Advanced Dentistry

Ridge Augmentation

A ridge augmentation involves placing a bone graft directly into an empty socket where a tooth's roots used to be, which will help re-create the natural shape of the gums and jawbone that have been lost following a tooth extraction.

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Reestablish your jaw’s natural contour

Ridge Augmentation

A ridge augmentation involves placing a bone graft directly into an empty socket where a tooth's roots used to be, which will help re-create the natural shape of the gums and jawbone that have been lost following a tooth extraction. Ridge augmentation is often used to reestablish your jaw’s natural contour. After a tooth is extracted, the jawbone immediately begins to weaken and atrophy to the point of recession. The empty tooth socket, once supported by the removed tooth, will now shrink in height and width. An indentation in the gums and/or jawbone will develop. This is simply because when your tooth is missing, your bite pressure is not exerted on the jawbone in that specific spot. This lack of stimulation and pressure on the jawbone results in shrinkage of bone.

It is essential that you see Traynor Periodontics & Implants to replace a tooth after it is removed so that the jawbone does not atrophy too much, too quickly. If the jawbone has deteriorated, we will recommend ridge augmentation to both halt and reverse this process.

Traynor Periodontics & Implants provides a variety of surgical and non-surgical services for the treatment of periodontal issues. We are well-known for our excellent communication style and warm presence. We are extremely effective with all clinical practices due to our consistent engagement with the innovative, technological improvements in the dental industry. We pride ourselves on the fact that we are very conservative in our treatment recommendations and limit surgery to the areas where it is absolutely necessary. Call Traynor Periodontics & Implants at 203-661-5885 with any questions or to make an appointment for a possible ridge augmentation.

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The procedure is especially beneficial for the placement of dental implants. When the jawbone integrity is increased in width and height, this will ensure the new implant has the stability to guarantee its longevity. A ridge augmentation procedure could be necessary simply for aesthetic reasons, or it might be needed to hold implants in place after a tooth has been lost or removed.

Reasons to consider a ridge augmentation

Why a Ridge Augmentation?

Here are several examples of reasons to consider a ridge augmentation:

  • Missing teeth will result in the deterioration of your jawbone.
  • Gum disease caused the soft tissue to deteriorate.
  • Developmental defects that did not allow enough gum or bone tissue to form in some areas.
  • Oral trauma, like a tooth that is impacted below gum or bone tissue.
  • Wearing dentures will deteriorate the jawbone and affect the gums in the area.

Jawbone deterioration

Why Does the Jawbone Deteriorate?

You may not realize that your jawbone will begin to deteriorate immediately after you lose a tooth. When there is a space missing in your jawbone, your bite pressure is no longer evenly distributed, leaving the jawbone unstimulated and unchallenged--causing it to weaken. It is important to replace a tooth before your jawbone deteriorates too much. If your jawbone has atrophied such that is cannot successfully support an implant, a ridge augmentation will be needed to reverse this process.

A bone graft procedure will restore a jawbone around the missing tooth. The ridge augmentation will need several months to heal and when it is ready an implant can be placed.

This surgical technique augments the bone or gum tissue

Ridge Augmentation Procedure

During the ridge augmentation procedure, Traynor Periodontics & Implants will place soft gum tissue or hard bone tissue in the area that needs to be improved. This surgical technique augments the bone or gum tissue for both functional and cosmetic purposes.

After the bone regains more width or height the new dental implant will have adequate stability in your jawbone. We might recommend the ridge augmentation procedure for your aesthetic concerns as well.

There are two types of ridge augmentation procedures, soft tissue and hard tissue.

If we are performing a soft tissue procedure, which is usually done for aesthetic reasons, we will numb the area first. Your dentist at Traynor Periodontics & Implants will then make an incision to expose the site. Next, we may obtain a soft tissue graft from the roof of the mouth or another substitute and insert the graft. We will then suture the area to begin the healing process.

If you are undergoing a dental implant restoration, a hard tissue graft may be required. The area will again be numbed before the procedure begins. Next, we will make an incision and lift the gum away to reveal the jawbone. The bone graft Traynor Periodontics & Implants will use will be taken from either another area within your mouth or from another source. Once the bone graft is in place, we will suture your gum tissue over the graft.

After your procedure

Recovering from Ridge Augmentation Surgery

Ridge augmentation will vary for everyone, but it may take some time to completely recover from your procedure. Traynor Periodontics & Implants will advise you of your recovery plan.

After your ridge augmentation procedure, we will advise you to avoid hard foods. It is also wise to avoid sipping through a straw or smoking. It is not uncommon for you to have trouble chewing and talking right after your ridge augmentation procedure.

Once you have completed your recovery, the best thing to do is to continue to exercise good oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time and continue flossing regularly.

Along with your at-home care practices, you need to schedule consistent checkups every six months. During these routine checkups, Traynor Periodontics & Implants will conduct regular cleanings and monitor the overall state of your oral health, identifying issues before they develop.

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Personalized Care for

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We recognize that every patient is different, with unique oral health needs and goals. That is why we take a personalized approach to care, tailoring our treatment plans to your specific situation. Dr. Traynor will work closely with you to develop a plan that addresses your concerns and helps you achieve your desired outcomes.

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Our mission at Traynor Periodontics & Implants is to help patients live healthier lives. We provide a caring, nurturing environment where your comfort and health are of primary importance. We feel we are the best in our field. From complex periodontal surgery to less invasive therapeutic treatments, we create sophisticated treatment plans customized to your unique needs. Experience next-level care and exceptional results in our state-of-the-art facility. Efficient and courteous, our remarkable staff is committed to providing you with outstanding care. We blend our world-class specialty education with ongoing research and clinical endeavors to provide the highest level of periodontal solutions to each and every patient. You can find Traynor Periodontics & Implants at 15 Valley Drive, Suite 302, Greenwich, CT. Or call us today at 203-661-5885.

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