When teeth are extracted, a certain amount of bone loss or resorption occurs, usually about 30-60%. This loss is typically three-dimensional in nature, with width loss or horizontal deficiency developing to a greater extent than other types of deficiencies. An alveolar defect can be classified as the loss of labial or buccal cortical or medullary bone. In some cases, both exist. Although all alveolar defects present challenges when planning a dental implant procedure, if the defect is in the buccal cortex or cortical plate after tooth extraction, this can create significant difficulties in the reconstruction of a dental implant. Bone loss or bone augmentation techniques have been developed to counteract alveolar defects, such as guided bone regeneration, onlay block bone grafting, ridge/split bone grafting, and alveolar distraction osteogenesis. These procedures can help improve an alveolar defect and prepare the alveolar ridge for a successful dental implant.