Ridge Preservation

What is Ridge Augmentation?

Ridge augmentation is a procedure in which the dentist uses grafting material that’s taken from external sources (animal parts, other humans, the individual’s body, or synthetic materials)to protect the empty socket of the missing tooth and prevent bone loss. That’s why this procedure is also known as dental socket preservation.a

Is Bone Graft Necessary after a Tooth Extraction.?

Bone graft is not necessary after a tooth extraction. In fact, many people don’t get ridge preservation after tooth extraction. But it’s still extremely beneficial and highly recommended.

There are a number of reasons why you may need bone graft ridge preservation after tooth extraction. The following are some of the most important reasons.

• Dry Socket: Dry socket is a condition in which the empty socket left after the tooth extraction becomes extremely sensitive. This is because the socket is only protected by a blood clot after the extraction. When the blood clot comes undone, it can expose the nerves lying underneath the socket, which makes you extremely sensitive to external environmental conditions. This is dry socket and it can be extremely painful. Ridge preservation can protect your socket and prevent dry socket.
• Bone Preservation: The root of your tooth is surrounded by a bone known as the alveolar ridge. This bone isn’t necessary but it’s important if you want to get dental implants later because the metallic post will have to be inserted into the ridge to support the dental crown or bridge. However, when you lose your teeth, this bone gradually starts eroding and it gets to such a point that you don’t have sufficient bone structure for the dental implants. With ridge augmentation, you can ensure that your bone structure remains intact even if you’re missing a tooth. As such, you’ll have the option to get dental implants later if you’re interested. 
• Aesthetic Preservation: When you lose one of your teeth, the surrounding teeth start drifting away and get misaligned, which can ruin the cosmetic appearance. Ridge preservation and dental implants can keep your teeth in place and enhance your cosmetic appearance. 

What are the Advantages of Bone Grafting?

The following are some of the main advantages of bone grafting:

• If you get a bone graft immediately after removing your teeth, you can preserve the alveolar ridge and prevent bone loss.
• If you’ve already suffered from bone loss, then a bone grafting procedure can help with bone regeneration.
• Bone grafting allows you to preserve or restore your bone structure, which, in turn, allows you to get dental implants, which is the best replacement for missing teeth. Dental implants are metal posts or frameworks that are inserted into your jawbones so they become a part of your body and then dental crowns or bridges are attached over the implant. As such, bone grafting helps you replace your missing teeth perfectly.