Aesthetic enhancement with periodontal plastic procedure in a class 3 alveolar ridge defect.

Localised alveolar ridge defect refers to volumetric deficit of the limited extent of bone and soft tissue within the alveolar process. Such type of ridge defects can be corrected by surgical ridge augmentation that can be accomplished by the addition of either soft or hard tissues. The contour of a partially edentulous ridge should be thoroughly evaluated before a fixed partial denture is undertaken. The ideal ridge width and height allows placement of a natural appearing pontic which provides maintenance of a plaque-free environment. This article describes a procedure of surgical ridge augmentation of a localised alveolar ridge defect in the maxilla, followed by fixed partial denture, enhancing the aesthetics, function and health.