Dental Implants - Ridge Modification  

 

Today, teeth implant treatment has become a common way of restoring missing teeth, mainly due to the strength and longevity of dental implants. However, not everyone may be found suitable for teeth implant treatment. In order for a teeth implant procedure to be successful, it is vital for the bone in the area of the missing tooth to be adequate. Patients who do not have enough quantity or quality of jawbone may be advised certain procedures prior to the treatment, to build up the bone and create space for placing a dental implant. One such procedure is known as the 'ridge modification procedure'.

 

What is a ridge modification procedure?

 

A ridge modification procedure is performed to correct certain deformities in the jaw, which would have otherwise resulted in a patient being found unsuitable for dental implant treatment. When an individual loses a tooth, perhaps due to an accident or gum disease, their jawbone gradually begins to recede to fill up the hole left by the missing tooth, resulting in a small indentation. This is a normal, naturally occurring process. Sometimes, deformities in the jawbone can also be caused by wearing ill-fitting dentures. In addition, some patients may be born with a deformed jawbone.

 

During the consultation stage, the implant dentist will take x-rays and cone-beam scans of a patient's teeth and jaw, to determine if any deformities are present. If yes, sometimes an implant dentist may recommend a ridge modification procedure to create sufficient jawbone for dental implants to be securely placed. Ridge modification is not a complex procedure, and can be completed in a few steps.

 

Below is a basic overview of the procedure:

 

• An incision is first made in the gum tissue to expose the bone.
• Bone graft material is placed around the deformity.
• The incision is stitched up.

 

In rare cases, the implant dentist may even fit the dental implants at the same time as the ridge modification.

 

Located in London, The Harley Street Dental Clinic is experienced in fitting teeth implants. The highly skilled dentists at the Harley Street Dental Clinic are dedicated to patient comfort, for which the clinic has developed an outstanding reputation not only in London and the UK, but also in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

 

The Harley Street Dental Clinic is one of UK's leading dental implants clinics, and can be contacted on 020 7486 1059 or info@hsdc.net.