What is ridge augmentation?

Ridge augmentation is a bone-grafting surgical procedure performed to restore the dimensions of the jaw ridge when bone loss has made implant placement impossible or compromised. When a tooth is lost, the underlying bone begins to resorb, or shrink, within months. Over time this resorption can leave the ridge too narrow or too short to support a dental implant safely.

During ridge augmentation, a surgeon adds bone material (either from the patient's own body, a donor source, or a synthetic substitute) to the affected area of the ridge. The graft integrates with existing bone over several months, rebuilding the width needed for adequate implant support or the height required for proper implant positioning and restoration. Some cases require vertical augmentation to increase bone height, while others focus on horizontal augmentation to widen a narrow ridge.

Ridge augmentation is often a necessary preliminary step before implant placement, particularly in patients with extended periods of tooth loss or those with multiple missing teeth. The timeline for healing and bone integration typically ranges from several months, after which the patient can return for implant placement. Success depends on the extent of bone loss, the type of graft material used, and the patient's overall bone density and healing capacity.