Ridge Augmentation in Tucson, AZ
Rebuild Jaw Contours and Prepare for Long-Term Tooth Replacement
After a tooth is lost or extracted, the supporting jawbone may begin to deteriorate over time. This bone loss can lead to sunken facial features, difficulty wearing dentures, and inadequate support for future dental implants. Ridge augmentation is a specialized bone grafting procedure that restores the natural contour of the jaw and strengthens the foundation for restorative or cosmetic dental treatments. At Ironwood Dental in Tucson, we offer ridge augmentation to patients throughout Marana, Oro Valley, Casas Adobes, and Catalina Foothills who are preparing for tooth replacement or looking to improve the structure and symmetry of their smile.
What Is Ridge Augmentation?
Ridge augmentation is a minor oral surgery that rebuilds areas of the jaw where bone loss has occurred—usually after tooth extraction, trauma, or periodontal disease. The goal is to restore the original width and height of the alveolar ridge (the bony ridge that holds teeth in place), creating a more stable foundation for future restorations.
Ridge augmentation is commonly performed when:
- You’re planning for a dental implant but lack sufficient bone volume
- You want to improve the fit and esthetics of implant-supported dentures
- You’re undergoing a smile makeover or full-mouth reconstruction
- You want to correct uneven bone contours that affect facial appearance
How the Procedure Works
Ridge augmentation is typically performed using biocompatible bone graft material. During the procedure:
- Evaluation and Planning
Using CBCT imaging and digital scanning, we map the shape and volume of your jawbone and determine the areas needing augmentation. - Bone Graft Placement
The graft material is carefully placed into the deficient area of the ridge. In some cases, a protective membrane is used to stabilize the graft and guide bone regeneration. - Healing Period
Over the next few months, your body integrates the graft material and generates new bone. Once healing is complete, the site will be ready for a dental implant or other restoration.
Ridge augmentation is often done in conjunction with socket preservation following a tooth extraction to prevent future bone loss and maintain your jaw’s natural shape.
Benefits of Ridge Augmentation
This procedure plays a crucial role in long-term oral health and restorative success. Benefits include:
- Enhanced jawbone volume and strength
- Better support for implants or bridges
- Improved facial symmetry and appearance
- Reduced risk of future bone loss
- A more secure and comfortable fit for restorations or dentures
Our dentists—Dr. Karley Schneider, Dr. Alyssa Holmes, and Dr. Alexander Ordoñez—are skilled in restorative procedures and work closely with patients to ensure ridge augmentation is performed with precision and care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to heal after ridge augmentation?
Healing typically takes 4–6 months, depending on the size of the graft and your body’s regenerative capacity. We’ll monitor your progress with follow-up appointments and imaging.
Will the procedure hurt?
Local anesthesia is used to numb the area completely, and sedation options are available for your comfort. Most patients report only mild soreness during recovery.
Is ridge augmentation always necessary before implants?
Not always. Some patients have sufficient bone for implant placement without grafting. We use 3D scans to determine whether augmentation is required.
What type of material is used for the bone graft?
We use sterile, biocompatible materials—either synthetic or donor-based—that are proven to integrate well with the body’s natural bone tissue.
Can I get a temporary tooth while healing?
Yes. In many cases, we can provide a temporary prosthetic or appliance to preserve your appearance and function during the healing period.
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Schedule a Ridge Augmentation Consultation in Tucson
If you're considering dental implants or need to rebuild your jawbone after tooth loss, Ironwood Dental offers advanced ridge augmentation solutions tailored to your needs. Our team will walk you through every step of the process to ensure lasting results and a healthy, confident smile.
Call 520-888-2900 or request your appointment online to get started today.