The jawbone naturally loses density over time. While certain factors, such as tooth loss or nutritional habits, can foster this loss, bone resorption is a natural bodily function that takes place in every bone of our bodies. However, when you’re exploring dental implants in Chicago, inadequate jawbone structure can put your treatment at a halt.
When this happens, a ridge augmentation can allow patients to restore their jawbone health to undergo a successful dental implant. Here's all you need to know about bone ridge augmentations to help you stay informed about this procedure and ensure a successful outcome.
What Is a Ridge Augmentation?
A ridge augmentation is a surgical procedure to reconstruct the alveolar ridge—the bone that holds the teeth. This procedure is frequently required when this bone becomes inadequate and loses its dental function. The main objectives of ridge augmentations are to restore the jawbone's natural contour, address bone loss, and restore the original bone dimensions.
The process usually entails using bone-graft material to fill the gap left by a missing tooth. These could come from synthetic materials, a donor, or your own body. Following the insertion of the material, the gum tissue is placed over the bone that has been grafted and secured with sutures.
An alternative is to use a "barrier membrane" to allow the bone to grow, enabling it to regain its prior height or width. This provides a solid foundation for dental implants and aids in regaining the jawbone's natural shape.
Why Is a Ridge Augmentation Necessary, and What Are the Benefits?
The “ridge” refers to the bony ridge of the jaw that surrounds and supports your teeth. When a tooth is extracted or lost, the bone that supports the tooth starts to weaken. In fact, the jawbone may lose 30 to 60 percent of its volume within six months of losing a tooth.
This can cause substantial bone loss over time, which can alter the structure of the face, cause issues with oral health, and affect the jaw's suitability for specific dental restorations. Additionally, bone loss may result from severe periodontitis or gum disease.
Bone augmentations help rebuild the bone in the affected area to provide a solid basis for dental implants or other treatments. This treatment has several benefits besides allowing you to explore restorative dentistry options.
- Over time, losing jawbones can also have an impact on your face's overall appearance by creating a sunken look that can significantly age you. You can revitalize the appearance of your face and restore the natural contours of your jaw and gums with ridge augmentation.
- By improving the support of natural teeth and dental prosthetics, ridge augmentation improves speaking and chewing abilities.
- Maintaining the jawbone's integrity will make the mouth healthier and help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Who’s a Candidate for Bone Ridge Augmentations?
A bone augmentation is an ideal treatment for patients with extensive tooth loss who want to explore restorative dentistry options. Nevertheless, the treatment involves a surgical intervention, which is why a candidate must have overall good health.
Cavities and untreated gum disease can affect the success of your bone augmentation procedure. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune diseases, may complicate the healing process.
A thorough evaluation by your dentist or oral surgeon will help determine if your health conditions are manageable for this procedure. Other factors that may affect your eligibility include:
Age Considerations
While there is no strict age limit for bone ridge augmentation, candidates should have completed skeletal growth. Typically, individuals over the age of 18 are considered suitable candidates, as their bones are more stable.
Older adults can also be candidates, provided they are in good health.
Non-Smoker or Willing to Quit
Smoking can significantly affect healing and increase the risk of complications after bone grafting procedures. Candidates are often advised to quit smoking before and after the procedure to enhance healing and improve outcomes.
Good Oral Hygiene Practices
Candidates should be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene and follow the post-operative care instructions provided by their dental professional. This commitment helps reduce the risk of infection and supports healing.
Realistic Expectations
It is essential to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of bone ridge augmentations. This procedure can help create a foundation for implants but does not guarantee success without proper care and maintenance. It’s important to discuss proper aftercare with your oral surgeon so you can understand this.
The Ridge Augmentation Process
Our skilled dental professionals carry out the ridge augmentation procedure. The procedure includes:
- Assessment: The first step in the ridge augmentation procedure is a comprehensive diagnosis, which may involve X-rays and possibly 3D scans. Using these pictures, the oral surgeon can better plan the procedure and determine the extent of bone loss in your jaw.
- Bone Grafting: Bone graft material is placed into the tooth socket to promote bone regeneration.
- Healing: There must be a period of in-between healing for the graft to fuse with the native bone and restore the ridge.
- Implant Preparation: The structural integrity of a potential dental implant is assessed following site healing and the graft's ability to restore the jawbone's density.
- Follow-up: Routine examinations are crucial for tracking the healing process and making necessary adjustments.
Bone Ridge Procedure Aftercare
Healing and the success of the procedure depend on proper aftercare. Following your bone ridge augmentation, you should adhere to these crucial aftercare guidelines:
- Comply with Your Dentist's Recommendations: Pay close attention to your oral surgeon or dentist's detailed instructions. This could involve prescription drugs, dietary limitations, and activity restrictions specific to your circumstances.
- Control Pain and Discomfort: Take prescribed painkillers as instructed. For the first 24 to 48 hours, you can use ice packs outside your face to lessen swelling. Take breaks and apply the ice for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Be careful around the surgical site while keeping your mouth clean. Stay away from the area for the first few days and brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush. After the first 24 hours, rinse your mouth with warm salt water multiple times a day to encourage healing and lower the risk of infection.
- Nutritional Considerations: Follow a soft food diet for the first few days following surgery. Smoothies, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and yogurt are all good options. Drink lots of water, but do not use straws because the suction may disturb the surgical site.
- Limit Physical Activity: Avoid heavy lifting or intense exercise for at least a week. An elevated heart rate can affect the surgical site and raise blood pressure.
- Keep an Eye Out for Complications: Watch for symptoms of infection, such as fever, increased swelling, or chronic pain that worsens over time. If you notice any concerning symptoms, contact your dentist immediately.
- Follow-Up Appointments: To guarantee appropriate healing and address any possible concerns, ensure you attend all planned follow-up appointments.
Restore Your Smile With our Dental Implants in Chicago
Ridge augmentation is an essential procedure for patients thinking about dental implants. Learning more about this treatment can greatly impact your results and experience.
For more individualized information, don’t hesitate to contact 3020 Dental Implants. Understanding your available options is the first step to achieving a healthier and more functional smile!
