Ridge Augmentation Orlando
Ridge Augmentation
In a normal, healthy mouth, bone called the alveolar ridge surrounds the tooth sockets, holding the teeth in place. But the loss or extraction of a tooth can cause the alveolar ridge to break or deteriorate. Other conditions such as periodontal disease or ill-fitting dentures can also cause the bone to deteriorate. Unable to heal on its own, this type of bone loss limits the options available for replacing the tooth.
Implant dentists can perform a procedure called ridge augmentation to rebuild the alveolar bone, preparing it for dental implant placement. Individuals needing ridge augmentation in Orlando turn to Dr. Ronald Trevisani, an experienced implant dentist and oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
What Is Ridge Augmentation?
When a tooth falls out or is extracted, the alveolar bone no longer receives stimulation from the chewing forces where the tooth is missing. As a result, the bone starts to —it regresses in width, then in height. How fast this happens can differ; for some, it happens over the course of months and for others, it takes years.
Although rebuilding this bone is not always medically necessary, it can improve aesthetics if the lost tissue is causing a cosmetic problem (i.e., a sunken or concave spot in the gum line develops). Rebuilding the alveolar bone is also critical if the patient wishes to replace the original tooth with a dental implant.
A weakened or deteriorated alveolar ridge cannot accommodate an implant post. In fact, placing an implant in atrophied alveolar ridge could cause nerve damage or damage to the maxillary sinus.
Ridge augmentation rebuilds the bone to an adequate original height and weight in order to prepare it to receive and retain a dental implant. The procedure may be performed using the patient’s own bone, taken from another area of the mouth or body, or a biologically compatible material.
Ridge Augmentation, Step-by-Step
Ridge augmentation is usually performed in the dental office with local anesthesia. Sedative medications can also be administered to keep patients completely comfortable during the procedure.
First, an opening is created in the gum tissue to expose the affected area of the bony ridge. Then, the grafting material is placed to build up the bone to sufficient height to support and retain a dental implant post. This graft may be taken from another area of the patient’s mouth, such as the jaw, and transplanted to the alveolar ridge. Alternatively, a synthetic material may be used. Certain types of synthetic grafts are absorbed by the body and eventually replaced with natural bone. To complete the ridge augmentation, the site is sutured and left to heal.
When the site has healed, the dental implant(s) can be successfully placed.
Recovering from Ridge Augmentation
Depending on the type of ridge augmentation performed, recovery can take a few weeks or a few months. But the result is well worth it, as the restored bone can then support a strong, durable tooth replacement like a dental implant. Ridge preservation procedures greatly increase the chances for long-term success with dental implants.
Orlando Ridge Augmentation
If you have been told you need ridge augmentation to prepare your mouth for dental implants, you should consult with skilled Orlando oral surgeon Ronald Trevisani. He can discuss all aspects of the procedure and help you make decisions about your care.
Please call or email our office today to make an appointment with Dr. Trevisani.
