Overview
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.
Best Candidates
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.
What to Expect
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.
Dental Health Reviews
Excellent dentist. Compassionate and caring. Everything explained well and she's highly skilled.
Dr Ellison's office is the happiest and friendlyest dental practice I've ever had in my 81 years. I've had all sorts of dental work done at her practice, implants, crowns, extractions and general exams and cleaning. The med techs that assist in all procedures are well educated and trained well. At 81, I wasn't sure about having another implant so I asked Dr Ellison and we had a 20 minute chat to help me with my decision. She went over X-rays and we discussed pros and cons and with her help decided to have an extraction instead of a transplant since it was a tooth in the background and would not be seen when smiling and would not interfere with chewing. At 81 I thought this was a smart choice. Dr Ellison is so pleasant, friendly and professional all at the same time. Same with her entire staff right up to the front desk who are also very helpful in answering questions. I can recommend this dental office wholeheartedly without hesitation.
Very pleased
The went the extra mile for me and my initial needs, making extra appointment times available just for me. fabulous, positive staff, soothing communication from doctors with a personal touch of communication. Thrilled to have found their practice, very grateful. Small bump in the road initially with office staff, but was quickly addressed and have been very pleased and grateful ever since
I’ve been with them since moving to Vermont in 2019. Dr. Ellison and every other contact I’ve had there has been great.
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Average Rating
Recovery
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.
Insurance Coverage
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
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.