Ridge augmentation is a specialized bone grafting procedure designed to restore the natural shape and structure of the jawbone after tooth loss. When a tooth is lost or extracted, the surrounding bone may deteriorate over time, creating an indentation in the jaw. This bone loss not only affects the aesthetics of your smile but can also make it more challenging to replace the missing tooth with a dental implant. By rebuilding the ridge, ridge augmentation improves both the function and appearance of your smile while ensuring a strong foundation for future dental restorations.
Why Ridge Augmentation Is Necessary
When a tooth is removed, the bone that once supported it can begin to resorb, reducing in both width and height. This can cause uneven gum contours and limit the ability to place a dental implant successfully. By providing a ridge augmentation, our dentist can restore the proper dimensions of the alveolar ridge, allowing for a more natural appearance and increasing the chances of successful implant placement. This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients who plan to replace a missing tooth with a dental implant but do not have enough bone support.
The Ridge Augmentation Procedure
During ridge augmentation, Dr. Pouya Zafarnia will place bone grafting material into the deficient area of the jawbone. This grafting material may come from your own bone, a donor source or a biocompatible synthetic material. Once placed, the bone graft is covered with a protective membrane and sutured into place. Over the next several months, the graft integrates with your natural bone, restoring the lost volume and creating a more stable foundation for future restorations.
Ridge augmentation is often performed immediately after a tooth extraction to preserve bone structure and prevent the need for additional procedures later. However, if significant bone loss has already occurred, it can be performed as a separate procedure to prepare for implant placement.
Recovering From Ridge Augmentation
Following the procedure, you may experience mild swelling or discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. A soft food diet is recommended during the initial healing phase to avoid placing excessive pressure on the grafted site. Full healing and bone integration typically take several months, after which your dentist can proceed with further restorative treatments, such as dental implants.
If you are considering dental implants or want to learn more about ridge augmentation in Orange, California, call Z Dental Lounge at 714-426-9155 and schedule a consultation with our experienced dentist. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help you restore your smile.