What is the meaning of Ridge Augmentation?
Ridge Augmentation is widely used term in Dental Procedures.
Ridge augmentation, also known as alveolar ridge augmentation, is a dental procedure performed to add height or width to the alveolar ridge, which is the bony ridge on the upper or lower jaw that supports the teeth. This procedure is typically done to create a more stable foundation for dental implants or to improve the aesthetic appearance of the gums and teeth.
During ridge augmentation, a dental specialist, such as a periodontist or an oral surgeon, will use various techniques to enhance the ridge’s dimensions. This can involve utilizing bone grafts or bone substitutes to increase the ridge’s width, height, or both. The bone graft material may be taken from the patient’s own body (autogenous graft), a donor (allograft), or synthetic materials (alloplastic grafts).
The procedure begins with local anesthesia to numb the area, and an incision is made in the gum tissue to gain access to the alveolar ridge. The bone graft material is then placed and secured onto the ridge, and the incision is sutured closed. Over time, the patient’s natural bone will fuse and integrate with the graft, creating a stronger ridge structure.
Ridge augmentation is an important preparatory step before dental implant placement, as it ensures that the implants have enough support and stability to successfully replace missing teeth. Additionally, ridge augmentation can improve the overall aesthetics of the smile by providing a fuller, more natural appearance to the gums.
It is important to note that ridge augmentation is a specialized procedure that should be carried out by a qualified dental professional. The specific techniques and materials used may vary depending on the individual patient’s needs and the dentist’s expertise.
Feel free to get in touch with experts, if you have any questions about Ridge Augmentation. You can also browse more terms meanings on our dictionary page.