Ridge Augmentation
Enhancing Oral Health Through Ridge Augmentation
If you’ve experienced bone loss after a tooth extraction, ridge augmentation can help restore the alveolar ridge and prepare your mouth for a dental implant. At Worthington Periodontal Specialists, Dr. TJ Miller and our skilled team specialize in ridge augmentation procedures to rebuild the natural contour of the gums and jawbone, improving both function and aesthetics.
Why Choose Ridge Augmentation?
The alveolar ridge is the part of your jawbone that holds the roots of teeth in place. When a tooth is extracted, the surrounding bone may deteriorate over time due to bone resorption, leading to changes in the proportions of your smile and making dental implant placement more challenging. Ridge augmentation surgery helps:
- Restore the original height and width of the alveolar ridge
- Prevent further bone loss and preserve gum tissue
- Improve the foundation for a dental implant
- Enhance the aesthetic proportions of your smile
How a Ridge Augmentation Works
The ridge augmentation procedure is conducted under local anesthesia or sedation to maximize comfort. The process in our Worthington, OH, office includes:
Preparation & Consultation
Dr. Miller will assess the amount of bone in your alveolar ridge and discuss the best approach for your needs.
Bone Grafting
A bone graft material (either an autograft from your body or an allograft from a donor) is placed in the empty socket to encourage new bone growth.
Membrane Placement & Suturing
A protective membrane is placed over the surgical site, and sutures secure the area.
Healing & Bone Regeneration
Over the next few months, the grafted bone will integrate with your jawbone, restoring the alveolar ridge of your jaw to its ideal shape.
Are You a Candidate for Ridge Augmentation?
If you have missing teeth and are considering dental implant placement, a consultation with Dr. Miller can determine whether ridge augmentation is necessary to achieve the best results. This procedure is ideal for patients who:
1.
Have inadequate alveolar ridge bone for dental implants
2.
Want to maintain their natural gum contours after an extraction
3.
Need a stable foundation for a permanent restoration
Ridge Preservation
In some cases, a dental bone graft is placed immediately after a tooth extraction to minimize bone loss and maintain the natural contour of the gums. This process, known as ridge preservation, helps ensure a smooth transition for dental implant placement in the future.
Types of Bone Grafts Used in Ridge Augmentation
Bone grafts are like the building blocks of ridge augmentation. They provide the foundation for new bone growth, ensuring a stable base for your dental implants.
Depending on your needs, different bone graft materials may be used:
- Autograft: Bone taken from another area of your own body
- Allograft: Processed bone from a donor
- Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP): A specialized protein that stimulates new bone growth
Take the First Step Toward Getting a Smile You’ll Love
Enhancing oral health through ridge augmentation is a pivotal step toward achieving a confident smile and optimal dental function. By choosing ridge augmentation, you are investing in a procedure that not only enhances the aesthetics of your smile but also ensures long-term stability for dental implants.
At Worthington Periodontal Specialists, we are committed to providing expert ridge augmentation procedures to help restore your smile and support long-term oral health. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Miller in our Worthington, OH, office and take the next step toward a stronger, healthier jawbone. Call 614-885-5525 today!