Ridge modification for dental implants

Dental implants sometimes require certain “prep” surgeries, so to speak. That is, some patients will need modifications made to their sinus floor and/or jawbone in order to place a dental implant. One such procedure is called “ridge modification.”

In order for the procedure to be successful, the bone where the dental implant is placed must be strong and wide. Some patients seeking dental implants don’t have sufficient jawbone. One common problem is deformities in the jawbone. The condition or event that caused the need for a dental implant often simultaneously causes an irregularity in the jawbone.

When you a lose a tooth, perhaps due to gum disease or trauma, your jawbone recedes. This is a normal, naturally occurring event. When the jawbone recedes because it is no longer holding a tooth, an indention in your gums and jaw can appear where the tooth used to be.
Additionally, wearing dentures can sometimes create deformities in your jaw, as can development defects in the formation of your jawbone.
During the consultation phase, your dentist will take x-rays of your teeth and jaw. At that time, your dentist will be able to detect any deformities you may have in your upper or lower jaw.

The good news, though, is that patients with jawbone deformities don’t have to rule out dental implants. Ridge modification can be used to correct the deformities and restore sufficient jawbone.

Ridge modification is not a complex surgery. The entire surgery essentially consists of four major steps.

Here is a basic overview of how ridge modification is performed:

• An incision is made into the gum
• The gum is lifted to expose the defect
• The defect is built up with bone graft so that it is level with the ridge
• The incision is closed

Aesthetics is another reason for ridge modification. The indentation itself is often visible and pronounced, which may bother a patient. More importantly, however, is the fact that a replacement tooth set in an indentation will look longer than your natural teeth. Ridge modification is an effective way to even out the jawbone for attractive, natural looking dental implants.

After all, patients get dental implants to rebuild their beautiful smile. You want to take every step you can to ensure the best results.
Ridge modification may or may not be a separate surgery from the dental implant. Some dentists place the dental implants at the same time as the modification, others don’t. Your dentist will decide which approach is best for your individual needs. Should your dentist choose to wait, it takes anywhere from four months to a year for the bone to grow and form a strong base for the dental implant.

Ridge modification is an outpatient procedure. Most of the time the surgery can be performed in your dentist’s office. You will be given a local anesthesia for pain control. Patients sometimes request a sedative.

Ridge modification has proven to contribute significantly to the success rate of dental implants. If you have an indentation or deformity in your jawbone, talk to your dentist about the possibility of ridge modification. Your dental implants will look and function better.