Restore the Natural Shape of Your Jaw
When a tooth is lost or extracted, the bone and soft tissue that once supported it begin to resorb (shrink). This can lead to a sunken or uneven appearance in your smile and may make it difficult to place a dental implant in the future.
Ridge augmentation is a specialized type of bone grafting used to rebuild the bony ridge of the jaw. It can be performed to:
- Restore the natural contour of your gums and jawline
- Provide adequate bone for future implant placement
- Improve aesthetics for crowns, bridges, or implant dentures
- Prevent further bone loss after extractions
Dr. Heeyup Ghim uses advanced imaging and guided techniques to perform ridge augmentation with precision and care—laying the foundation for long-term restorative success.
When Is Ridge Augmentation Needed?
You may need ridge augmentation if:
- A tooth was lost or extracted and no graft was placed
- You’re planning for implants and lack sufficient bone width or height
- You’ve worn dentures for years and lost significant bone structure
- Your jaw has visible depressions or irregularities from bone loss
This procedure helps rebuild both the bone and gum tissue in the area, especially in the esthetic zone (visible front teeth), where appearance is just as important as function.
Our Technology Supports Precise, Comfortable Care
Black Mountain Dental uses state-of-the-art tools to make ridge augmentation more efficient, accurate, and comfortable:
- 3D CBCT imaging for detailed bone analysis
- Digital planning to design the ideal graft shape and size
- Computer-guided implant placement for seamless coordination between grafting and implants
- Biocompatible bone graft materials to support healing and integration
Learn more about the tools we use on our Dental Technology and Computer-Guided Implants pages.
The Ridge Augmentation Process
- Consultation & Imaging
We perform a 3D scan of your jaw to evaluate bone width, height, and shape. This helps us determine if ridge augmentation is necessary.
- Graft Placement
Under local anesthesia, we gently lift the gum tissue and place bone graft material into the deficient ridge area. In some cases, a membrane is used to protect the graft and guide healing.
- Healing Phase
Over the next several months, your body integrates the grafted material, generating new bone to rebuild the ridge.
- Implant Placement (if needed)
Once healed, the site is ready for dental implant placement. In some cases, ridge augmentation and implant surgery can be combined.
We’ll guide you through your personalized treatment plan to ensure a smooth, predictable process.