Ridge Augmentation in West Brattleboro, VT

Sometimes when a tooth is extracted, the remaining socket and the bone surrounding it breaks or doesn't heal properly. This can make a deformity of the gums and/or an area of low density in the jawbone. When this occurs, our board-certified Dental Health team can execute a ridge augmentation. Also known as vertical or horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation, this procedure uses bone grafts to restore the alveolar ridge, which is the area along the roots of the teeth. The augmentation procedure will build the bone back up to its original height and width in order to prepare your mouth for a dental implant. A ridge augmentation may also be performed for cosmetic reasons to correct the appearance of misshapen gums. At Dental Health in Brattleboro, VT, a ridge augmentation can be performed with multiple bone graft options. Schedule a consultation with Dental Health to learn more about ridge augmentation, dental implants, and other procedures to restore your mouth.

You may be a candidate for ridge augmentation if you have lost bone density in the alveolar ridge of a tooth or teeth. This is usually due to complications after a tooth extraction. When a socket does not properly heal on its own, it can cause cosmetic flaws of the gums and mouth. If you are wanting to build up the original shape of your gums or increase bone density to support an implant, ridge augmentation may be an appropriate procedure to address your needs.

Ridge augmentation is an outpatient treatment that will typically be performed with IV sedation. A ridge augmentation procedure can be done directly after a tooth extraction or separately if needed. The first step will be to place the bone graft inside the socket where the tooth was removed. After that, the gums will be shaped over the graft before they are sutured closed. It may be necessary in some cases for our Dental Health team to add a second material to the graft in order to create the space and height that matches the original look.

After your procedure, you need to have a responsible adult take you home and stay with you for at least a few hours. You may have some pain and discomfort following a ridge augmentation. A member of the Dental Health team will supply you with the necessary aftercare instructions, diet restrictions, and prescriptions to ensure that you have a smooth recovery process. You should contact our office immediately if you have any concerns or signs of an infection. You may need to schedule a follow-up appointment to have your stitches removed and allow us to monitor your progress. In most cases, it will take around 4 – 6 months for the bone to heal before implant surgery can be performed.

During your consultation, the Dental Health team will customize your ridge augmentation treatment, exploring options like bone grafting and sedation. They will also discuss estimated costs for each option so your treatment best fits your needs and budget. The Dental Health team accepts many payment methods and we can help you find low-interest medical financing to make your ridge augmentation easier to afford. If you have dental insurance, a member of our team will contact your provider to determine your coverage and calculate your out-of-pocket costs.

Ridge augmentation can be very effective in rebuilding lost bone density and soft tissue that sometimes occur after tooth extraction. The Dental Health team can shape your gums and use a bone graft to add the needed structure for you to be able to receive an implant. If you're ready to restore your smile and replace your lost tooth, then contact Dental Health in Brattleboro, VT to inquire about ridge augmentation.