For you to take care of your teeth, you need to make sure that you visit the team from Lovett Dental Cinco Ranch at least twice per year for annual cleanings. Furthermore, your teeth also need to be adequately supported by alveolar ridges, which are two ridges of tissue that sit beneath your gums and provide adequate support to both your upper and lower teeth. Furthermore, these ridges also define the proportions of your smile. In some cases, your gum tissue and bone might have begun to recede recently. Therefore, you might visit us at one of our locations and realize that you need a ridge augmentation. We are here to help you with this and provide other dental services.

Who Is a Candidate for Ridge Augmentation?

dentist preparing a patient for ridge augmentationThere are numerous reasons why someone might need ridge augmentation services; however, the most common reason involves tooth extraction. If you had one or more teeth removed recently, then this could leave behind an empty socket in the bone. This could also create an indentation in the gum line.

Without a tooth to stimulate your jaw, your bone is probably going to start to recede. As a result, this can impact not only the aesthetic of your smile that also your ability to receive a dental implant in the future. At the same time, you also need to be healthy enough for this surgical procedure. Certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes, might impact your eligibility for this procedure. That is why we will discuss ridge augmentation with you end up before the procedure begins.

How To Prepare for Ridge Augmentation

If you are deemed to be a good candidate for this procedure, then a dentist will begin designing your treatment plan. Some of the steps involved in this plan include:

  • The dentist will take X-rays and other digital images to look for specific areas of degeneration that need to be targeted during the procedure.
  • Your dentist will also decide on the size and shape of your graft.
  • Your doctor will also take a look at the options for your crafts to make sure that we choose the best option possible for your situation.

Also, you are going to play a role in the preparation as well. If you smoke, you need to stop smoking for several weeks before the procedure to make sure that your mouth heals properly. Tobacco products, anticoagulants, and certain herbal supplements can also interfere with your oral surgery. That is why we want to know everything that you are taking before the procedure begins.

The Recovery Process

Once the procedure is finished, you need to give your mouth time to rest. You should avoid strenuous activities for a while after the procedure. You may also experience mild discomfort such as inflammation, swelling, and bruising for a week or two following the procedure. That is why we are going to follow you during every step of the recovery process. We may provide you with pain medication, and anti-inflammatory medications that you can take that will ease your discomfort. Of course, you should also refrain from smoking after the procedure has finished, which will slow your recovery process.

Trust the Team at Lovett Dental Cinco Ranch for Ridge Augmentation Services

If you have questions or concerns about an upcoming ridge augmentation procedure, we are here to help you. In addition to providing preventive care, we also provide emergency services as well. Our team is going to provide you with the personalized care that you deserve. To learn more about our professionals and how we can help you with all of your oral health needs, please contact us today at 713-244-7799 to make an appointment!