Detailed Procedure Guide: Ridge Augmentation
A ridge augmentation is a common type of bone graft surgery that is sometimes performed in the wake of a tooth extraction. Usually the empty socket heals on its own, but sometimes the bone surrounding the socket is lost and continues to deteriorate to the point that bony ridge grafting is needed to support implants.
A ridge augmentation helps recreate the natural contour of the gums and jaw. It can also rebuild the bone, providing sufficient height and weight to support a dental implant. In other words the procedure can result in both functional and aesthetic benefits.
What is the process for a ridge augmentation?
Ridge augmentation surgery involves filling in the deficient bony space left by a missing tooth with bone-graft material. The grafted material can come from a cadaver, an animal, or be synthetically manufactured.
After the grafted material is placed, gum tissue is placed over the grafted-in bone and sutured in place. A “barrier membrane” may also be utilized to provide a space into which the bone will grow, allowing room for it to regain its former height and/or width.
The healing process for a ridge augmentation takes at least 4 months but can be as long as a year. After the healing process is complete the site can be prepared for the placement of a dental implant.
How do you determine if you’re a good candidate for ridge augmentation?
You may be a good candidate for ridge augmentation if you lack the bone quality or quantity to replace lost teeth with dental implants, or if lost teeth and tissue have caused an aesthetic problem.
Cost of a ridge augmentation
The cost of a ridge augmentation depends on a variety of factors, including your dentist’s geographic location and the condition of your jaw and how much area needs to be restored. Dental or medical insurance may pay for a portion of the cost. An average cost range for ridge graft augmentations is between $1,500 and $2,500.
Preoperative advice and tips
Prior to the procedure your implant dentist may prescribe specific medications; s/he may also ask you to stop taking certain medications.
Requirements typically include the following do’s and don’ts:
- Do brush your teeth and rinse thoroughly prior to your appointment
- Do wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing
- Don’t drink alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to the procedure or within 7 days after surgery
- Don’t smoke for at least 24 hours prior to the procedure or after surgery
- Don’t eat or drink anything prior to your appointment, including water or coffee
It’s important that you follow all of your dentist’s preoperative instructions precisely because each directive is specifically designed to increase the chances of a successful procedure.
Bone density & preoperative scans
A ridge augmentation is necessary when you don’t have sufficient bone quantity or quality to get dental implants.
Proper diagnosis and pre-procedure planning are essential to a successful ridge augmentation. You can expect your dentist to take a detailed history, conduct an oral examination, and take x-rays and a CT scan as part of this process.
Implant dentists now have amazingly advanced technologies available in the office that aid in diagnosis and planning. The 3-D images allow your implant dentist to study the anatomy of your jaw and produce the best possible plan for your treatment.
Anesthesia: Are you sedated for a ridge augmentation?
A ridge augmentation is typically performed using a local anesthetic that numbs the treatment area. Depending on the extent of the ridge augmentation and your anxiety level, nitrous oxide sedation or intravenous sedation may also be used.
You should discuss sedation options with your implant dentist during the consultation phase.
Is a ridge augmentation a same day procedure?
Yes, a ridge augmentation procedure can take as little as 45 minutes and you are likely to be in and out of your dentist’s office in an hour or two, including in-office recovery time. It is important to know that proper diagnosis and pre-procedure planning are essential to the success of this procedure. Unless your consultation is done at the same time as your surgery, you will have had an earlier appointment in which you received an oral examination and any necessary x-rays or scans.
Duration of the process for a ridge augmentation
The process of getting a ridge augmentation begins with a dental exam and evaluation, including any necessary x-rays or scans. The procedure itself is likely to take no more than an hour or two, but the healing process can take up to a year. Once the healing process is complete, dental implant placement can occur.
Proper upkeep and issues with recovery
If you get a ridge augmentation you’ll want to follow your dentist’s pre- and post-operative instructions precisely, to maximize the chance that your procedure is a success.
As with any surgical procedure, there is some risk involved, and potential complications can be severe and necessitate additional surgery.
Potential complications include:
- Abnormal bone formation
- Damage to nearby tissues or nerves
- Infection
- Allergic reaction to implant materials
- Side effects from anesthesia
In the overwhelming majority of cases you will experience nothing more than mild to moderate pain and swelling and gum irritation at the surgical site..
Post-procedure tips and advice for proper healing after ridge augmentation
Post-procedure care is imperative to successful healing after ridge augmentation. You can expect to experience some minor pain, swelling and discomfort following the procedure, and your dentist will likely have you gently bite down a gauze pad, which should be kept in place for 30-60 minutes.
Typically implant dentists will advise that you:
- Avoid chewing on the area
- Avoid touching the surgical area
- Avoid spitting
- Avoid rinsing your mouth, except to use an antibacterial mouth rinse as directed
You also want to avoid using a straw or engaging in any behavior that might cause the blood clot to become dislodged. Smoking is also strictly prohibited as smoking inhibits blood flow and interferes with the healing process. Finally, you should avoid physical or strenuous activity until your implant dentist tells you it’s permissible.
Pain is generally well-controlled using nothing more than an over the counter pain medication or light prescription pain meds.
You should contact your implant dentist immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms in the wake of the procedure:
- You develop a fever
- Swelling or pain increases any time after the first few days
- Bleeding continues after more than 24 hours
- Bleeding is bright red and continuous, as opposed to slow and a darker red color