Ridge Augmentation

Definition: a surgical procedure performed by placing a bone graft into the alveolar socket to help recreate the natural shape of the jaw and gums that might have been lost due to tooth extraction, bone loss (as a result of trauma or periodontitis) or other reasons. 
The procedure is usually done after tooth extractions that later require an implant, or for aesthetic reasons. 
After a tooth extraction, the remaining empty socket in the alveolar ridge bone will heal, being filled with tissue and bone structures. In some cases the wall of this bone is missing, or the healing process doesn’t happen, leaving the patient with a poor aesthetic look, and worse of all, the impossibility to insert a dental implant due to the lack of bone tissue. 

How does it work?

If the patient is determined to later insert a dental implant, the procedure is done immediately after the tooth extraction. 
After numbing the area, the doctor extracts the tooth, and then puts the graft material into the socket. This is followed by placing the gum tissue over the socket and suturing it.
Once the socket has healed (in several months), the alveolar ridge can be prepared for the dental implant that serves as a foundation for artificial teeth.

What are the risks?

• Infection
• Allergic reaction to the graft material
• Failure of the bone formation
• Damage to nearby tissues
• Allergic reaction to the anesthetic
• Excessive bleeding

How to prepare for the procedure?

Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking at least 24 hours before the procedure.

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure might take from 30 minutes to one hour.

How to recover after the procedure?

• You may be prescribed antibiotics before and several days after the procedure
• Pain could range from minor discomfort to severe managed with pain killers
• To ease the pain and swelling you could put an ice pack on the area of the extracted tooth
• Avoid heavy rinsing of the mouth, drinking from a straw, spitting and smoking for the first 2-3 days after the procedure
• You can gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water
• The first couple of days after the procedure eat only soft and cool food
• On the first day after the procedure avoid heavy exercising and activities that involve keeping your head down
• Sleep with a bigger pillow to avoid bleeding
   

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