When a Periodontist May Recommend a Ridge Augmentation

The two alveolar ridges that are located under the gums support the lower and upper teeth and set the shape and form of your smile, so your periodontist may propose a ridge augmentation procedure if these bones have started deteriorating as a result of periodontal disease or tooth loss or removal. A ridge augmentation may also be indicated for patients with cosmetic concerns about their jaw's appearance and to help anchor implants if a tooth has been removed or is missing.

The need for ridge augmentation

The form and shade of the teeth and the shape and contour of the surrounding gums all contribute to aesthetically pleasant, natural-looking teeth. The bone that surrounds the roots of teeth is known as the alveolar ridge of the jaw. When a tooth is extracted, the alveolar ridge bone will have an empty socket. This empty socket will usually heal eventually, with bone and tissue covering it. When a tooth is extracted, the bone that surrounds the socket may deteriorate and weaken and be unable to recover on its own. The socket's original height and width will continue to deteriorate over time.

A ridge augmentation is an efficient way to stop and reverse this process and encourage an increase in bone or gum tissue in the affected area of the mouth to enhance general functioning and appearance and offer enough support for a dental implant. Hard tissue and soft problem ridge augmentations are the two forms of ridge augmentations available.

Ridge augmentation, often known as "recontouring," may also be necessary to fix an uneven gum line. A periodontist must first treat any bacterial infections and periodontitis before beginning treatment. The technique helps restore the normal contour of the gums and jaw, which may have been lost as a result of the extraction (or other causes), leaving a depression, cleft, or crease in the gum.

For dental implant insertion or aesthetic reasons, it may be necessary to rebuild the alveolar ridge to its original height and width. Ridge augmentation can restore this bone to accommodate the implant. Dental implants require bone to sustain their structure.

Ridge expansion

When the jaw ridge is too thin to install dental implants, this method is utilized to repair missing bone. The bony ridge is extended with this surgery. Within the enlarged ridge, the bone graft material can be put in. Depending on when the expanded grafted area matures, an implant will be inserted.

An onlay bone transplant is a more often utilized procedure. The area with insufficient jawbone is exposed, processed, and measured. The periodontist will extract bone material from the patient's lower jaw or hip, shape it to fit it properly into the required location, and preserve it with mini-screws. The graft is allowed to grow for several months before the final implant placement.