Ridge Augmentation
Restore Your Smile’s Health
Build a Strong Foundation for Implants With Ridge Augmentation in Norfolk
A healthy, full jaw ridge gives dental implants a solid base and helps your new teeth look natural along the gumline. When bone shrinks after tooth loss, rebuilding it opens the door to treatment that may not have seemed possible. Ridge augmentation in Norfolk adds bone where the jaw has become too thin or too short.
Your surgeon will place graft material along the ridge and cover it with a protective membrane. Over several months, your body replaces the graft with its own new bone. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), which is made from your own blood, may be added to help the area heal. Once the ridge is strong, implants can be placed to secure your replacement teeth. Schedule a consultation to learn whether this procedure is needed to prepare your smile for implants.
How Jaw Augmentation Works
The jaw ridge shrinks after tooth loss because the bone no longer receives stimulation from a tooth root. Without that pressure, the body slowly reabsorbs bone in the empty area. Most of this loss happens in the first year, leaving a ridge that may be too narrow or too short for an implant.
A bone-building procedure reverses that loss by adding graft material where bone is needed. The graft may come from donor sources or synthetic materials. A membrane holds it in place and keeps soft tissue from growing into the space. As you heal, your own bone gradually fills in the area.
Grafting can also be done right after a tooth is removed to preserve the socket. This step helps maintain the ridge, so implant placement goes more smoothly later.
Find out if you need ridge augmentation in Norfolk by contacting our office today.
Implant-Ready Jawbone
Adding bone creates the height and width needed to anchor dental implants securely to support new teeth.
Natural Gumline Shape
A fuller ridge helps the gums sit evenly around new teeth, so your smile looks balanced.
More Treatment Options
Rebuilding lost bone can make implants possible for people previously told they weren't good candidates.
Better Denture Fit
A restored ridge gives traditional or implant dentures a steadier base, reducing rocking and sore spots.
Preserved Facial Contours
Restoring bone along the jaw helps prevent the sunken look that can develop after tooth loss.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ridge Augmentation
Q What is ridge augmentation?
Ridge augmentation is a bone grafting procedure that rebuilds the jaw ridge after tooth loss. It adds height or width where bone has shrunk. The procedure creates a strong foundation for dental implants and can improve the fit of dentures. Healing usually takes several months before implants can be placed.
Q Why would I need ridge augmentation before dental implants?
Ridge augmentation is needed before dental implants when the jawbone is too thin or short to hold an implant securely. Without enough bone, an implant may fail or be placed at a poor angle. Rebuilding the ridge gives the implant a stable base and improves its long-term success. It also helps the gumline look natural.
Q What causes the jaw ridge to shrink?
The jaw ridge shrinks mainly because of tooth loss. Without a tooth root to stimulate it, the bone slowly breaks down. Gum disease and injury can also cause bone loss. Wearing dentures for many years may speed up shrinking, since dentures press on the gums without stimulating the bone beneath.
Q What materials are used in ridge augmentation?
Ridge augmentation commonly uses donor bone or synthetic graft materials that encourage new bone growth. In some situations, a small amount of the person's own bone is used. A membrane often covers the graft to protect it. These materials are safe and well-tested.
Q Does ridge augmentation hurt?
Ridge augmentation usually does not hurt during the procedure because local anesthesia numbs the area. Sedation may be available for added comfort. Some swelling and soreness are common for several days afterward. Ice packs and prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief help most people stay comfortable during the first week of healing.
Q How long does it take to heal after ridge augmentation?
Healing after ridge augmentation usually takes four to nine months before implants can be placed. The gums often feel normal within one to two weeks. During the longer healing period, the graft slowly turns into the person's own bone. Larger grafts may need more time to mature. Follow-up imaging confirms when the bone is ready.
Q What can I eat after ridge augmentation?
After ridge augmentation, soft foods and cool liquids are best for the first week. Yogurt and scrambled eggs are good options. Avoid chewing on the graft site and skip crunchy or spicy foods. Gradually return to a normal diet as the gums heal and tenderness fades. Drinking plenty of water also helps healing.
Q Can ridge augmentation improve denture fit?
Ridge augmentation can improve denture fit by restoring a more even jaw ridge. Dentures need a solid base to stay steady. When the ridge has flattened, dentures may rock or rub. Rebuilding bone gives the denture more surface to rest on and can reduce sore spots. It also prepares the area for implants later.
