Ridge Augmentation is a crucial periodontal procedure designed to address the aftermath of a tooth extraction. Often, after a tooth is removed, the alveolar ridge—the bone surrounding the roots of teeth—may suffer from a loss of its natural contour. This loss can result in depressions, clefts, or creases in the gum, affecting both aesthetics and functionality.
Why Ridge Augmentation?
When a tooth is extracted, an empty socket is left in the alveolar ridge bone. While these sockets typically heal on their own, sometimes the bone collapses, hindering natural healing. This collapse can lead to the deterioration of the original height and width of the socket, impacting the overall structure of the jaw.
Aesthetically pleasing, natural-looking teeth depend not just on the form and shade of the teeth but also on the shape and contour of the surrounding gums. In areas where teeth are lost, bone and gum tissue lack the natural support of dental roots, often resulting in recession and shrinkage over time.
Rebuilding the original height and width of the alveolar ridge is essential for various reasons:
Dental Implant Placement: Dental implants require adequate bone support, and Ridge Augmentation rebuilds this bone to accommodate the implant.
Aesthetic Restoration: Restoring natural contours enhances the overall aesthetics of the gums.
Types of Ridge Augmentation
Ridge Expansion (Building Width):
Technique used when the jaw ridge is too thin to support dental implants.
Bony ridge is expanded, and bone graft material may be placed within the expanded ridge.
Implant placement occurs either during or after the expanded, grafted area matures.
Onlay (or Veneer) Bone Graft:
Involves taking bone from the patient’s lower jaw or hip.
Bone is precisely fitted into the prepared site and secured in place with mini-screws.
The graft matures for several months before placing a dental implant.
Procedure Details
Soft Tissue Ridge Augmentations:
Enhancing cleansability and aesthetics, this procedure involves making an incision to expose the bony ridge. A soft tissue graft, obtained from a suitable site in the mouth or a soft tissue substitute, is inserted into the area. The gum tissue is then adapted over the graft and sutured into place.
Hard Tissue Ridge Augmentations:
Done to recreate adequate bone dimensions before dental implant therapy. After making an incision and lifting the gum, the bony defect or bone substitute is placed to build up the ridge. A membrane may be adapted over the bone graft based on individual defect morphology. Healing and maturation time of 3-9 months is allowed before dental implants can be placed, and in some cases, the implant can be placed concurrently with the hard tissue ridge augmentation.
Extraction Site Preservation:
The bone surrounding your teeth, known as alveolar “ridge” bone or jawbone, begins to degenerate as soon as a tooth is removed. The overlying gum tissue also thins out as the ridge flattens, resulting in a loss of horizontal width and vertical height. This process is accelerated in areas with partial or complete dentures.
Preventing this degeneration is crucial, and options include:
Dental Implants: Require bone support for strength.
Fixed Bridge: Supported by adjacent teeth, but bone deficiency leads to unsightly spaces.
Removable Dentures: Better with more supporting bone.
Procedure for Extraction Site Preservation
Two crucial phases are involved in retaining your alveolar ridge during and after tooth extraction:
Non-traumatic Extraction Techniques: Designed to preserve as much bone as possible and reduce bleeding and discomfort.
Socket Site Preservation: Involves adding bone replacement material to the extraction socket, supporting tissue surrounding the socket, and eventually being replaced by new alveolar bone.
Early preservation provides excellent support for dental implant-supported replacement teeth. Placing dental implants several months after extraction and socket grafting ensures the best long-lasting support, preventing the graft from resorbing over time. It’s a proactive approach to preserving your jawbone and maintaining full functionality.
At Armadale, we specialize in Ridge Augmentation and Extraction Site Preservation to provide comprehensive solutions for your oral health. Schedule a consultation today to explore the best options for preserving your jawbone and achieving a confident, functional smile.