Some people get a ridge augmentation done to help make the shape of their face or their mouth a bit more pleasing. However, it isn’t just a procedure that is done for cosmetic reasons.
More often than not, periodontists choose to perform a ridge augmentation to help restore the health of the mouth before a patient can have a restoration done from a missing tooth. Here is what your periodontist is going to look for to determine if this procedure is necessary.
When You Might Need a Ridge Augmentation
If you have missing teeth, you may find yourself in need of a ridge augmentation. This is when a bone graft is placed into the remaining bone after a tooth was lost or extracted. The easiest way to perform this procedure is to have the new bone graft put in immediately following an extraction. This keeps the socket healthier as it heals.
Typically, people need a ridge augmentation when there is at least one tooth missing in the arch of their teeth. The tooth should be replaced as soon as possible following it coming out, to keep the rest of your mouth healthy.
Even if you didn’t get this done as soon as a tooth was removed, you can still get it done. It allows your mouth to become healthy enough to restore it, even if a tooth has been gone for a significant amount of time in most cases.
If you want to find out more about ridge augmentations, ask your periodontist. They can let you know which parts of your mouth could benefit from this type of procedure. They can show you which specific areas can benefit from the procedure, plus, they can explain the entirety of the procedure to you so you can decide if it would be right for you.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (210) 598-8933 today!
