Tooth loss can be debilitating, resulting in cavities, pulp infection, gum disease, bone loss, or trauma. For treating tooth loss, one of the most popular replacement methods available is dental implants. These prostheses require a sufficient amount of bone structure to be successful since they are placed within the bone. In some cases when patients do not have sufficient bone or have compromised bone quality, they will undergo ridge modification which the dentist Newton MA, would be happy to assist with.
Read this informative blog to know everything about ridge modification.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are modern solutions to tooth replacements that are permanent. These are screw-like posts that are embedded into the jawbone and fuse with it through a process called osseointegration. It mimics lost tooth roots and offers strong and stable support and anchorage for restorations like crowns, bridges, and dentures.
What is ridge modification?
Ridge modification is a type of procedure to regenerate the missing bone that requires implant placement. For successful dental implants, you require healthy bone for titanium posts to attach to. You may lose bone due to several reasons like trauma, periodontal disease, or any damage caused by dentures.
Ridge modification reshapes and strengthens the bone so that it can successfully support a tooth.
How is ridge modification done?
The procedure for ridge modification is relatively simple and easy. It is performed by a dental or maxillo-facial surgeon under anesthesia.
- The gum near the affected area will be cut open and a flap will be lifted
- The area of deficient bone will be exposed
- The defect will be filled with bone or other grafting material
- Once filled the incision will be closed using suitable sutures and allowed to heal
What to expect after a ridge modification procedure?
The bone graft around the filled area is left to develop for around 4 to 12 months. You are likely to expect mild discomfort and slight pain after surgery. You would be prescribed suitable medications to manage pain.
Once the graft heals, your dentist will be able to start the procedure for dental implants. It is important to follow all post-operative care instructions given by your dentist.
Is ridge modification the same as bone grafting?
The bone grafting procedure is to stimulate the healing of the bone immediately following a tooth being pulled. Whereas ridge modification is performed on the bone that grew following the initial bone graft. The modification simply reshapes the bone that was grown from the original bone graft.
Keynote
If you are not a suitable candidate for dental implants due to compromised bone structure and health, seek dental care for bone-strengthening options like ridge modification.