Ridge augmentation is one of the most common oral procedures that pave the way for dental implants and other restorative oral procedures. Aside from preparing you for the placement of dental implants, ridge augmentation also ensures that you get maximum aesthetic results by enhancing your facial contour by adjusting the indentations along your jawline. Continue reading to learn more about ridge augmentation and when it is necessary.
What Is Ridge Augmentation?
When you lose a tooth, the jawbone surrounding the root will eventually shrink because your body gradually absorbs it. So, when it’s time to replace the missing tooth with a dental implant, your dentists will recommend you for ridge augmentation before they place the implant. Ridge augmentation involves the use of tissue and grafting to improve and reconstruct the affected part of your jawbone and gum. It is aimed at providing you with a solid foundation and support for the dental implant.
When Is Ridge Augmentation Necessary?
As mentioned above, ridge augmentation becomes necessary when you’ve suffered from jawbone loss or alveolar ridge reabsorption. If a dental implant is placed in an area that has resorbed, it will soon become loose and eventually fall off. Some of the main causes of jawbone loss and reabsorption include:
- Tooth extraction
- Developmental defects
- History of neoplasm
- Injury or blunt trauma
- Long-term denture use
- Severe periodontitis
- Infection
- Congenital anomalies
So, if you have suffered any of these problems and you are planning to get a dental implant, you should prepare for ridge augmentation. The first step, ridge augmentation, is assessingsess the amount of alveolar bone loss through radiographic and 3D imaging. That way, your dentists will have the exact measurements of the alveolar ridge so that they can choose the best ridge augmentation method to use.
Through the latest technological advances, dentists can easily create a naturally contoured area of your jawbone that imitates your natural smile. Poor bone outlines can cause dark, irregular shapes around your teeth, especially if you have a dental bridge. These blemishes show a lack of sufficient healthy bone support in the affected area. Ridge augmentation of your jawbone would enhance the appearance of this area, ensuring that your dental implant looks like a natural tooth. It also prevents wide spaces between the bridge and gum where food particles may get stuck. For more information on ridge augmentation, get in touch with Dr. Kademani right away.