Dental implants are the premiere option in tooth replacement, and they require plenty of strong, healthy bone structure to be successful. Your dentist may recommend a ridge augmentation after tooth extraction to encourage the proper fusion between the implant post and the jawbone. But why? Because it’s crucial for a sturdy, long-lasting tooth replacement. Keep reading to learn more about this common preparatory procedure — and why it may be necessary before getting dental implants in Jacksonville.
What Is a Ridge Augmentation?
A ridge augmentation is a common procedure that may need to be performed after tooth extraction and before you get a dental implant. It is used to preserve the shape of the alveolar ridge, which is the curved bone that surrounds the root of a tooth. When a tooth is removed, this ridge may break and be unable to heal on its own — and that means the bone will continue to deteriorate, affecting the success of a dental implant.
Why Is It Needed for Dental Implants?
Dental implants work by encouraging bone growth between the dental implant and the jaw — they fuse together to form a solid unit. If the bone is not strong enough in the area where the implant is placed, this crucial process is unlikely to occur.
A ridge augmentation provides enough strong, healthy bone structure to support a dental implant. While it isn’t medically necessary under normal circumstances, getting one will increase your success of having a successful dental implant procedure.
What’s the Process for a Ridge Augmentation?
The procedure for a ridge augmentation is performed under local anesthesia and with sedation dentistry as desired for added relaxation. It is completed at the same time as the tooth extraction, so you will not have to worry about booking two separate appointments for the removal and ridge augmentation.
Immediately after the tooth has been removed, your dentist will place bone grafting material in the empty socket where the tooth was removed. A space maintainer may be placed in the area, too. Then, gum tissue is placed over the socket and healing begins.
Once the ridge augmentation has completely healed a couple of months later, you can return to our office to get started on the dental implant placement. Having this type of procedure performed adds time to the overall dental implant procedure, but it is worth it for the unsurpassed security and stability of dental implants.
More Questions?
If you have additional questions about ridge augmentation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your dentist in Jacksonville! It’s a common procedure that can allow you to enjoy all the benefits of dental implants — including a stable, secure, and long lasting smile.
About the Authors
Dr. Matthew Nawrocki and Dr. Richard Aguila are dentists offering comprehensive care for patients in and around Jacksonville. To learn more about dental implants or any other tooth replacement option, you are invited to contact the Jacksonville Dental Specialists at 904-683-4781.