Ridge Augmentation in Irvine, CA

Restore Jawbone Structure for Dental Implants & Improved Oral Health

If you have lost bone in your jaw due to missing teeth, trauma, or gum disease, it can affect both your appearance and your ability to receive dental implants. Ridge augmentation is a specialized bone grafting procedure that restores the natural shape of your jawbone, ensuring a strong, stable foundation for dental implants and enhancing overall facial aesthetics.

At Honest Oral Surgeon in Irvine, CA, our board-certified oral surgeons, Dr. Eric Kim, and Dr. Blair Ota, specialize in advanced ridge augmentation techniques to help patients regain lost jawbone structure and prepare for dental implants. Whether you're looking to restore function or improve the appearance of your smile, we are here to provide personalized, high-quality care.

What is Ridge Augmentation?

Ridge augmentation is a bone grafting procedure that rebuilds areas of the jaw where bone has deteriorated or been lost. This procedure is commonly performed:

After a tooth extraction, to preserve bone for future implant placement.
Before receiving dental implants, if there is insufficient bone to support them.
To improve denture fit, ensuring a more comfortable and stable prosthesis.
To restore facial structure, preventing the "sunken" appearance caused by bone loss.

During ridge augmentation, bone grafting material is placed in areas where bone loss has occurred. Over time, this graft material integrates with your natural bone, strengthening the ridge and allowing for the placement of dental implants or other restorations.

Why is Ridge Augmentation Necessary?

When a tooth is lost or extracted, the surrounding jawbone begins to shrink because it no longer receives stimulation from chewing. If left untreated, this can lead to:

A weakened jawbone that cannot support dental implants.
Shifting of surrounding teeth, leading to bite misalignment.
Sunken facial appearance, makes a person look older.
Difficulty wearing dentures, as the ridge of the jaw is uneven.

By restoring proper jawbone volume and contour, ridge augmentation helps prevent these complications and improves the success of long-term dental restorations.

The Ridge Augmentation Procedure: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Consultation & Digital Imaging

A comprehensive exam and 3D imaging scan are conducted to evaluate bone loss and treatment needs.
Our surgeons develop a customized treatment plan based on the extent of bone loss and your restorative goals.

Step 2: Bone Graft Placement

If necessary, any damaged or failing teeth are extracted.
A bone grafting material is placed in the areas of bone loss.
The surgical site is closed with sutures, and healing begins.

Step 3: Healing & Bone Integration

Over the next 3–6 months, the graft material integrates with the existing bone in a process called osseointegration.
Once fully healed, the jawbone is strong enough to support dental implants or other restorations.

Types of Bone Grafting Materials Used in Ridge Augmentation

Autografts – Bone is taken from your own body (typically the chin or hip).
Allografts – Bone sourced from a human donor.
Xenografts – Bone derived from an animal source, such as bovine.
Synthetic Grafts – Biocompatible materials designed to stimulate natural bone growth.

Our oral surgeons will help determine which bone grafting option is best suited for your needs.

Recovery & Healing After Ridge Augmentation

Most patients experience mild discomfort, swelling, and soreness for the first few days after surgery. To ensure a smooth recovery, follow these guidelines:

Take prescribed medications as directed to manage discomfort.
Use ice packs to reduce swelling in the first 24–48 hours.
Stick to a soft food diet for the first few days (yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies).
Avoid smoking and alcohol, as they slow healing.
Follow oral hygiene instructions to prevent infection.

Full healing can take between 3–6 months, depending on the size of the graft and your body’s natural healing response.

Why Choose Honest Oral Surgeon for Ridge Augmentation?

At Honest Oral Surgeon, we are dedicated to delivering the highest quality care for bone grafting and dental implant preparation. Here’s why patients trust us:

Board-Certified Oral Surgeons – Dr. Eric Kim & Dr. Blair Ota specialize in jawbone restoration and implant surgery.
State-of-the-Art Technology – We use 3D imaging to accurately assess bone loss and plan ridge augmentation.
Comprehensive Bone Grafting Solutions – We offer ridge augmentation, sinus lifts, and socket preservation.
Comfort-Focused Care – We provide IV sedation for a stress-free, painless experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ridge Augmentation

How long does ridge augmentation last?

Once healed, ridge augmentation is a permanent solution. The newly regenerated bone remains strong, provided good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are maintained.

How painful is ridge augmentation?

The procedure itself is painless, as IV sedation or local anesthesia is used. After surgery, patients typically experience mild discomfort and swelling, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days.

What is the success rate of ridge augmentation?

The success rate for ridge augmentation is over 90%, provided patients follow post-surgical care instructions and maintain good oral hygiene. Complications are rare, but factors like smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, or poor post-operative care can affect healing.

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Schedule Your Ridge Augmentation Consultation Today

If you have experienced jawbone loss and need ridge augmentation before getting dental implants, we are here to help.