Facial Surgery Center after this procedure is certainly nothing like I have experienced in any other medical health care facility, Emergency Room trauma center, hospital or any other doctor in my lifetime. Absolutely the best care I have ever received, and continue to receive from this facility and staff. Dr. Fear has told me personally that he is on this with us until it is completly solved. Millions of thank you's to Dr. Fear, and all the nurses, professionals and office staff that have helped me and my wife through this very trying time through the Christmas holiday season with this injury. We Thank you very sincerely, Mark & Ruby D.
- Mark D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Fear is an amazing man. I am 78 yrs old and have a rare type of lymphoma, and he immediately understood, how it behaved (very rare for anyone to know this) the impact of it and helped me decide what to do. He was so kind! It is refreshing to have an oral surgeon who also understands your general health and takes it into consideration in the process. I was in so much pain from a week of attempted root canals at an endodontist. But the tooth wouldn't cooperate and the abscess was getting larger.. But the extraction procedure was fast! The tooth popped, he was able to remove the infection from the abscess, and stitch it up in record time. He was a life saver for me. And the nurse (short blond hair can't remember her name) who took care of me was so fabulous. She really looked out for me through the whole process. Thanks to both of you and your staff.
- Judith S
