Materials for Ridge Augmentation
Ridge augmentation addresses deficiencies in bone width, height, or both — the approach depends on defect location, severity, and whether the site is destined for immediate or delayed implant placement. Onlay grafting builds lateral width on an existing ridge; lateral and vertical augmentation address more significant volume loss, often requiring block grafts secured with fixation hardware; and guided bone regeneration techniques pair graft material with a barrier membrane to control healing at the site.
This category includes grafting materials like OsteoGen® Block and Strips, along with the TriStar® fixation system and titanium mesh used to secure and shape the graft site.
Types of Ridge Augmentation Procedures
Socket Preservation
Performed immediately after extraction, socket preservation places graft material directly into the empty socket to prevent the surrounding bone from resorbing. OsteoGen® Plugs are designed specifically for this application, often without the need for a separate membrane.
Onlay Bone Grafting
Graft material is layered onto the surface of existing bone to build out width or height. OsteoGen® Block is suited to this technique, giving the site a solid, shapeable structure to integrate with native bone.
Vertical Ridge Augmentation
Used when bone height needs to be rebuilt, this more involved procedure often relies on a block graft secured in place with fixation screws, sometimes covered with a membrane to protect the graft as it integrates. The TriStar® Screw Kit provides the fixation hardware for this type of case.
Lateral Ridge Augmentation (Sinus Lift)
When the upper jaw lacks sufficient bone height for implants, the sinus membrane is lifted and graft material is placed between the sinus floor and the existing bone.
Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR)
A barrier membrane is placed over the graft material to guide new bone growth while keeping soft tissue from invading the site.
Potential Complications
As with any surgical procedure, ridge augmentation carries some risk such as infection, bleeding, incomplete graft integration, and in rare cases nerve involvement or sinus perforation. These risks are generally low and manageable with sound surgical technique and proper post-operative care.