Ridge Augmentation and Alveoloplasty Procedure
Ridge Augmentation
Ridge augmentation is a common dental procedure often performed following a tooth extraction to help recreate the natural contour of the gums and jaw that may have been lost due to bone loss. The alveolar ridge of the jaw is the bone that surrounds the roots of teeth. When a tooth is removed, an empty socket is left in the alveolar ridge bone. Usually, this empty socket will heal on its own, filling with bone and tissue. However, when the bone around the socket breaks down and cannot heal on its own, ridge augmentation may be necessary to restore the natural contour of the gums and jaw.
This procedure is crucial for patients considering dental implants, as a proper bone foundation is essential for the implant’s stability and success. During a ridge augmentation, bone graft material is placed in the socket where the tooth was extracted. This bone graft can be obtained from a variety of sources, including your own body, a donor, or synthetic materials. The graft helps your body rebuild the bone and tissue in the area, ensuring that it remains strong enough to support an implant.
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Alveoloplasty Procedure
Alveoloplasty is a surgical procedure used to smooth and reshape the jawbone (alveolus) in areas where teeth have been removed or lost. This process is essential in creating a smooth, even surface on the jawbone, which is particularly important for patients planning to receive dentures or dental implants. It is often performed at the same time as tooth extraction to prepare the jaw for future dental prosthetics.
The procedure involves trimming and reshaping the alveolar ridge, which may have become irregular after tooth extraction. By carefully molding the bone, alveoloplasty helps to ensure a better fit for dentures or other dental prosthetics, reducing the likelihood of discomfort or irritation. The term ‘plasty’ means molding, and in this context, it refers to the careful shaping of the bone to create a uniform surface.
Ridge Augmentation and Alveoloplasty: Complementary Procedures
Ridge augmentation and alveoloplasty are often performed together, particularly in cases where significant bone loss has occurred. While ridge augmentation focuses on rebuilding the lost bone, alveoloplasty ensures that the new bone is smooth and properly contoured. These procedures are critical in providing a stable foundation for dental implants and ensuring that dentures fit comfortably and securely.
Both procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia, with sedation available for patients who may feel anxious or uncomfortable. The recovery process involves allowing the bone to heal and integrate with the graft material, a process that can take several months. Proper post-operative care, including following all prescribed instructions and attending follow-up appointments, is crucial to ensure successful healing and long-term stability of the bone structure.
What is alveoloplasty?
Alveoloplasty is a common dental procedure often performed following a tooth extraction. This procedure helps recreate the natural contour of the gums and jaw that may have been lost due to bone loss from tooth extraction, or for another reason.
The alveolar ridge of the jaw is the bone that surrounds the roots of teeth. When a tooth is removed an empty socket is left in the alveolar ridge bone. Usually, this empty socket will heal on its own, filling with bone and tissue. Sometimes when a tooth has been removed the bone surrounding the socket breaks and is unable to heal on its own. The previous height and width of the socket will continue to deteriorate.
Rebuilding the original height and width of the alveolar ridge is not always medically necessary, but may be required for dental implant placement or for aesthetic purposes. Dental implants require bone to support their structure and a ridge augmentation can help rebuild this bone to accommodate the implant.
Does alveoloplasty hurt?
Alveoloplasty is a relatively simple procedure that can be done under local anesthesia and sedation, so you will not feel any pain during the process. The surgery takes about an hour and it is usually done on an outpatient basis, meaning that you will be able to go home after surgery.
How long does it take to heal from Alveoplasty?
Alveoloplasty dental is a procedure that is used to correct some of the problems that occur in the upper jaw. It can be done as a part of other treatments or on its own. The procedure removes some of the bone and reshapes it so that it can support a dental implant. The surgery usually takes about an hour to complete and recovery time is usually around two weeks. The surgery is done under general anesthesia and patients will need someone to drive them home after the procedure is completed. Recovery time can vary depending on how much bone was removed during the surgery, but most people are able to return to work after one week following their procedure.
How is alveoloplasty accomplished?
Alveoloplasty is accomplished by placing bone graft material in the tooth socket. It is often done immediately after the tooth is removed to avoid the need for a second procedure later. Next, the gum tissue is placed over the socket and secured with sutures. Dr. Henriksen, Dr. Holleman or Dr. Treinen may choose to use a space-maintaining product over the top of the graft to facilitate new bone growth. Once the socket has healed, the alveolar ridge can be prepared for dental implant placement.
An alveoloplasty procedure is typically performed in Drs. Henriksen, Holleman and Treinen’s office during the extraction procedure.