Rebuilding Your Jaw for Optimal Implant Success
After a tooth is lost, the bony ridge that once held it in place can begin to shrink, losing both height and width. This can create an indentation in your jawline and leave insufficient bone for the successful placement of a dental implant. Ridge augmentation is a specialized bone grafting procedure designed to rebuild this area, restoring the natural, curved contour of your jaw. At Belmont Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, our surgeons perform this procedure with precision to create a strong and aesthetic foundation for your new smile.
What is Ridge Augmentation?
Ridge augmentation is a predictable oral surgery procedure that uses bone grafting material to restore the original dimensions of the alveolar ridge (the part of the jaw that holds teeth). By rebuilding this foundation, we ensure that a future dental implant can be placed in the ideal position for both function and a seamless, natural-looking appearance. This procedure is critical for achieving the best possible long-term results from your implant treatment.
Benefits of Ridge Augmentation
By increasing the volume of the jaw bone, ridge augmentation provides the solid support necessary for a dental implant to be stable and successful.
Restoring the natural contour of the jaw prevents the final crown from looking unnaturally long and ensures the gum line appears healthy and even.
Rebuilding the jaw bone provides crucial support for adjacent teeth and helps maintain the natural structure of your face.
The Ridge Augmentation Procedure
Your treatment will begin with a consultation, where we use advanced 3D imaging to get a precise measurement of your jaw bone's dimensions and plan the procedure. Ridge augmentation is performed comfortably in our office under your choice of anesthesia. Your oral surgeon will carefully place bone grafting material in the deficient area to rebuild the ridge. Over the next several months, your body will heal and integrate the graft, creating a solid new foundation of bone.
Hear From Our Patients
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the shape of the jaw ridge important?
The natural, curved shape of the jaw ridge is essential for both function and aesthetics. It provides the necessary bone volume to support a dental implant and ensures that the final crown and gum line look natural and seamless with the rest of your smile.
Is ridge augmentation the same as a normal bone graft?
Ridge augmentation is a specific type of bone grafting procedure. While all bone grafts add bone, a ridge augmentation is specifically focused on rebuilding the natural contour and dimensions (height and width) of the alveolar ridge where teeth used to be.
How long does it take to heal from ridge augmentation?
Similar to other bone grafting procedures, it takes several months for the graft to fully heal and integrate with your jaw. Our team will monitor your progress to determine the ideal time to proceed with dental implant placement.
Is the procedure painful?
No. The procedure is performed under your choice of anesthesia to ensure you are completely comfortable. We will provide detailed post-operative instructions and any necessary medication to manage discomfort during the healing period.
Restore Your Smile in Belmont, MA
Belmont Oral Surgery & Dental Implants is the premier provider for restoring missing teeth in Belmont, Massachusetts. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with our highly skilled team.