Ridge Augmentation in Hickory, NC
When a tooth is lost or removed, the bone that once supported the tooth can gradually shrink or change shape. In some cases, this can leave an area without enough bone to support a dental implant or can create an indentation in the jaw that affects the appearance of the gums.
At Hickory Periodontics, Dr. Tate Weller provides ridge augmentation for patients from Hickory, Conover, Newton, and surrounding Catawba County communities. Ridge augmentation uses bone grafting techniques to rebuild areas of lost jawbone and may help prepare the site for future dental implant placement.
What Is Ridge Augmentation?
Ridge augmentation is a bone grafting procedure used to rebuild the natural shape and volume of the jawbone after bone loss has occurred.
The portion of the jawbone that surrounds and supports the teeth is called the alveolar ridge. After a tooth is lost, this bone no longer receives the same stimulation and may gradually decrease in height or width.
Ridge augmentation adds grafting material to areas where bone has been lost. As the area heals, the graft provides a framework that supports the development and maintenance of bone in the treatment area.
Why Does Bone Loss Occur After Tooth Loss?
Jawbone can begin to change after a tooth is removed because the bone is no longer supporting a tooth root.
The amount of bone loss varies from patient to patient and can be influenced by several factors, including:
- How long the tooth has been missing
- Periodontal disease
- Infection around the tooth
- Trauma or injury
- The condition of the bone at the time of extraction
- Individual anatomy and healing
In some patients, bone loss may make future dental implant placement more difficult. Rebuilding the ridge can help create a more suitable foundation for implant treatment.
Ridge Augmentation and Dental Implants
Dental implants rely on healthy jawbone for support. If the ridge is too narrow, too short, or has lost significant volume, there may not be enough bone to place an implant in the appropriate position.
Ridge augmentation can rebuild deficient areas of the jaw and may allow patients with bone loss to become candidates for dental implants.
Depending on the amount and location of bone loss, ridge augmentation may be completed before implant placement or, in certain situations, at the same time as implant surgery.
Dr. Weller will evaluate your bone anatomy and determine the appropriate sequence of treatment for your individual needs.
What Is the Difference Between Ridge Preservation and Ridge Augmentation?
Although the terms sound similar, ridge preservation and ridge augmentation are generally performed at different stages.
Ridge preservation is typically performed at the time a tooth is extracted. Bone grafting material is placed in the extraction site to help preserve the existing bone and reduce changes to the ridge during healing.
Ridge augmentation is used when bone loss or a ridge defect has already occurred. The procedure rebuilds an area that no longer has adequate bone volume or natural contour.
If you need a tooth removed and are considering a dental implant in the future, Dr. Weller can determine whether ridge preservation at the time of extraction may help reduce the need for more extensive grafting later.
What to Expect During Ridge Augmentation
Your treatment begins with a periodontal and implant evaluation to determine the location and extent of bone loss and the amount of bone needed for your treatment goals.
1. Evaluation & Imaging
Dr. Weller will evaluate the jawbone and treatment area using a clinical examination and appropriate dental imaging. If a dental implant is planned, the future implant position will also be considered.
2. Bone Grafting Procedure
Bone grafting material is carefully placed in the deficient area to rebuild the shape and volume of the ridge. The specific technique and grafting material used depend on the size and location of the defect.
3. Healing & Bone Development
The grafted area is given time to heal and develop sufficient bone. Healing time varies depending on the amount of augmentation performed and the individual patient.
4. Dental Implant Placement
If ridge augmentation is being performed in preparation for a dental implant, Dr. Weller will monitor the grafted area and determine when it is ready for implant placement.
Am I a Candidate for Ridge Augmentation?
You may be a candidate for ridge augmentation if you have lost bone in an area where a tooth is missing or if there is not enough jawbone to support a planned dental implant.
Ridge augmentation may be considered if you:
- Have been missing a tooth for an extended period
- Have experienced bone loss from periodontal disease
- Have bone loss following an infection or traumatic tooth loss
- Have been told there is not enough bone for a dental implant
- Have an indentation or irregular contour where a tooth is missing
- Need additional bone before implant placement
Not every patient with a missing tooth requires ridge augmentation. Dr. Weller will evaluate the available bone and your treatment goals to determine whether grafting is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ridge Augmentation
Is ridge augmentation painful?
Local anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Some swelling, tenderness, bruising, or discomfort can occur during the initial healing period. Dr. Weller will provide postoperative instructions to help you care for the grafted area during recovery.
How long does ridge augmentation take to heal?
Healing time depends on the size of the bone defect, the type of grafting performed, and your individual healing response. Bone grafts often require several months to mature before an implant can be placed in the area. Dr. Weller will monitor your healing and determine when the site is ready for the next stage of treatment.
Can I get a dental implant at the same time as ridge augmentation?
In some situations, ridge augmentation and dental implant placement can be performed at the same appointment. In other cases, the graft needs to heal before the implant can be placed. This depends on the amount of existing bone, the extent of the defect, and whether adequate stability can be achieved for the implant.
What type of bone is used for ridge augmentation?
Different types of bone grafting materials may be used depending on the treatment area and the amount of bone that needs to be rebuilt. The appropriate graft material and technique vary from patient to patient. Dr. Weller will discuss the grafting approach recommended for your specific treatment plan.
Can ridge augmentation help if my tooth has been missing for years?
Potentially, yes. Bone loss commonly occurs after teeth have been missing for an extended period, and ridge augmentation is specifically intended to rebuild deficient areas of the jaw. The amount of bone that can be regenerated and the appropriate treatment approach depend on your individual anatomy and the extent of bone loss.
Schedule a Ridge Augmentation Consultation
If you have been told that you do not have enough bone for a dental implant or have experienced bone loss in an area where a tooth is missing, schedule a consultation with Dr. Weller at Hickory Periodontics.
Our office is conveniently located in Conover and serves patients from Hickory, Newton, and surrounding Catawba County communities. Dr. Weller will evaluate your jawbone, discuss whether ridge augmentation is appropriate, and develop a treatment plan based on your individual needs.