Ridge Preservation vs. Ridge Augmentation: A Decision Tree for Predictable Outcomes

Wednesday, May 20, 2026
5:00 pm PST / 8:00 pm EST

When to preserve, when to rebuild, and how to eliminate regenerative guesswork.

To graft or not to graft? To preserve or to augment? Every extraction represents a critical decision point that directly impacts future implant success, esthetics, and long-term stability. Yet many clinicians rely on habit rather than structured biologic reasoning when choosing between ridge preservation and ridge augmentation.

Join Dr. Tarek Assi and DOCS Education for this informative program presenting a systematic, decision-tree-based approach to managing extraction sites and ridge deficiencies. Participants will learn how to evaluate buccal plate integrity, soft tissue phenotype, defect morphology, esthetic risk, and timing considerations to determine when ridge preservation alone is sufficient and true augmentation is required.

Gain practical algorithms that can be implemented immediately in daily practice to reduce unnecessary grafting, prevent undertreatment, and improve long-term implant predictability. Regenerative success is not determined by the graft material; but by making the correct decision at the correct time. This presentation will provide clinicians with a clear framework to eliminate guesswork and elevate surgical outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

• Differentiate between ridge preservation and ridge augmentation.
• Identify clinical indicators for when preservation is sufficient.
• Recognize defect morphologies requiring true augmentation.
• Apply structured decision tree to extraction site management.
• Select appropriate graft materials and membranes strategies.
• Reduce regenerative complications through proper case selection.

This webinar is free to attend. We offer 1 CE for DOCS Members and Trial Members who attend the live presentation.

If you are not yet a Member but would like to earn the 1 CE for attending, as well as experience the many benefits of DOCS Membership, consider joining as a Trial Member for only $1.* There is no obligation or risk; cancel anytime.

About the Presenter(s):

Tarek Assi, DDS, DMD, FAGD, FAAID, DIDIA, DICOI, DABOI/ID earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Nova Southeastern University where he also finished a post-graduate AEGD residency enhancing his skills. His commitment to education and passion for implant dentistry led him to pursue additional training in Dental Implantology at the prestigious Misch Implant Institute where he graduated as a Fellow with a dual certification in Implant Surgery and Prosthodontics.

Among numerous credentials and board memberships, Dr. Assi holds a Diplomate status with the American Board of Oral Implantology. He’s currently in private practice as an Oral Implantologist at Alpha Dental Practice & Implant Center which he founded over a decade ago utilizing a prosthetically driven approach and cutting-edge digital technology.

 

*Trial Membership Offer is open to dentists who have not participated in the Trial Membership program within the past two (2) years. After 60 days, if not cancelled, the Trial Membership will upgrade to a Standard Membership at $59.95/mo for a one-year commitment. Refer to terms of service for details.

 

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DOCS Education is designated as an Approved PACE Program Provider by the Academy of General Dentistry. The formal continuing education programs of this program provider are accepted by the AGD for Fellowship/Mastership and membership maintenance credit. Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial board of dentistry or AGD endorsement. The current term of approval extends from 09/17/2000 to 12/31/2026. Provider ID# 217651.