Ridge Augmentation
What Is a Ridge Augmentation?
Ridge augmentation is a common procedure designed to restore the natural shape of your gums and jaw after tooth loss. When a tooth is extracted, the socket in the bone where the tooth once sat is left empty. In many cases, this socket heals naturally, filling in with bone and tissue over time. However, if the surrounding bone cracks or breaks during the extraction, it may not heal properly on its own. As a result, the height and width of the bone can shrink, changing the structure of the jaw over time.
While rebuilding the alveolar ridge (the bone that surrounds your tooth roots) may not always be medically necessary, it can be crucial for certain situations. For instance, dental implants rely on a strong and stable bone foundation for support. A ridge augmentation helps rebuild the bone structure, creating the right conditions for implant placement. Additionally, some patients choose this procedure for aesthetic reasons, as it can restore the natural contours of the jaw and gums for a more balanced appearance.
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Restoring Smiles With Ridge Augmentation in Conway, SC
Ridge augmentation is a restorative procedure designed to rebuild the natural contours of the jaw and gums that may have been lost due to tooth extraction or bone loss. At Rollar Oral Surgery, we offer ridge augmentation to patients in Conway, SC to not only improve the aesthetics of your smile but also prepare the jawbone for dental implant placement. By restoring the height and width of the alveolar ridge, ridge augmentation ensures a strong foundation for implants and enhances oral functionality. Below, we’ll explore what ridge augmentation entails, why it may be necessary, and how the procedure is performed. Contact us today to learn more about ridge augmentation and schedule a consultation.
Who May Benefit From Ridge Augmentation
You might be an ideal candidate for ridge augmentation if you:
- Have lost teeth and are planning for dental implants
- Want to restore your jawline’s natural contour for improved facial balance
- Have bone loss from extractions, gum disease, or trauma
If your dentist has mentioned that your bone is too thin or weak for implants, ridge augmentation could be the answer. We frequently assist patients from Conway, SC and nearby areas in rebuilding lost structure and confidence.
Signs That Ridge Augmentation May Be Needed
- Bone loss visible after a tooth is removed
- Jaw pain or discomfort in areas with missing teeth
- Loose dentures caused by shrinking jawbone
- Collapsed bite or shifting bite alignment
- Thin gum tissue over a toothless area
- Difficulty chewing due to unstable restorations
- Gaps forming between teeth post-extraction
- Facial asymmetry or changes in appearance
- Chronic irritation beneath bridges or dentures
- Indentations along the jaw ridge
- Trouble getting implants due to low bone volume
- Delayed healing after a tooth removal
- Tissue shrinkage at the site of a missing tooth
- Neighboring teeth drifting into empty spaces
- Sunken or hollow jaw area where teeth are missing
Conditions That Often Require Ridge Augmentation
- Bone loss from untreated missing teeth
- Severe gum disease leading to bone damage
- Jawbone shrinkage after extractions
- Long-term denture use causing bone atrophy
- Facial trauma from accidents or sports
- Congenital jawbone deficiencies
- Failed implants due to weak bone support
- Thin or narrow alveolar ridge
- Sinus expansion after upper molar loss
- Jaw infections like abscesses or osteomyelitis
- Removal of cysts or tumors from the jaw
- Facial deformities affecting jaw shape
- Misaligned teeth needing bone reshaping
- Atrophic ridge from prolonged tooth loss
- Bone loss linked to systemic issues like osteoporosis
Educating Patients
Informed Consent & Oral Surgery VideosAt Rollar Oral Surgery, we’re committed to ethical care and a positive surgical experience. That’s why we offer a detailed Patient Library.
Inside, you’ll find videos that build trust, ease anxiety, and help patients feel prepared:
- Informed Consent Videos explain risks and benefits clearly
- Educational Videos walk patients through procedures, prep, and recovery
- Patient Instructions and more