Ridge Augmentation in Louisville, KY & New Albany, IN
Ridge augmentation is used to reestablish the natural contour of your jaw. Following a tooth extraction, your jawbone will start to weaken and deteriorate to the point of recession. The tooth socket, once supported by the removed tooth, will begin to shrink in both height and width. An indentation in your gums and jawbone where the tooth once was will now develop. When your tooth is gone the bite pressure is not exerted on the jawbone. This lack of pressure stimulation on the bone will result in the atrophy of the bone.
Why Might You Need a Ridge Augmentation?
It is strongly suggested that you visit PerioImplant Associates to replace a tooth shortly after you have lost a tooth so the jawbone will not atrophy too much too quickly. If you wait too long and your jawbone does deteriorate, we will recommend a ridge augmentation treatment to halt and reverse this process.
- Your gum disease has resulting in the deterioration of the soft tissue.
- You have missing teeth which is causing the jawbone to atrophy.
- You are suffering from developmental defects that will not allow enough gum or bone tissue to form in certain areas of your mouth.
- You have experienced some form of oral trauma, such as an impacted tooth below the gumline.
- Wearing your traditional dentures has deteriorated the jawbone and affected the gums.
The Ridge Augmentation Procedure
During your ridge augmentation procedure, PerioImplant Associates will strategically place the necessary soft gum tissue or hard bone tissue to the area of your mouth that needs restoration. This surgical technique will augment the bone or gum tissue for both functionality and cosmetic purposes.
After the bone gains increased width, or height, or both, a dental implant will now have more stability in the jawbone, which will allow it to integrate with the jawbone successfully. We might suggest the ridge augmentation procedure for specific aesthetic concerns, or to secure a dental implant in place of a missing tooth.
There are two kinds of ridge augmentation procedures: soft tissue or hard tissue.
If PerioImplant Associates is performing a soft tissue procedure, which is usually done for visual reasons and to improve the cleanliness of a specific site, we will first administer a local anesthetic to numb the area before we begin. We will make a small incision to expose the site. Next, we will obtain a soft tissue graft from either the roof of your mouth or another source and insert the graft. We suture the area closed to begin the healing process.
Before we can surgically place a dental implant, a hard tissue graft might be necessary. If so, once again the immediate area will be numbed prior to the start of the procedure. Next, we will make a small incision and lift the gum away to reveal the bone regression. Once the bone graft has been placed, your gum tissue will be repositioned and sutured closed over the graft.
Contact Our Practice Today
Our goal is to get you back to smiling and chewing with confidence. With our qualified staff and compassionate team, we will listen to your questions and desires to find the best solution for your dental health.
Aftercare Following Your Post Ridge Augmentation Surgery
Ridge augmentation will vary from patient to patient, but it is conceivable that it could take an extended period to fully recover from your procedure. PerioImplant Associates will explain your recovery plan and expectations so you have a clear understanding of what you will need to do to continue improving your oral health.
Following your ridge augmentation procedure, you will be advised to avoid hard foods, as they can damage the sutures and slow down your healing time. It is also best to avoid sipping through a straw or smoking. You may also have some trouble chewing and talking following your ridge augmentation procedure, which is common.
Once you have completed your recovery process, the most important thing you can do is to continue to practice your good oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice a day and for at least two minutes each time and to continue flossing daily.
In addition to these crucial at-home care practices, the next best thing you can do is to compliment your efforts with a regular checkup every six months. During these routine exams, we will conduct professional teeth cleanings and monitor the overall state of your oral health, catching and stopping any issues before they can develop.
The Cost of Your Ridge Augmentation
The cost of your ridge augmentation surgery will vary depending on your individual needs and your treatment plan. We will discuss with you the cost of your ridge augmentation treatment and your available payment options prior to starting, so that you can make the most comfortable choice for your situation.
Our Specialists Tell Our Story Best
Ramsey Burton, DMD
Dr. Ramsey Burton is originally from Nashville, TN. He received both his undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Louisville. Following dental school, he completed periodontal specialty training at the University of Kentucky.
Courtney Shearer, DMD, MS
Dr. Courtney Shearer was born and raised in Louisville, KY. She attended Washington and Lee University for her undergraduate degree. She then attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry where she received her Doctorate in Dentistry.
Jodie Lusby, DMD, MSD
Dr. Jodie Lusby is a Board Certified Periodontist and grew up in Florence, KY. He attended the University of Kentucky where he received his biology degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then attended the Louisville School of Dentistry.
A Warm and Caring Welcome to Our Practice
Our entire team at PerioImplant Associates has one dominate focus, and that is to serve you. It can be natural to be apprehensive about visiting a general dentist, or even a dental specialist such as a periodontist. Understanding this, we always take our time in explaining the benefits of the procedure that is being proposed for your oral health. Both offices, Louisville, KY, and New Albany, IN, are superbly trained to address any oral health issues and concerns. We will share the aspects of your periodontal treatment, introduce our staff, and explain the general office policies. Call us today about an evaluation for a ridge augmentation procedure for you. Each of us will always greet you with a smile and when you are finished you will have a healthy smile that you will be eager to share.