Ridge expansion is a common type of bone graft surgery that is performed when your jawbone is not wide enough or tall enough to support dental implants.
With this procedure, our dentists will build up the bony ridge — the actual jawbone that supports teeth and implants — creating an adequate foundation to support dental implants. After these grafting procedures and sufficient healing time, the bone is expanded (built up) and dental implants may be successfully placed. Without this grafting procedure, many patients are poor candidates for dental implants and the overall failure rate can increase dramatically.
There are several different types of bone graft material that can be used for bone grafting and/or ridge expansion. Some of the bone materials used in a ridge expansion can be your own bone (autograft), bone donated from animals like bovine or porcine (xenograft), or even synthetic materials. All of these different materials can be utilized to stimulate bone formation with the ultimate goal being a significant increase in overall bone quality and volume.
In some cases, dental implants may be placed at the time of the procedure, saving a significant amount of healing time.
Here are some of the benefits of ridge expansion:
If you are considering ridge expansion, please schedule a consultation with our dentists. They will be able to assess your needs and discuss the procedure with you in more detail.
What is the process for ridge expansion?
Ridge expansion is a surgical procedure that is performed to increase the width or height of the jawbone. This is done to create a foundation for dental implants.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia or sedation. Our dentists will make a small incision in the gum tissue and then use surgical instruments to expose the bone. A small wedge is then inserted into the bone to create a space. Bone graft material is then placed into the space to stimulate bone growth.
The incision is then closed with stitches. The patient will need to wear a soft diet for a few days after the procedure.
In a typical case, dental implants can be placed after 3-5 months of healing has taken place. Bone solidification is absolutely imperative to ensure adequate foundations and successful dental implant for the long term.
Our dentists will discuss the risks and benefits of ridge expansion with you and help you decide if it is the right procedure for you. Some of the risks of ridge expansion include:
You may be a good candidate for ridge expansion if your jaw ridge is too thin to allow for the easy or initial placement of dental implants. Our dentists will assess your bone volume and determine if you have enough bone to support dental implants. If you do not have enough bone, they may recommend ridge expansion to create a foundation for dental implants.
The leading cause of bone loss is tooth loss, though bone loss can also be caused by gum disease or infection. If you have lost teeth, our dentists will need to assess the amount of bone loss that has occurred. If you have gum disease or infection, they will need to treat these conditions before proceeding with ridge expansion.
A ridge expansion procedure has overall functional benefits, but it can also result in dramatic improvements in cosmetics and healthier oral appearances. For example, ridge expansion can help to restore the natural contour of the gums and jaw, which can improve the appearance of the smile. It can also help to improve chewing function, which can improve overall health.
Here are some of the factors that our dentists will consider when determining if you are a good candidate for ridge expansion:
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.
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 expansion is performed when the jaw is not wide enough or high enough to support dental implants. Proper diagnosis and pre-procedure planning are essential to a successful ridge expansion.
Our dentists will take a detailed history, conduct an oral examination, and take x-rays and a CT scan as part of this process. The imagery allows our dentists to study the anatomy of your jaw and produce the best possible plan for your treatment.
Here are some of the benefits of preoperative scans:
If you are considering ridge expansion, please schedule a consultation with our dentists. They will be able to assess your needs and discuss the procedure with you in more detail.
Ridge expansion is typically performed using a local anesthetic that numbs the treatment area. However, depending on the extent of the procedure and your anxiety level, nitrous oxide sedation or intravenous sedation may also be used. It is also very common for patients to request sedation for grafting procedures. You should discuss sedation options with our dentists during the consultation phase.
Here are some of the benefits of sedation during ridge expansion:
Yes, ridge expansion is typically completed in one office visit. However, you will need to have an initial consultation with our dentists to discuss your needs and treatment options. During this consultation, our dentists will perform an oral examination and take any necessary x-rays or scans.
The actual ridge expansion procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia. Our dentists will make a small incision in the gum tissue and then use surgical instruments to expose the bone.
The incision is then closed with stitches. You will need to wear a soft diet for a few days after the procedure.
You can expect to have a follow-up appointment in two to three weeks to check on the progress of healing.
Here are some of the benefits of having ridge expansion in one office visit:
Here are some of the risks of ridge expansion:
If you are considering ridge expansion, please schedule a consultation with our dentists. They will be able to assess your needs and discuss the procedure with you in more detail.
Duration of the process for a ridge expansion
The process of getting a ridge expansion begins with a consultation with our dentists, who will perform a dental exam and evaluation, including any necessary x-rays or scans. The procedure itself involves widening the oral ridge bone using special surgical tools. The actual procedure generally takes 1-2 hours, depending on the extent of the graft and the complexity of the procedure.
Our dentists will start by placing an incision in your gums to expose the affected bone. Then they will divide and widen the ridge bone and place bone graft material in the opening. The grafted material will likely be a donated graft, but it could come from another site in the mouth.
Once the ridge expansion is complete, dental implants can be placed at the site.
Here are some of the benefits of ridge expansion:
If you are considering ridge expansion, please schedule a consultation with our dentists. They will be able to assess your needs and discuss the procedure with you in more detail.
As with any surgical procedure, there is some risk involved with ridge expansion or graft procedures. Potential complications include:
Following our dentists’ pre- and post-operative instructions precisely is essential to maximize the chances of a successful ridge expansion or graft procedure. Here are some of the key things to keep in mind:
In the overwhelming majority of cases, patients will experience nothing more than mild pain and swelling after ridge expansion or graft procedures. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and complications so that you can take steps to minimize them.
If you have any questions or concerns about ridge expansion or graft procedures, be sure to talk to our dentists. They will be happy to answer your questions and help you make the best decision for your individual needs.
Following our dentists’ post-procedure instructions carefully is essential to ensure a successful recovery after ridge expansion. Typically, you will experience minor pain, swelling, and discomfort following the procedure. Our dentists will likely have you gently bite down on a gauze pad to help control bleeding.
Here are some other important tips to follow:
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