This is David and I am a dental implant educator at Chicago Implant Studio. One of the most common questions I get from our patients at their dental implant consultation session is “What is Ridge Augmentation and Why is Ridge Augmentation Necessary?“
Ridge augmentation is a surgical procedure that involves rebuilding the contours of the gums and jawbone to create a suitable foundation for dental implants or other restorative procedures. This is often necessary following tooth extraction or bone loss due to periodontal disease. In this article, we explore what ridge augmentation is, why it is performed, and what the procedure entails.
Understanding Ridge Augmentation
Ridge augmentation, also known as bone grafting for the jawbone, is a procedure designed to restore the natural contour of the gums and jaw that may have been lost due to tooth extraction, trauma, or disease. It involves placing bone graft material into the tooth socket immediately after tooth extraction to help your body fill in the empty socket with bone. This procedure helps prevent jawbone deterioration that occurs when a tooth is removed.
Why is Ridge Augmentation Necessary?
Ridge augmentation is often necessary for the following reasons:
- Tooth Extraction: After a tooth is extracted, the empty socket often shrinks both vertically and horizontally. This can lead to a ridge that is too thin or too short to support a dental implant.
- Bone Loss: Conditions like periodontal disease or trauma can lead to bone loss, changing the contour of the jaw and gum line.
- Aesthetic Reasons: Sometimes, ridge augmentation is performed for aesthetic reasons to improve the appearance of the mouth and face, particularly when tooth loss has led to a sunken appearance.
The Ridge Augmentation Process
The ridge augmentation process typically involves the following steps:
- Consultation and Planning: An initial consultation with an oral surgeon is necessary to assess your oral health, take X-rays, and plan the procedure.
- Surgery: The oral surgeon will expose the bone defect and place the bone graft material, which could be derived from your body or a donor, or be synthetic. The graft material acts as a scaffold for new bone to grow on.
- Healing: The area is then covered with a protective membrane and stitched closed. Over the next several months, your body will grow new bone and tissue around the graft.
- Dental Implant Placement: Once the healing process is complete and the new bone has matured, dental implants can be placed.
Conclusion
Ridge augmentation is a valuable procedure for preserving the jawbone’s integrity and preparing for successful dental implant placement. By rebuilding the bone’s natural contour, it improves both the functionality and aesthetics of your smile. If you’re considering dental implants and need a ridge augmentation procedure, consult with a dental professional to understand the process fully.
If you are looking for state-of-the-art single and multiple tooth to full jaw All-on-4 dental implants, schedule a no-obligation free consultation with Chicago Implant Studio dental implant experts. Schedule a free consultation online today or call us at (331) 257-7999.
