What is 'Ridge Augmentation' - Bone Grafting
Ridge augmentation restores the width, height, and angulation of a narrow or angled alveolar ridge, ensuring a stable, aesthetic foundation for dental implants.
Ridge augmentation rebuilds jawbone when the alveolar ridge is too narrow (5.6 mm) or at a severe angle (45°), making implants unrestorable (Figs. 1, 2). In this case, the tooth was gently extracted to preserve adjacent bone. Bone grafting widened the ridge to 10.8 mm and corrected the angulation to 20° (Fig. 3). With a rejuvenated ridge, the implant was preplanned and placed in an ideal position beneath the temporary crown (Fig. 4).
Fig. 1: Atrophied 5.6 mm Ridge at a Severe Angle with Implant Being Unrestorable
Fig. 2: At 45 Degrees, Implant Is Unrestorable
Fig. 3: Bone Graft Widens the Ridge to 10.8 mm, Implant Angle Is Now 20 Degrees
Fig. 4: Precise Implant Placement in Ideal Position Now Possible
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is ridge augmentation necessary?
A narrow or angled ridge can jeopardize implant stability and aesthetics; augmentation restores proper dimensions for optimal positioning and long-term success.
How long does bone grafting take?
Healing typically takes 4-6 months before implant placement is possible.
Is grafting painful?
Local anesthesia and sedation options keep you comfortable; postoperative soreness is minimal.
Can implants be placed simultaneously?
In some cases, yes - if sufficient primary stability is achieved in the grafted bone.
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Before 
After How a Front Tooth Lost to Childhood Trauma Was Rebuilt with Bone Grafting and a Long-Lasting Implant
A teenager was referred by her father after earlier trauma left her upper left front tooth slowly failing from root resorption. She was still growing, so an immediate implant was the wrong move. The tooth had to be maintained to buy time, then replaced correctly once she reached skeletal maturity.
Before 
After Implant Supported Reconstruction: Failing Bridgework and Missing Back Teeth Rebuilt with Coordinated Specialist Care
Referred by another dental specialist with severe bone resorption on the upper left, multiple broken-down lower teeth requiring extraction, and failing lower back teeth that had left the bite without solid support. No single procedure, and no single provider working alone, could rebuild a situation this interconnected.
Before 
After How a Loose Upper Bridge and Aging Crowns Were Rebuilt with Staged Implant Reconstruction
A patient referred by her general dentist after years of aging dentistry no longer holding up. A loose upper bridge and crowns more than twenty years old, combined with the effects of advanced periodontal disease and severely compromised tooth abutments, required a staged surgical and restorative plan delivered with comfort planning at the same time.
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