Ridge augmentation is a dental procedure designed to restore the original height and width of the alveolar ridge bone, which is the bony structure that supports the roots of teeth.
This surgical technique is typically performed to address bone loss caused by tooth loss, periodontal disease, trauma, or congenital abnormalities.
Ridge augmentation promotes bone regeneration and prepares the site for future dental procedures like implant placement.
Key Takeaway
Ridge augmentation restores the height and width of the alveolar bone, providing a strong foundation for dental implants. It is essential for patients with bone loss caused by tooth loss or periodontal disease.
When Is Ridge Augmentation Needed?
Ridge augmentation is recommended in the following scenarios:
- Tooth extraction: Following the removal of a tooth, the tooth socket can lose bone tissue over time. Ridge augmentation helps maintain the original height and width of the alveolar bone.
- Dental implants: Adequate bone structure is essential for successful implant surgeries. Ridge augmentation ensures a stable foundation for implant placement.
- Aesthetic purposes: In some cases, bone loss can affect the gum tissue contour, leading to aesthetic concerns. Ridge augmentation restores the natural appearance of the gums and jawline.
- Vertical ridge augmentation: For patients with significant vertical defects, this procedure rebuilds the edentulous ridge to its previous height, supporting successful dental restorations.
- Periodontal disease: Severe gum disease can result in bone loss, necessitating a ridge augmentation procedure to repair damaged bone tissue.
Types of Bone Graft Materials
The three most common types of bone graft materials used in this procedure are:
| Type of material | Description |
|---|---|
| Autogenous bone | Harvested from the patient’s body, offering high compatibility and success. |
| Allograft | Donor bone that is processed and sterilized for patient safety. |
| Alloplast | Synthetic materials like hydroxyapatite or tricalcium phosphate, mimicking natural bone. |
Ridge Augmentation Procedure Details
When performed by a surgeon at Legacy Surgery, the procedure generally follows these steps.
- Consultation and planning: Your oral surgeon will evaluate your bone structure using imaging tools to determine the extent of bone loss and the need for augmentation.
- Preparation: Before the procedure, sedative medication is administered to ensure comfort. We offer nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, IV sedation and general anesthesia.
- Bone graft placement: Bone graft material is carefully positioned to rebuild the alveolar ridge. Titanium screws or resorbable collagen membranes may be used to secure the graft in place.
- Bone regeneration: Over time, the graft material integrates with your natural bone, encouraging bone growth and strengthening the alveolar ridges.
- Surgical closure: The gum tissue is sutured over the graft site to protect the area during healing.
Aftercare and Recovery
Proper aftercare is crucial for successful healing. You will be given detailed post-op instructions. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Avoid hard or crunchy foods to prevent pressure on the surgical site.
- Maintain oral hygiene using a soft-bristled toothbrush and any recommended antibacterial mouthwash.
- Attend follow-up visits for monitoring bone growth and healing progress.
- Expect initial swelling and mild discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications.
The recovery period varies, but most patients experience significant bone regeneration within 3-6 months, making the site ready for dental implant placement or other restorative treatments.
Risks and Considerations
While this is a safe and effective dental bone graft procedure, there are some risks to consider:
- Infection at the graft site
- Inadequate bone growth or graft rejection
- Prolonged healing time
- Swelling or discomfort
Your oral surgeon will discuss these risks and steps to minimize them before the procedure.
Choose Legacy Surgery for Ridge Augmentation in Harrisonburg and Staunton, VA
Our experienced oral surgeon, Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS, performs ridge augmentation in our Harrisonburg and Staunton, VA offices.
We are committed to providing excellent results and helping our patients achieve optimal oral health.
To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Harrisonburg, VA, call (540) 437-1230. For our oral surgery office in Staunton, VA, call (540) 213-8750.