Ridge augmentation is a common type of bone graft surgery that is sometimes performed in the wake of a tooth extraction. Usually, the empty socket heals on its own, but sometimes the bone surrounding the socket is lost and continues to deteriorate to the point that bony ridge grafting is needed to support implants.
Our dentists perform ridge augmentation to recreate the natural contour of the gums and jaw. It can also rebuild the bone, providing sufficient height and width to support a dental implant. In other words, the procedure can result in both functional and aesthetic benefits.
Here are some of the benefits of ridge augmentation:
Here are some of the risks of ridge augmentation:
What is the process for a ridge augmentation?
Ridge augmentation surgery is a procedure that involves filling in the deficient bony space left by a missing tooth with bone-graft material. The grafted material can come from a cadaver, an animal, or be synthetically manufactured.
During the procedure, our dentists will make an incision in the gum tissue and expose the bone. They will then place the bone-graft material into the empty space and cover it with the gum tissue. A “barrier membrane” may also be utilized to provide a space into which the bone will grow, allowing room for it to regain its former height and/or width.
The healing process for a ridge augmentation takes at least 4 months but can be as long as a year. After the healing process is complete, the site can be prepared for the placement of a dental implant.
Ridge augmentation is a surgical procedure that can help to increase the amount of bone in your jaw. This is often done in preparation for dental implants, which require a certain amount of bone to support them.
If you think you may be a good candidate for ridge augmentation, please schedule a consultation with our dentists. They will be able to assess your needs and determine if ridge augmentation is the right procedure for you.
There are a few factors that can affect your candidacy for ridge augmentation, including:
In addition to the factors listed above, there are a few other things that our dentists will consider when determining if you are a good candidate for ridge augmentation. These include:
Prior to the procedure, our dentists may prescribe specific medications or ask you to stop taking certain medications. They will also provide you with a list of do’s and don’ts to follow before your appointment.
Do’s:
Don’ts:
It is important that you follow all of our dentists’ preoperative instructions precisely. Each directive is specifically designed to increase the chances of a successful procedure.
Bone Density & Preoperative Scans
Ridge augmentation is a necessary procedure when you do not have sufficient bone quantity or quality to get dental implants.
Proper diagnosis and pre-procedure planning are essential to a successful ridge augmentation. Our dentists will take a detailed history, conduct an oral examination, and take x-rays and a CT scan as part of this process.
Here are some of the benefits of using 3-D imaging for ridge augmentation:
Our dentists now have amazingly advanced technologies available in the office that aid in diagnosis and planning. 3-D images allow our dentists to study the anatomy of your jaw and produce the best possible plan for your treatment.
If you are considering ridge augmentation, please schedule a consultation with our dentists. They will be able to assess your needs and determine if ridge augmentation is the right procedure for you.
Ridge augmentation is typically performed using local anesthesia, which numbs the treatment area. However, depending on the extent of the ridge augmentation and your anxiety level, nitrous oxide sedation or intravenous sedation may also be used.
Our dentists will discuss sedation options with you during the consultation phase. They will help you choose the best option for your needs and comfort level.
Here are some of the benefits of sedation during ridge augmentation:
In addition to the benefits listed above, there are a few other things to consider when choosing sedation for ridge augmentation. These include:
If you are considering ridge augmentation, please schedule a consultation with our dentists. They will be able to assess your needs and discuss sedation options with you.
Yes, ridge augmentation can be a same-day procedure. It typically takes about 45 minutes, and you may be able to go home within an hour or two of the procedure.
However, it is important to note that proper diagnosis and pre-procedure planning are essential to the success of this procedure. Our dentists will need to perform an oral examination and take x-rays or scans to assess your needs. This may require a separate appointment before the surgery.
Once our dentists have determined that you are a good candidate for ridge augmentation, they will be able to schedule the procedure for a convenient time. You can expect to be in and out of our office in a matter of hours, and you should be able to resume your normal activities within a few days.
Here are some of the benefits of same-day ridge augmentation:
If you are considering ridge augmentation, please schedule a consultation with our dentists. They will be able to assess your needs and discuss the possibility of same-day surgery.
Duration of the process for a ridge augmentation
The process of getting a ridge augmentation begins with a consultation with our dentists. They will perform an oral examination and take x-rays or scans to assess your needs. If you are a good candidate for ridge augmentation, they will discuss the procedure with you and answer any questions you may have.
The procedure itself typically takes no more than an hour or two. However, the healing process can take up to a year. During this time, it is important to follow our dentists’ instructions carefully to ensure a successful outcome.
Once the healing process is complete, dental implant placement can occur. This is a separate procedure that will require its own recovery time.
Here are some of the benefits of ridge augmentation:
Here are some tips for proper upkeep after ridge augmentation:
If you get a ridge augmentation, it is important to follow our dentists’ pre- and post-operative instructions precisely. This will help to maximize the chances of a successful procedure.
As with any surgical procedure, there is some risk involved. Potential complications include:
In the overwhelming majority of cases, you will experience nothing more than mild to moderate pain and swelling and gum irritation at the surgical site. However, it is important to report any concerns to our dentists immediately.
If you experience any of the following, please contact our dentists immediately:
Proper post-procedure care is essential to successful healing after ridge augmentation. You can expect to experience some minor pain, swelling, and discomfort following the procedure. Our dentists will likely have you gently bite down a gauze pad, which should be kept in place for 30-60 minutes.
Here are some tips for proper post-procedure care:
Pain is generally well-controlled using nothing more than an over-the-counter pain medication or light prescription pain medication.
Contact our dentists immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
By following our dentists’ instructions and taking good care of yourself, you can help to ensure a smooth and successful recovery from ridge augmentation.
Bellagio Dental Implant Center
Is home to your trusted periodontist and dentist
in North Palm Beach, FL.
Whether you need a routine cleaning or veneers, we offer many services to put a bright smile on your face! We accept most insurances and PPO insurance, plus we offer in-house discount plans and complimentary services for new patients.
