Ridge Augmentation
Ridge Augmentation in Metro Atlanta, GA
The success of a dental implant depends significantly on the quality and quantity of the bone where it will be placed. When a tooth is lost or extracted, the surrounding bone often begins to deteriorate, a process known as resorption. Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery provides ridge augmentation surgery in Metro Atlanta, GA. This specialized bone grafting procedure is designed to restore the natural contour of your gums and jawbone that may have been lost due to tooth loss, trauma, or long-term denture wear. By rebuilding the alveolar ridge, our surgeons create a stable foundation for functional and aesthetically pleasing dental implants.
What Is a Ridge Augmentation?
A dental ridge augmentation is a surgical procedure that recreates the natural shape of the gums and bone. The ridge is the part of the jawbone that initially supported the teeth. An empty socket is left in the alveolar bone after tooth removal. While this socket usually heals on its own, the surrounding bone often recedes in both height and width. This loss of bone volume can make the placement of dental implants difficult or impossible. Ridge augmentation fills this void with bone graft material to ensure the ridge is wide and tall enough to support a prosthetic root.
How Is Ridge Augmentation Performed?
The ridge augmentation procedure typically begins immediately following a tooth extraction to prevent bone loss before it starts, though it can also be performed years later to repair an existing defect. In some cases, depending on the stability of the existing bone, your surgeon can do ridge augmentation at the time of implant placement, though more significant defects usually require a separate healing period first. During the surgery, you can expect the following:
- The ridge augmentation is typically performed under local anesthesia, with or without, IV Sedation.
- We gently lift the gum tissue to expose the underlying bony defect.
- The surgeon places bone graft material, which may be your own bone, processed bone, or a synthetic substitute, into the area. This material acts as a scaffold for your body to grow new, natural bone.
- The site is sutured closed and allowed to heal for several months.
Ridge Augmentation vs. Bone Graft
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a technical distinction between ridge augmentation vs. bone graft. A bone graft is the general process of adding bone to any part of the body. Ridge augmentation is a specific type of bone grafting procedure dedicated to restoring the alveolar ridge of the jaw. While a simple socket preservation graft might fill a small hole after an extraction, a full ridge augmentation is a more comprehensive approach to rebuilding the entire architectural width and height of the jawbone, ensuring a natural-looking smile and a secure fit for future restorations.
FAQs
What Is an Alveolar Ridge?
The alveolar ridge is the specialized part of the jawbone (either the maxilla or mandible) that contains the tooth sockets. Its primary function is to support and hold the teeth. Once teeth are lost, the alveolar ridge no longer receives the stimulation required to maintain its density and begins to shrink.
Can a Tooth Next to the Ridge Augmentation Be Extracted?
Absolutely, but it requires careful surgical planning. If a tooth adjacent to a recent graft needs removal, our surgeons take great care to ensure the stability of the nearby augmentation site is not compromised during the extraction process.
How Long Does Swelling Last After Oral Ridge Augmentation Surgery?
Most patients experience some degree of swelling, which generally peaks around 48 to 72 hours after the procedure. The swelling typically slowly subsides over the first week. Following our post-operative instructions of using ice packs and keeping your head elevated will help manage this timeline.
How Much Bone Do They Remove With Ridge Augmentation?
Ridge augmentation is an additive procedure, not a subtractive one. The goal is to gain volume, not lose it. Very little, if any, of your natural bone is removed. Instead, graft material is added to increase the dimensions of your jawbone to support dental health and future implants.
Schedule Your Consultation
Atlanta Oral & Facial Surgery puts your safety and oral needs first. Our personalized treatment plans help create a warm, welcoming environment. We’re here to answer questions and help you feel confident in our care. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.