Ridge Augmentation
What is a Ridge Augmentation?
A ridge augmentation is a common dental procedure often performed following a tooth extraction to help recreate the natural contour of the gums and jaw that may have been lost due to bone loss as a result of a tooth extraction, or for another reason.
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, and it unable to heal on its own. The previous height and width of the socket will continue to deteriorate.
Rebuilding the original height and width of the alveolar ridge is not medically necessary, but may be required for dental implant placement, or for aesthetic purposes. Dental implants require bone to support their structure, and a ridge augmentation can help rebuild this bone to accommodate the implant.
How is the Oral Surgery Accomplished?
A ridge augmentation is accomplished by placing bone graft material in the tooth socket. It is often done immediately after the tooth is removed, to avoid the need for a second procedure later. Next, the gum tissue is placed over the socket and secured with sutures. Dr. Cho may choose to use a space-maintaining product over the top of the graft to help restore the height and width of the space created by the tooth and bone loss, and into which new bone should grow. Once the socket has healed, the alveolar ridge can be prepared for dental implant placement.
A ridge augmentation procedure is typically performed in Dr. Cho’s office under local anesthesia. Some patients may also request sedative medication in addition.
Top Rated Dentists in Irvine
Jessica Grimmett2021-09-16I was very impressed with Dr Cho and his staff! Very organized and efficient. Ashleigh is amazing! Totally on top of everything. I had crown lengthening done and the experience was great! No pain at all and Dr Cho walked me through everything so I knew what was happening and what to expect next. Ariel and Dr Cho work great together! They gave me post op instructions verbally and Ashleigh also gave me instructions on paper so I know how to care for the area when I get home. I will definitely refer my friends and family to Dr Cho in the future!
Lafave Silver2021-08-05I am so happy with my results after Dr. Cho performed a gum surgery on me to fix my gummy smile. He made the process fast and painless and made sure to explain everything thoroughly to me. I would definitely recommend visiting his office!
Cyndy Hamasaki2021-02-06As the wife of a retired Dentist, I am fortunately accustomed to excellent dental care. Dr. William Cho and his entire staff exceeded my expectations and exemplify the very best of outstanding periodontal care. Dr. Cho is not only well trained, he strives to care for all his patients with outstanding and diligent skills explaining each step of every periodontal procedure. I recommend Dr. Cho with the highest of accolades possible. Thank you Dr. Cho! Cyndy Hamasaki
Pantelis Vassilakis (acousticslab)2021-02-04Dr. Cho was thorough, quick, clear, and direct in his exam and assessment of our daughter, visiting for a possible labial frenectomy. He has earned our full trust. Highly recommended. The front office is efficient as courteous. The entire operation is a caring, effective, and efficient well-oiled medical machine :-). Congrats!
Kirsten Davis2021-01-21I have been going to Dr. Cho for at least the last 5 years, and I highly recommend him and his practice to everyone I know who's looking for a quality periodontist. After many years of getting the run-around or getting too short "perio quadrant scaling cleanings" from traveling periodontists working with NO oversight from the dental providers they partner with, I finally realized that I needed to find someone with extra expertise and integrity. I feel Dr. Cho has both. I have had regular cleanings, deep cleanings and 1 implant surgery with him. Very happy with his care!
Elmer Catapang2021-01-08Dr. Cho is a very professional and knowledgeable periodontist. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
Diane Hanson2020-12-23Dr. Cho has been with me thru the years. He always is helpful and give great advise as well as referrals. I know I can count on him as I have for over a decade.
JT “Answerman20000” Y2020-12-01Dr. Cho cares about each patient and recommends the right procedure and considers the cost to the patient. His work is thorough and answers all questions asked. He also asks questions to understand why they are visiting his practice and any background before making any recommendation. He made me feel very comfortable and I felt he was the Periodontist for me..
