Ridge modification is a highly effective procedure designed to correct deformities and irregularities in your upper and lower jaws. These structural problems can develop from various causes, including periodontal disease, facial trauma, injury, long-term denture wear, or developmental issues that occurred during jaw formation.
When these defects are present, they often leave insufficient bone structure for successful dental implant placement. Additionally, they can create unattractive indentations in your jaw line adjacent to missing teeth, affecting both the function and appearance of your smile.
Ridge modification is a precise surgical procedure that rebuilds and reshapes your jaw ridge to create the optimal foundation for dental implants and restore your natural facial contours.
During your ridge modification treatment, we carefully lift the gum tissue away from the ridge area to fully expose the underlying bony defect. This allows us to assess the exact extent of the problem and plan the most effective reconstruction approach.
The bony defect is then filled with carefully selected bone graft material, which can help regenerate your natural bone, or with a high-quality bone substitute that integrates seamlessly with your existing bone structure. We select the most appropriate grafting material based on your specific needs and the extent of reconstruction required.
Once the grafting material is properly positioned and shaped, we carefully reposition the gum tissue and close the incision with precision sutures. The surgical site is then protected to promote optimal healing.
Following your ridge modification procedure, several months of healing will be required to allow the grafted material to fully integrate with your natural bone. During this healing period, your body works to rebuild strong, healthy bone structure that can support dental implants for decades to come.
Depending on your specific case, the type of implant planned, and the condition of your bone, we may be able to place your dental implant during the same appointment as your ridge modification procedure. However, in many cases, we prefer to wait until healing is complete to ensure the strongest possible foundation for your new implant.
This decision is made based on careful evaluation of your bone quality, the extent of reconstruction needed, and your individual healing characteristics. Our goal is to provide you with the most predictable, long-lasting results possible.
Ridge modification offers significant improvements that extend far beyond just preparing for dental implants:
Enhanced Facial Aesthetics - By restoring proper jaw contours and eliminating unsightly indentations, ridge modification helps restore your natural facial profile and creates a more youthful, balanced appearance.
Improved Oral Function - A properly reconstructed ridge provides the stable foundation necessary for optimal chewing function and clear speech, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and communicate with confidence.
Long-Term Implant Success - Ridge modification creates the ideal bone volume and quality needed for dental implants to integrate successfully and remain stable for many years, protecting your investment in your oral health.
Restored Confidence - With improved facial support and the knowledge that you have a strong foundation for replacement teeth, you can smile, speak, and eat with renewed confidence.
At our Delray Beach practice, we use advanced ridge modification techniques to help you achieve the strong, healthy jaw foundation needed for beautiful, functional dental implants that will serve you well for years to come.
Phone: (561) 272-5858 Fax: (561) 272-5615 Address: 505 S.E. 6th Ave., Suite A Delray Beach, Fl 33483
Hours: Monday and Wednesday 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M., Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M., Friday: 8:00 A.M. - 12 P.M.