The alveolar ridge is an extension of the maxilla (the upper part of the jaw) and the mandible (the lower part of the jaw) and is a bony ridge that holds the sockets of the teeth. The alveolar ridge is a critical anatomical structure for healthy teeth and successful dental implants. When a tooth is extracted from the maxillary alveolar ridge or the lower alveolar ridge, bone loss typically occurs. Bone loss, or alveolar ridge resorption, can be as much as 30-60% of bone. Without enough dense bone in the alveolar ridge, placing implant hardware can be a challenge. This is particularly true in the case of maxillary alveolar ridge implants, which is very close to the alveolar recess of the maxillary sinus. Often, in cases of severe resorption or alveolar ridge fracture, bone grafting will be necessary to ensure that there is enough dense, quality bone to successfully hold implant hardware.