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 is 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 and Maxillofacial 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. Wallis 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. Wallis’s office under local anesthesia. Some patients may also request sedative medication in addition.
Big Sky Oral & Facial Surgery
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Christy D
Their whole goal is to do a good job and make sure you're comfortable while they're doing it! Really appreciate that!
- Christy D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Justin B
Definitely recommend!
- Justin B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Malcolm F
My wife was referred to Dr. Wallis after two local and excellent dentists decided that the care needed to resolve the issue was outside their scope. Within an hour Dr. Wallis decided on a plan of care that involved admission to the ER, a CT scan and surgery to resolve a large and aggressive abscess. Having a good bedside manner is one thing, but having the competence to deliver a solution and skill to remove the two affected teeth and drain the abscess is far more important. Dr. Wallis has both. All of this happened within 5 hours from start to finish. The follow up care has been excellent. My wife and I are extremely grateful.
- Malcolm F
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Kirsten T
Wonderful office with very friendly staff!
- Kirsten T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By KEITH B M
Lucky enough to be my second visit to bigskyofs!! The second time was even better than the first! Dr Wallis and staff are amazing! If their services are recommended, don’t hesitate!!!
- KEITH B M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Michael A
These guys are professional and made a surgery go well that is considered difficult for people over 25 years of age. I'm 44 and had no issues, minimal pain, and a lot of support.
- Michael A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Hailey H
Thank you so much to Dr. Wallis and everyone on his team for all the genuine care and kindness put into every appointment and my entire jaw surgery. I highly recommend Big Sky Oral & Facial Surgery.
- Hailey H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Faith W
Dr. Wallis is simply the best. I have had Botox a few other times with varied results, but it was a night a day experience with Dr. Wallis. His unique skill set and expertise delivered the best results with the easiest application. He listened to me and made it look so natural and even. My husband even comments how much he likes it. Extremely happy. Couldn’t go anywhere else. Thank you, Big Sky Oral & Facial!
- Faith W
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Lope J
My wive, my daughter, and myself have all been patients of Dr. Wallis and his skilled staff. In each case our visits were quick, painless and handled expertly. We trust this team and wouldn’t go anywhere else.
- Lope J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Heather A
Big Sky Oral and Facial was wonderful. As a young college student with no family close by, my wisdom teeth surgery felt a little scary. However, all the staff in this office was so kind, welcoming, and reassuring. I felt safe and comfortable the entire time I was in the office, and left with minimal (reasonable) pain. They did an amazing job and I'm so thankful I ended up at their office for my procedure!
- Heather A
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Eric M
Can't say enough good about this team. Dr Ryan and crew are amazing. At 45 having wisdom teeth removed is no fun but they all put my mind at ease. Procedure was far better than I thought and they walked me through step by step. Amazing support and care given here. I highly recommend them.
- Eric M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By James T
Quick wisdom teeth extraction with very quick recovery time.
- James T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Richard R
Just a pity I live 12 hours south otherwise I would love to be treated by your clinic on regular base. Thank you, Richard
- Richard R
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Ray B
Thank you so much to everyone at Bigsky Oral and Facial surgery. The staff was so friendly and so helpful 10/10 would recommend!
- Ray B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Valerie S
I thank Dr Wallis for caring I have lived with extreme pain in my mouth for the past couple of years . Dr Wallis is going to take care of it all for me. He deserves a medal for the care he gives his community!!!
- Valerie S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Casey P
I can not say enough good things about Dr. Wallis and his staff! The receptionist was so helpful when it came to making my appointment & figuring out the cost. The surgical assistants are incredibly kind and helpful. Dr. Wallis took the time to explain everything to me and answer any questions I had, which helped calm my nerves so much! I highly recommend them to anyone needing their services!
- Casey P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Brittney U
Not only did Dr. Wallis do an amazing job taking out my son's wisdom teeth, his enthusiastic, happy personality totally put my boys at ease. Dr. Wallis and his staff are seriously the best!!
- Brittney U
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Bob D
Wonderful office!
- Bob D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Wendy S
Thank you for the wonderful experience you all did a great job of easing my daughters nerves. She also had a short recovery with little pain. We will definitely be back for our next daughter.
- Wendy S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial By Colin C
Dr. Wallis and his staff are the best!
- Colin C