Ridge Augmentation
Allentown, PA
 If you are considering getting a dental implant, you will often hear that your gums and jaws' natural curves and contours are damaged. It may be due to a recent tooth extraction or loss of teeth that has occurred previously. Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery recommends getting a ridge augmentation procedure, otherwise also known as ridge restoration surgery.
Importance of Ridge Augmentation
Bone growth and regeneration are directly dependent on the pressure exerted on it. Loss of this pressure takes away any form of stimulation to the bone beneath. Following the extraction, loss of your teeth, or damage to your alveolar ridges, your jawbone begins to reabsorb itself. This can make getting any future implants difficult and can also damage the aesthetics of your smile.
How Is Ridge Augmentation Performed?
In order to increase the quality of the jawbone to an adequate quantity right after a tooth extraction, it is advised you get a ridge augmentation. This will help prevent any severe damage to your gums and jaw requiring a complicated secondary surgical procedure.
Before the surgery is performed, an initial consultation will determine your eligibility for the procedure. Once you qualify to get the treatment done, digital imaging will be done to help our dentist determine how much graft you will require and which material will best suit your needs.
The surgery involves placing a bone graft material into the empty socket with a dental barrier. The dental barriers will serve to prevent down-growth of the gums into the socket. The site will heal on its own once the area has been closed. The healing time may vary according to the amount of area that required augmentation, how invasive the procedure was, and what material was used for the graft - your bone (autograft), a bone from a donor (allograft), a bone from an animal (xenograft), or a synthetic material (alloplastic).
What Makes Me A Candidate For Ridge Augmentation?
There are many reasons why one may think they need a ridge augmentation. However, there are specific indications for a ridge augmentation which indicate your eligibility for the treatment such as altered arch shape, increased chances of jaw fracture, need for an implant, protecting underlying nerves and blood vessels, and decreased alveolar height.
If you have previously received radiation treatment, have an autoimmune disease, are a smoker, or have poor oral hygiene, our dentist will advise you to change your oral habits or return after a specific period of time accordingly.
To understand in better depth whether you qualify for the procedure and how you can take advantage of what ridge augmentation has to offer, visit us Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery or contact us at (610) 435-6161.
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