Specialized Ridge Augmentation at Valley Oral Surgery in Livermore and Dublin, CA

What Is Ridge Augmentation?

Ridge augmentation is a surgical procedure used to restore the natural contour of the jawbone after tooth loss, trauma, or long-term bone resorption. It’s often performed to rebuild the bone ridge (alveolar ridge) that supports teeth — particularly when the area has become too narrow or shallow for a dental implant or denture.

This procedure helps:

• Restore bone volume in preparation for dental implants
• Improve the aesthetic outcome of the final restoration
• Create a stable, healthy foundation for long-term oral function

In many cases, ridge augmentation is essential to achieving successful, lasting implant placement.

Why Bone Loss Happens After Tooth Loss

When a tooth is lost or extracted, the surrounding bone is no longer stimulated through chewing forces — causing it to gradually shrink, both in height and width. This process is known as bone resorption.

Common causes of ridge defects include:

• Delayed tooth replacement after extraction
• Infections or abscesses
• Traumatic injury to the jaw
• Developmental conditions
• Long-term use of removable dentures

Ridge augmentation is designed to rebuild what was lost — creating a level, stable base for future prosthetic restoration.

When Ridge Augmentation Is Recommended

You may need ridge augmentation if:

• You have been told you’re not a candidate for implants due to insufficient bone
• Your jaw ridge has a visible indentation or lacks volume
• You are planning a socket preservation after extraction
• You want to ensure optimal esthetic results in the front (visible) areas of your smile
• Your dentist or surgeon has identified a defect during imaging

Our oral surgeons evaluate each case individually using 3D imaging to determine bone loss extent and the best surgical approach. Learn more about our CS 9300 imaging system.

How the Procedure Works

Ridge augmentation is typically performed under local anesthesia with the option for sedation, especially for more extensive procedures.

Here’s what to expect:

• Consultation and Imaging: We assess your jawbone using high-resolution 3D scans to evaluate the defect and plan the graft.
• Grafting Procedure: Bone graft material — often from a donor source or synthetic — is carefully placed in the area of deficiency. In some cases, a membrane may be used to protect and stabilize the graft.
• Healing Phase: The grafted site is left to heal and integrate with your natural bone. This process typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on the graft size and location.
• Follow-Up and Implant Placement: Once healed, the site is ready for precise dental implant placement or other prosthetic treatment.

For some patients, ridge augmentation may be done at the same time as tooth extraction or during socket preservation.

Benefits of Ridge Augmentation

• Allows for successful implant placement in areas with insufficient bone
• Improves facial structure and symmetry
• Creates a smooth, natural contour of the gumline
• Reduces risk of implant failure due to poor bone support
• Restores function and esthetics in affected areas

Ridge augmentation is a key part of many full-arch or anterior aesthetic cases where both stability and appearance are critical.

Recovery and Healing

Healing after ridge augmentation is gradual but typically uneventful. Most patients can expect:

• Minor swelling and tenderness for a few days
• A soft diet for the first week
• Follow-up appointments to monitor graft integration
• Avoiding pressure on the surgical site during early healing

Detailed surgical instructions are provided to support your recovery. Implant placement can usually occur after 3–6 months, depending on your healing response and the size of the grafted area.

Who Performs the Procedure?

Ridge augmentation at Valley Oral Surgery is performed by board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons:

• Anna Lu, DMD
• Jimmy Tung Nguyen, DDS, MD

They have advanced training in jaw reconstruction, implant preparation, and bone grafting techniques. Our offices in Livermore and Dublin are equipped with 3D imaging and full sedation options for precise and comfortable care.