Ridge augmentation in preparation for conventional and implant-supported restorations

Alveolar ridge defects from bone loss hinder esthetics during conventional restoration and preclude optimal positioning of implant fixtures for implant-supported restorations. Various methods of ridge augmentation to replace lost bone can remedy these complications. Recent advances in periodontology have enabled clinicians to address the problems of ridge augmentation in various ways. This article describes these methods, which include soft-tissue rearrangement, soft-tissue grafting, hard-tissue implantation, and alveolar bone regeneration.