Ridge Augmentation

When you lose a permanent tooth, it’s not just the visible gap that needs attention. Often, the underlying jawbone begins to recede, leading to an unnatural indentation in the gums and jaw. This can affect not only your appearance but also the stability of any future dental restorations. Thankfully, a ridge augmentation procedure can help restore the natural contour of your gums and jaw, providing a solid foundation for a natural-looking replacement tooth.

What is Ridge Augmentation?

Ridge augmentation is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to rebuild the natural shape of your gums and jaw after tooth loss. It is essential for anyone considering dental implants or other restorative treatments following tooth loss. Without proper ridge augmentation, the final restoration may appear unnatural or may not fit securely. A ridge augmentation procedure not only improves the aesthetic outcome but also ensures the longevity and stability of your dental restoration.

Ridge Augmentation vs. Bone Graft

It’s common to hear the terms ridge augmentation and bone graft used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different aspects of dental restoration. A bone graft involves adding bone material to areas where the jawbone has deteriorated, typically to support a future dental implant. Ridge augmentation specifically focuses on restoring the natural shape of the gums and jaw. While a bone graft may be a part of the ridge augmentation procedure, the primary goal of ridge augmentation is to ensure that the new tooth and surrounding gum tissue look as natural as possible.

The Ridge Augmentation Procedure

The ridge augmentation procedure begins with a careful evaluation of the affected area. Your dentist will assess the extent of bone loss and determine the best approach to restore the shape of your gums and jaw. During the procedure, bone grafting material may be used to build up the ridge, and in some cases, soft tissue grafts may be necessary to enhance the gum line.

Once the grafting material is in place, it will be secured with sutures and allowed to heal over several months. During this healing period, the graft integrates with your natural bone, creating a stable foundation for a dental implant or other restoration. Once healed, the result is a smooth, natural-looking contour that enhances the overall appearance of your smile and face.

If you’ve experienced tooth loss and are concerned about the impact on your jaw and gums, contact City Creek Dental to learn how ridge augmentation can help you!