At North Shore Periodontics and Implantology, we’re dedicated to restoring your oral health and helping you achieve a confident smile. One of the advanced procedures we offer is dental ridge augmentation. We include this treatment among the many dental surgical procedures that support long-term oral health and implant success.
This treatment is designed to rebuild the natural shape of your gums and jawbone, creating a strong foundation for dental implants and improving the appearance of your smile.
What Is Dental Ridge Augmentation?
Ridge augmentation is a surgical procedure used to rebuild the bone and soft tissues of the jaw. When a tooth is lost or removed, the jawbone in that area can begin to shrink. This process, called bone resorption, can leave the jaw uneven or too thin to support a dental implant. Ridge augmentation restores the lost bone, ensuring the jaw is strong and healthy enough for future treatments.
Why Would I Need Ridge Augmentation?
There are several reasons why ridge augmentation might be recommended, including:
- To prepare for dental implants: A stable, even jawbone is essential for securely placing dental implants.
- To improve appearance: Restoring the natural contours of your jaw and gums can enhance your smile and facial symmetry.
- To support oral health: A strong jawbone helps maintain the structure of your mouth and prevents further bone loss.
How Is Ridge Augmentation Performed?
The procedure typically begins with a thorough evaluation, including 3D imaging, to plan your treatment. During the procedure, our team will carefully prepare the area and make a small incision in the gums. Then, we place bone graft material where there is missing bone.
This material may come from your body, a donor, or a synthetic source. Finally, we cover the area with a protective membrane and suture the gums to promote healing. Over time, the bone graft integrates with your natural bone, creating a strong, stable foundation.
What to Expect After the Procedure
After ridge augmentation, it’s normal to experience some swelling, tenderness, or mild discomfort. These symptoms can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses. Your dentist will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you heal properly.
The healing process typically takes several months, as the new bone needs time to integrate with your jaw. Once healing is complete, we can move forward with placing dental implants or other restorative treatments.
Benefits of Ridge Augmentation
Ridge augmentation offers several important benefits, including restoring the natural contours of the jaw for a balanced and attractive smile. It creates a strong foundation for dental implants, ensuring long-lasting stability. Additionally, this procedure helps prevent further bone loss, supporting overall oral health and maintaining the structure of your mouth. By improving the shape of the jaw, ridge augmentation also enhances facial appearance and symmetry.
Dental Ridge Augmentation FAQs
This advanced treatment option helps restructure your gums and jawbone. Learn more.
What is the difference between hard and soft tissue ridge augmentation?
Hard tissue augmentation focuses on rebuilding the bone of the jaw ridge, while soft tissue augmentation rebuilds the gums. Some cases may require both to restore the full contour of the ridge. Soft tissue grafts improve gum thickness and aesthetics, while bone grafts provide the necessary support for implants. We may perform one or both, depending on your goals.
Is ridge augmentation painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia or sedation so that you won’t feel pain during surgery. Afterward, some swelling, discomfort, and mild bruising are normal. Pain is usually manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter medication. Most patients report that discomfort is similar to a tooth extraction.
How long does ridge augmentation take to heal?
Healing typically takes 4 to 6 months, although it can vary depending on the graft size and your health. During this time, the graft material integrates with your natural bone. You’ll have follow-up visits to monitor progress. Once fully healed, we can proceed with dental implant placement if planned.
Can ridge augmentation fail?
While uncommon, graft failure can occur if the material does not integrate properly with the existing bone. This may result from infection, movement of the graft, or medical conditions that impair healing. Signs of failure include persistent pain, swelling, or exposed graft material. If the graft fails, we may revise the area or use a different technique.
Will I need multiple surgeries for ridge augmentation?
Most patients only need one ridge augmentation surgery, but additional procedures may be required in cases of severe bone loss. If you receive both hard and soft tissue grafts or multiple implants, the treatment may be phased. We will develop a personalized plan to achieve the best result. Consistent follow-up is key to tracking healing.
What is the success rate of ridge augmentation?
When performed by a skilled dental professional, ridge augmentation has a high success rate, typically over 90%. Success depends on the patient’s overall health, the quality of post-op care, and avoiding risk factors like smoking. A successful augmentation results in a stable foundation for implants or restorations. With proper care, results can last a lifetime.
Trust North Shore Periodontics and Implantology
At North Shore Periodontics and Implantology, we specialize in advanced treatments like ridge augmentation to give you the best results possible. Our skilled team uses the latest technology and techniques to ensure your procedure is safe, effective, and tailored to your needs.
If you’ve experienced bone loss or are considering dental implants, ridge augmentation may be the right solution for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward restoring your smile!