Ridge Augmentation
Become A Candidate For Implants
Rebuild Your Smile's Foundation With Ridge Augmentation in Knoxville
Ridge augmentation in Knoxville can rebuild areas of the jaw that have lost bone following tooth loss, an extraction, or other changes to the supporting structures of your smile. At Law Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, this procedure may be recommended to restore the shape of the jaw ridge and create a stronger foundation for future dental treatment.
The bone that once supported a tooth can gradually change after that tooth is lost. In some cases, these changes affect the appearance of the gumline or leave inadequate bone for certain tooth replacement options. Ridge augmentation rebuilds the affected area so your dentist can plan for the health, function, and appearance of your future smile.
Visit us and create a better foundation for the next stage of your dental care.
Prepare for Future Tooth Replacement With a Jaw Augmentation
The alveolar ridge is the portion of your jawbone that surrounds and supports your teeth. When its shape or volume changes, rebuilding the area may be an important part of a comprehensive restorative treatment plan. Ridge augmentation uses grafting material to add volume where bone has been lost. Over time, the treated area heals and creates a more supportive foundation. The exact treatment plan and healing period depend on the condition of your jaw and the dental care planned afterward.
For patients considering dental implants, adequate bone is especially important because an implant needs a stable foundation. Ridge augmentation may help prepare an area for future implant placement when existing bone is insufficient. Your comfort is considered throughout treatment. Pillows, blankets, and a supportive dental team help you feel more at ease. Nitrous oxide may be available when appropriate.
Visit us for a ridge augmentation in Knoxville and let us rebuild the strong foundation your smile needs.
Rebuild Lost Bone
Restore volume to an area of the jaw where bone has diminished following tooth loss, extraction, or other changes.
Improve Ridge Contours
Rebuild the shape of an uneven or deficient jaw ridge to support the function and appearance of future restorations.
Prepare for Dental Implants
Create additional bone support when necessary to establish a more suitable foundation for future implant placement.
Support Restorative Treatment
Incorporate ridge augmentation into a larger plan designed to replace missing teeth and restore comfortable dental function.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ridge Augmentation
Q What is ridge augmentation?
Ridge augmentation is a bone grafting procedure used to rebuild an area of the jaw ridge that has lost volume or changed shape. It can restore supporting bone and may help prepare the area for future tooth replacement.
Q Why does the jawbone shrink after tooth loss?
The jawbone receives stimulation from the roots of natural teeth. After a tooth is lost, that stimulation disappears, and the bone in the area can gradually decrease in volume. The amount and rate of change vary between individuals.
Q When might I need ridge augmentation?
Ridge augmentation may be recommended when bone loss has changed the shape or volume of the jaw. It is commonly considered when additional bone is needed to support future restorative treatment, including certain dental implant cases.
Q Is ridge augmentation the same as a bone graft?
Ridge augmentation is a type of bone grafting procedure. Bone grafting is a broader term covering procedures that add or rebuild bone, while ridge augmentation specifically focuses on restoring the shape and volume of the jaw ridge.
Q Do I need ridge augmentation before getting a dental implant?
You may not need ridge augmentation before getting a dental implant. Some patients already have sufficient healthy bone to support an implant. An exam and imaging can help determine whether additional bone is needed before implant placement.
Q Can ridge augmentation be performed after a tooth extraction?
Yes. Bone grafting procedures may sometimes be performed in connection with a tooth extraction or after an extraction site has healed. The appropriate timing depends on the condition of the site and the patient's future treatment plan.
Q How long does ridge augmentation take to heal?
Healing time after a ridge augmentation varies according to the extent of treatment, the location of the graft, and individual healing factors. The graft typically needs time to integrate before certain subsequent procedures can be completed.
Q How do I know if I have enough bone for a dental implant?
A clinical examination and dental imaging of your jaw can evaluate the height, width, and condition of the available bone. This information helps determine whether there is sufficient support for a dental implant or whether bone augmentation should be considered first.
