In our practice we are often asked to provide dental implants in sites where teeth have been missing for many years. During those years there is often a loss of jaw bone. Without the stimulation from the teeth our bodies repurpose the minerals in the bone for use elsewhere. Unfortunately this can result in an area without sufficient bone and soft tissue to place the dental implant for maximum function and good esthetics. A ridge augmentation procedure can restore the bone and tissues which have been lost, allowing for the best results for our patients. And the new dental implants stimulate the bone, much as the tooth roots did, so that it does not go away.
The Procedure
The ridge augmentation procedure is done in our office with local anesthetic for complete patient comfort. Sedation for anxiety relief is always available. The site to be reconstructed is exposed and bone grafting material, from a bone bank (which avoids the need to a second surgical site) is placed. This safe material is combined with concentrated growth factor (CGF) which is created from a small amount of your blood drawn at the time of surgery. The blood is spun down and the CGF is combined with the graft material. The result is faster healing and a more predictable result for our patients. The site is covered with a protective membrane and gently closed with a few stitches. You are seen for several short visits during the first few weeks to insure good healing and the site is typically ready for implants within 4-6 months. Most patients return to work the next day after the ridge augmentation procedure.