Procedures
Ridge Augmentation
About Ridge Augmentation
Ridge augmentation is a dental surgical procedure designed to restore the natural contours of the alveolar ridge, the bony ridge that holds the roots of teeth.
This procedure involves using dental bone grafts to rebuild and reshape the bone tissue that may have been lost due to tooth extraction, gum disease, or other medical conditions.
Ridge augmentation is essential for patients with bone loss who are considering dental implant placement. It ensures there is sufficient bone density to support the implant and maintain the facial structure.
Combination Ridge Augmentation
Combination ridge augmentation involves using both a dental bone graft and soft tissue grafts to rebuild the alveolar ridge.
This procedure effectively rebuilds the bone and surrounding soft tissue in cases where significant bone loss has occurred due to periodontal disease or trauma.
The dental bone graft rebuilds the missing bone, while soft tissue grafts restore the gum tissue.
Why Is Ridge Augmentation Needed?
When a tooth is lost or extracted, the surrounding alveolar bone begins to resorb over time. This process can lead to:
- Bone loss: A decrease in the original height and width of the bone.
- Compromised oral health: Weakening of the jawbone can lead to issues with adjacent teeth and gum tissue.
- Aesthetic concerns: Bone loss can alter the natural contours of the face and jawline.
Ridge augmentation restores the alveolar bone, providing a stable foundation for dental implants, improving oral health, and preserving facial structure.
Candidates for Ridge Augmentation
Your oral surgeon may recommend this dental procedure if you:
- are planning for dental implant placement but have insufficient bone tissue
- have experienced tooth loss or extraction that has led to significant bone resorption
- suffer from gum disease or other conditions causing bone deterioration
Benefits of Ridge Augmentation
- Restores the alveolar ridge bone for optimal oral health
- Provides a solid foundation for dental implants
- Prevents further bone loss and deterioration
- Improves overall oral health and functionality
Types of Ridge Augmentation Procedures
There are two main types of ridge augmentation procedures.
- Horizontal ridge augmentation: focuses on increasing the width of the alveolar ridge. Bone graft material is used to rebuild the bony ridge, ensuring sufficient width for dental implants.
- Vertical ridge augmentation: addresses vertical defects in the bone by adding height to the alveol
The Ridge Augmentation Procedure
The process begins with a thorough consultation to evaluate your oral health and create a customized treatment plan.
Diagnostic tools, such as X-rays or 3D imaging, are used to assess the extent of bone loss.
Step-by-Step Procedure
1. Preparation: The gum tissue is carefully lifted to expose the alveolar bone.
2. Bone Grafting: Bone graft material, such as autologous bone (from your body) or synthetic substitutes, is applied to the affected area.
3. Stabilization: The graft is secured using a resorbable collagen membrane to promote healing and protect the site.
4. Suturing: The gum tissue is repositioned and sutured to cover the graft.
Bone Grafting Materials
There are 3 main types of bone grafting materials:
- Autogenous: Taken from your own body, such as the jaw or hip.
- Allografts: Donated human bone tissue.
Synthetic materials: Engineered grafting material designed to promote bone regeneration.
| Type of Material Source | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Autologous bone: Patient’s own body | High compatibility, promotes healing | Requires a secondary surgical site |
| Allografts: Donor tissue | Readily available, no secondary site | Slight risk of immune reaction |
| Synthetic materials: Lab-engineered | No risk of disease transmission | May integrate more slowly |
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved.
Some possible complications of ridge augmentation may include infection, bleeding, delayed healing, and graft failure.
It is important to follow all post-operative instructions carefully and attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing.Smoking and excessive alcohol intake can significantly impact healing and may increase the risk of complications. We recommend that you refrain from these activities during the healing process.
FAQs About Ridge Augmentation
A ridge augmentation specifically focuses on rebuilding the alveolar ridge, while a bone graft can refer to any procedure that involves adding bone material to the jawbone.
Ridge augmentation is typically performed using local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. Patients may experience some soreness or discomfort after the procedure. However, this can be managed with pain medication prescribed by your oral surgeon.
The recovery time varies from person to person, but most patients are fully healed within 3–6 months. During this time, it is essential to follow post-operative instructions provided by your oral surgeon for optimal healing and success of the procedure.
The main objectives are to improve the success rate of dental implants, restore facial aesthetics, preserve remaining teeth, and improve chewing and speaking abilities. Overall, this procedure aims to provide patients with a strong and healthy foundation for their dental restorations.
Bone graft materials can include synthetic bone substitutes, allografts (donor bone from another person), or autografts (bone taken from the patient’s own body). Your oral surgeon will determine the best type of material for your specific case.
Why Choose AZ Max Oral
and Maxillofacial Surgeons
At AZ Max Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, we specialize in ridge augmentation surgery and other complex oral surgery procedures.
Our experienced oral surgeons use advanced techniques and materials to achieve optimal results for every patient. We prioritize patient education and comfort, ensuring that you are well-informed and at ease throughout the entire process.
If you are in need of ridge augmentation or other oral surgery services, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile.
We have 4 locations in the Phoenix East Valley and one in Show Low! Our offices are conveniently located in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Show Low, and Tempe. We have 7 oral surgeons on staff, all with extensive training and experience in dental implant placement and other oral surgeries.
To book an appointment at any of our locations, call (480) 830-5866 or complete the online inquiry form.
