Dental implants are successful when the conditions supporting them are optimal. The bone density needs to be able to support the pressure to which the implant will be subjected. Gum tissue needs to be healthy and sufficient, and the patient needs to be in a healthy state and have good oral hygiene. When these factors are met, the implant will be successful.
There are situations in which a patient would like an implant but the conditions are not ideal. Fortunately, in many cases, repairs or adjustments can be made so an implant will be successful. This is the case when the boney ridge surrounding the tooth (alveolar ridge) is not sufficient.
When a tooth has been missing for several years, the bone and the gum in that area will shrink. This often makes it difficult to place an implant without making some modifications at the site. Usually, this entails bone grafts to build up the bone or re-contouring the alveolar ridge. Ridge augmentation is a dental implant procedure where the alveolar ridge is improved so a dental implant can be placed.
Correcting Ridge Deficiency
When a tooth is extracted, the bone around the socket can be damaged in the process. Dental implants require a certain amount of bone in order for them to fuse properly. Additionally, the alveolar ridge needs to be of sufficient height and width to support the implant. Corrections must be made before implant placement.
When a tooth is first extracted and ridge augmentation is needed, bone graft material is placed in the socket and the gum is sutured over it to close it up and promote healing. Sometimes a space-maintaining product will be used during the healing process. This helps new bone grow to the needed height and width. After healing, the ridge is then prepared and the dental implant can be placed.
Ridge splitting is another surgical procedure in which the bone is manipulated in such a way to accept an implant without needing to remove any bone from the site. When the alveolar ridge is very narrow, ridge splitting may be used to create a space for the dental implant.
Ora Dental Implant Studio provides patients with the information they need to understand the implant process and procedures recommended for implant success. Contact us when you want to learn more about implant placement.