It is well known that after tooth removal the jawbone will remodel and become atrophic in volume over time. As such, many individuals who have lost their teeth for many years have inadequate amount of bone for dental implant placement.

Ridge augmentation is an advanced bone grafting procedure that helps to build new bone over the atrophic jawbone in preparation for implant therapy. If the atrophy of jawbone is not so severe, ridge augmentation can be done at the same time with implant placement. If jawbone has lost its volume extensively, a separate ridge augmentation procedure will be performed. Ridge augmentation procedure involves the use of bone grafting materials, barrier membranes, possibly some tenting/fixation screws, and growth factor(s). If a separate ridge augmentation procedure is done, the patient will need to wait for a period of at least 6 months before undergoing dental implant placement.