Ridge Augmentation in Statesboro, GA

What is a Ridge Augmentation?


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 is removed, the bone surrounding the socket breaks or has to be removed in order to successfully remove the tooth. The previous height and width of the socket will continue to deteriorate.


How is the Oral Surgery Accomplished?

A ridge augmentation is accomplished by placing bone graft material in and around a tooth socket.  Next, the gum tissue is placed over the grafted area and secured with sutures. Dr. Lawhorn may choose to use a space-maintaining product over the top of the graft to help restore the height and width of the space, and into which new bone should grow. Once the area has healed, the alveolar ridge can be prepared for dental implant placement.

A ridge augmentation procedure is typically performed in Dr. Lawhorn’s office using local anesthesia with IV or General Anesthesia.