Dental Ridge Augmentation

When a tooth is extracted or falls out, the socket where the tooth was begins to remodel and deteriorate. If left unaddressed, the deterioration will eventually progress to the point where the jawbone has lost enough volume and density that it can no longer support a dental implant. Ridge augmentation is an effective procedure for correcting deterioration that may have occurred following the loss or extraction of the tooth.

Union City Oral Surgery Group is the top choice in New Jersey for oral surgery. Our priority is to provide our patients with the best care and services possible to ensure their comfort and satisfaction.

What Is a Dental Ridge Augmentation?

Ridge augmentation is a procedure performed for preservation and helps reconstruct or preserve the natural shape of the jaw and gums. The structure and shape of the jaw may be lost because of certain oral conditions like trauma to the jaw or face. The base of the natural tooth roots is anchored to the jawbone extension, called the alveolar ridge. When a tooth is removed, an empty socket is left in the alveolar ridge.

It is possible for the empty socket to heal on its own, filling in the bone and tissue. However, sometimes the bone surrounding the socket breaks and is unable to heal on its own. As a result, the previous height and width of the socket deteriorate.

When the alveolar ridge is unstable or deteriorates, there is not enough bone for a dental implant to be secured into the damaged tooth socket. Dental implants require the alveolar ridge to be the appropriate height and weight to successfully hold the dental implant in place without causing further damage.

Why Get a Dental Ridge Augmentation in Union City, NJ?

The main reason a dental ridge augmentation is performed is as a result of irregularities that may arise from letting the bone haphazardly heal after a tooth is removed. The procedure helps protect the original shape of the jaw and helps to reduce the chance of the jawbone becoming indented. Indentations of the jawbone occur when the jawbone is not holding a tooth in place anymore.

These indentations may cause a malformed look in an otherwise healthy mouth. When the ridge augmentation is completed, the jawbone will take hold of a bone graft and continue to hold its original shape ensuring your jawline remains intact.

Who Needs Dental Ridge Augmentations?

When a tooth falls out, is extracted, or has suffered damage due to trauma, the body begins absorbing the bone material underneath the tooth. If you wait too long after an extraction or tooth loss, you’ll likely need a dental ridge augmentation in Union City, NJ before getting a dental implant.

Some individuals naturally have a weaker outer wall of the alveolar ridge and need ridge prevention. Furthermore, individuals who suffer from alveolar bone loss due to gum disease, periodontal disease, jaw injury, or face injury may need a ridge augmentation to reconstitute the natural contours of the facial structure.

Dental Ridge Augmentation: Procedure

Dental ridge augmentation in Union City, NJ is a minimally invasive and painless procedure. Anesthetic is used to numb the area, and a small incision is then made in the gums to gain access to the bone. Once the surgeon has access to the bone, a bone graft is attached to the exposed bone. The gums are sutured up as soon as the bone graft is secured. The body then naturally activates collagen and proteins infused into the bone material that stimulates bone growth. The new bone growth eventually replaces the graft material and is absorbed by the body.

What’s Recovery Like After a Dental Ridge Augmentation?

As with any medical procedure, the recovery process looks different depending on the patient. Recovery from a dental ridge augmentation in Union City, NJ may take a few weeks or as long as a couple of months for the bone to finish growing and healing. The amount of time it takes to recover depends on the status of the existing bone and the extent of the bone graft. Due to the variation in the recovery process, it’s important to discuss a recovery plan with your oral surgeon prior to having the procedure.

Generally speaking, after the surgery, people need to stick to a soft food diet and slowly reintroduce harder foods throughout the healing process. It’s important to avoid smoking or using straws for the first week or two following the procedure to avoid creating unnecessary pressure. It’s possible to be provided with a round of antibiotics to take as a precaution as well.

The Benefits of a Dental Ridge Augmentation Procedure

The procedure helps recreate a natural bone and gum ridge so that the tooth replacement can be structurally supported. Without the procedure, the area where the dental impact is performed will not look natural or cosmetically pleasing. Reconstructing the bone support not only ensures your jawbone looks natural, but it increases the stability of the area for long-term function and health.

Using advanced technology, surgeons can create a naturally contoured area that reflects when you smile. Poor bone contours create a dark and irregular shape around the teeth. A ridge augmentation improves the appearance of the area previously damaged and prevents wide spaces between the drive and gums.

Contact Our Experienced Dental Ridge Augmentation Oral Surgeon

At Union City Oral Surgery Group, our number one priority is the satisfaction of our patients. When you choose Union City Oral Surgery Group for your oral surgery needs, you can feel confident that you’re in the best hands possible.

Whether it’s before, during, or after surgery, our office is unmatched when it comes to patient care. We will go the extra mile to provide you with the finest care and the most convenient financial options. To learn more about dental ridge augmentation in Union City, NJ or our other services, please schedule an appointment by calling (201) 601-9262 or filling out our online contact form on our website.