Ridge splitting is a form of ridge augmentation or widening. Our periodontists may recommend ridge splitting in preparation for dental implants, especially if you have a narrow alveolar ridge.

Before you can receive dental implants, you need to have sufficient healthy bone to support those implants. One of the most common problems with supporting bone is the lack of alveolar bone, which is the thick ridge of bone that contains the tooth sockets and holds your teeth in place. Ridge splitting is among the most minimally invasive and beneficial options available for replacing missing bone in this area.

Ridge splitting typically occurs in two stages of treatment. During the first phase, our periodontists will divide or “split” the bone to widen it and graft in additional bone tissue. The second phase of treatment is placing the dental implant. Your bone structure and implant size will determine the size of the ridge split. As traditional bone grafting procedures require a second surgical site to complete your implant procedure, ridge splitting is both faster and less invasive to receive. Following your procedure, your supporting bone should be stable enough to support the implant and fully restore your oral health and function.

For more information about ridge splitting and to schedule an appointment with our periodontists, please contact our office today.