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. 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.
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!