A ridge augmentation is a routine dental procedure commonly conducted post-tooth extraction to restore the natural contours of the gums and jaw, which may have diminished due to bone loss resulting from the extraction or other factors.

The alveolar ridge, the bony structure encasing tooth roots, is affected when a tooth is removed, leaving an empty socket. Typically, the socket heals independently, gradually filling with bone and tissue. However, in some cases, the bone around the socket may fracture during tooth extraction, hindering natural healing. This can lead to a reduction in both height and width of the socket over time.

While restoring the original dimensions of the alveolar ridge is not a medical necessity, it may be essential for dental implant placement or aesthetic considerations. Dental implants rely on a supportive bone structure, and a ridge augmentation procedure serves to reconstruct the bone, facilitating the integration of the implant.