What to Expect During Treatment
There are several types of ridge augmentations, but the general steps for each procedure are the same. Generally, a ridge augmentation is performed by placing graft material in the socket. This is sometimes referred to as socket preservation or localized ridge augmentation.
Bone graft material can be obtained from various sources. The first and most common option is an autograft, where the graft material is taken from another bone-dense area of your body. Graft material can also come from another human, an animal (usually a cow), or a laboratory (synthetics).
We typically need to make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the bone and place the graft material. Depending on the severity of your bone deterioration, we may need to apply the same technique to a more extensive area. We may also utilize platelet-rich plasma to improve and expedite the healing process.
Teeth in the upper posterior (back) region are often the hardest to restore with implants. This part of the jaw usually has the least amount of bone. We may recommend a sinus lift or subantral graft procedure to place an implant in this area. During this procedure, the sinus membrane is literally “lifted” up to make space for the graft material and, eventually, new bone growth.
Healing After Your Ridge Augmentation
The goal of ridge augmentation is to foster the growth of healthy and dense bone. Dr. Simone will give you detailed post-operative instructions following your procedure. Following your ridge augmentation, it typically takes six to nine months to completely heal. We will schedule your next procedure once we determine that your bone is hard and thick enough to support an implant.
