DENTAL RIDGE AUGMENTATION SERVICES
IN CORPUS CHRISTI
Dental ridge augmentation can rebuild areas of the jaw where bone has been lost, often making future dental implant placement possible. At Allen Dental Group, we provide ridge augmentation in Corpus Christi for patients who need additional bone support after tooth loss or extraction.
WHAT IS A RIDGE AUGMENTATION?
A ridge augmentation is a common dental procedure often performed following a tooth extraction. This procedure helps recreate the natural contour of the gums and jaw that may have been lost due to bone loss from a tooth extraction, or for another reason.
The alveolar ridge of the jaw is the bone that surrounds the roots of teeth. When a tooth is removed, an empty socket is left in the alveolar ridge bone. Although the area heals, the ridge may not maintain the same height and width it had when the tooth was present.
Rebuilding the original height and width of the alveolar ridge is not always medically necessary, but may be required for dental implant placement or for aesthetic purposes. Dental implants require bone to support their structure, and a ridge augmentation can help rebuild this bone to accommodate the implant.
WHY DOES BONE LOSS HAPPEN AFTER A TOOTH IS REMOVED?
The roots of your teeth provide stimulation to the surrounding jawbone when you bite and chew. Once a tooth is gone, the bone in that area no longer receives the same stimulation and can gradually lose volume.
The amount of bone loss varies from person to person. Factors such as gum disease, smoking, certain health conditions, and the condition of the bone at the time of extraction can affect how the area heals.
Significant bone loss can make future implant placement more difficult. Ridge augmentation can rebuild the area to provide the support needed for treatment while helping maintain a natural contour along the gums.
HOW IS A RIDGE AUGMENTATION ACCOMPLISHED?
A ridge augmentation is accomplished by placing bone graft material in the tooth socket. It is often done immediately after the tooth is removed to avoid the need for a second procedure later. Next, the gum tissue is placed over the socket and secured with sutures. Dr. Allen, Dr. Vial-Nadeau, Dr. Tinnell, or Dr. Stepanek may choose to use a space-maintaining product over the top of the graft to facilitate new bone growth. Once the socket has healed, the alveolar ridge can be prepared for dental implant placement.
A ridge augmentation procedure is typically performed in our office under local anesthesia. Some patients may also request sedative medication.
WHAT TYPES OF BONE GRAFT MATERIALS MAY BE USED?
The material used for ridge augmentation depends on the amount of bone that needs to be rebuilt and your overall treatment plan. In some cases, grafting material may come from your own bone. Other options include processed donor bone, animal-derived materials, or synthetic grafting products.
Each option serves the same basic purpose: creating a framework that supports new bone growth as the area heals. Your dentist can explain which material is appropriate for your situation and why it’s being recommended.
WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT AFTER RIDGE AUGMENTATION?
Some swelling, tenderness, and mild discomfort are common after the procedure. Your dental team will give you specific instructions for keeping the area clean, eating while it heals, and managing discomfort. Try not to disturb the surgical area while the graft begins to stabilize.
Healing takes time because the new bone needs to develop and strengthen before it can support an implant. The exact timeline depends on the size of the graft, your health, and how well the area heals. Your dentist will monitor your progress and let you know when the ridge is ready for the next stage of treatment.
WHO MAY NEED RIDGE AUGMENTATION BEFORE A DENTAL IMPLANT?
Ridge augmentation may be recommended when there isn’t enough healthy bone to securely support an implant. This can happen after a recent extraction or when a tooth has been missing for a longer period, and the jawbone has already started to shrink.
Your dentist will evaluate the shape and amount of bone in the area before deciding whether grafting is necessary. The goal is to create enough support for the implant while planning for a natural-looking final restoration.
SCHEDULE A RIDGE AUGMENTATION CONSULTATION IN CORPUS CHRISTI
If you’re considering a dental implant but have been told you don’t have enough bone, ridge augmentation may help prepare the area for treatment. Allen Dental Group can evaluate your jawbone, discuss your implant plans, and explain whether bone grafting should be part of the process.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation for dental ridge augmentation in Corpus Christi, TX.