Alveolar ridge augmentation — rebuilding a thin jaw ridge before implants

Key facts

• Width is usually lost before height
• GBR uses graft plus membrane
• Block grafts suit larger defects
• Ridge split widens a narrow ridge
• Not smoking is key to graft success

Why the alveolar ridge thins

Once a tooth is lost, the alveolar ridge no longer receives the stimulation that kept it full, and it gradually remodels. Width is usually lost first, especially on the cheek side, followed by height. Long-term denture wear, advanced gum disease, infections, difficult extractions, cysts and trauma can all accelerate bone loss. The result may be a knife-edge ridge, a vertical defect or a visible dip in the gum. An implant needs bone around it on all sides to stay stable and keep the gum healthy, and in the front of the mouth, ridge shape also affects how natural the final tooth looks.

Guided bone regeneration (GBR)

Guided bone regeneration is the most common ridge augmentation technique. Under local anaesthesia, the gum is lifted, particulate bone graft is placed over the deficient area, and a barrier membrane covers it to keep soft tissue out while new bone forms. The gum is then stitched closed without tension. GBR can be done before implant placement or at the same time if the implant is stable. It suits moderate width defects and is often combined with socket preservation planning. Healing usually takes several months before implants are placed or loaded, depending on the size of the defect and the materials used.

Block grafts and ridge split

Larger defects may need a bone block — a piece of bone, often taken from the chin or the area behind the lower molars, or a processed block — fixed to the ridge with small screws and covered with graft and membrane. Blocks can provide more width and some height but involve a second surgical site when your own bone is used and a longer healing period. A ridge split is used when the ridge has adequate height but is narrow: the bone is carefully divided and widened, and implants or graft are placed in the gap. Each technique has specific indications, and not every patient is suitable for each.

Recovery and risks

Swelling and bruising usually peak around day two or three and settle within a week or two; larger grafts may cause more swelling. You will be advised to eat soft food, avoid pressure on the area — including dentures over the site unless adjusted — and keep it clean with prescribed rinses. Not smoking is one of the most important factors for success. Possible complications include wound opening with graft or membrane exposure, infection, partial graft loss and, for lower jaw procedures, temporary altered sensation. Contact the clinic if you notice the wound opening, pus, worsening pain after day three, fever or numbness that does not resolve.

Ridge augmentation planning at Manhal

At Manhal Medical Center, ridge augmentation is planned from a CBCT 3D scan, which measures the width and height of the ridge and shows nearby nerves and sinuses. Dr. Moataz Al-Khan, specialist oral and maxillofacial surgeon and lecturer in oral surgery (DHA licence 00048618-005), performs grafting procedures, while Dr. Manhal Helfawee, consultant implantologist with more than 20 years in the UAE (DHA licence 00169366-001), designs the implant and final tooth positions. They explain whether grafting can be done with the implant or must come first, the expected healing time and alternatives such as shorter or narrower implants. A written, itemised plan is provided after examination.

When a tooth has been missing for a long time, the jawbone shrinks. Bone grafting rebuilds width or height so an implant can be placed securely; a sinus lift adds bone beneath the sinus floor in the upper back jaw.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Moataz Al-Khan, Dr. Manhal Helfawee

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.