Dr. Frantz Backer, lead dentist at Advanced Dentistry of New York, in Jackson Heights, New York, frequently works with patients who need more than the average biannual dental cleaning. In many cases, Dr. Backer refers patients to a surgeon for procedures that are intended to prepare the mouth for dental implants. This is the case when a patient’s jawbone is not large enough to accommodate dental implants, or the jawbone has become misshapen and is unable to support the implants. A procedure called ridge modification widens the jawbone or molds it into a shape that is more suitable for implantation. Following the modification of the jawbone, the implants are installed, and usually within a year of the initial implant consultation, a patient is eating and drinking normally, as if he has a full set of natural teeth. Dr. Backer explains that once modifications have healed and implants are successfully installed, a patient can return to his regular dental routine.
Causes of Jawbone Deformity
Some patients’ jawbone is simply not large enough to fit the implant. In other cases, the jawbone may be weak. Sometimes the reason the jawbone is deformed is the same reason an implant is needed. For instance, years of wearing dentures can create deformities in the jawbone. A patient may decide to get a dental implant to avoid the inconvenience of dentures, but after committing to the transition, he finds that the dentures were more than just inconvenient, they actually altered the structure of his jawbone.
In other cases, a patient’s jawbone was never adequate. There may have been developmental defects as the jawbone was forming, creating implant installation difficulties later in life. Other people experience events that result in a weakened or receded jawbone. If a tooth is lost due to decay or injury, the bone where the tooth was will recede, creating an indentation in the gum. When the time comes to install the implant, this space will need to be restored with bone material.
The Procedure
Ridge modification is a fairly simple surgery. It is performed under a local anesthesia. The process includes making an incision in the gum, lifting the gum to expose bone, using a bone grafting procedure to build up the inadequate bone, and closing the incision. Some dentists prefer to let the grafting material bond for several months before installing the implant, and others do both procedures at the same time. Once the process is complete, including the installation of the implant, the work will be visibly unnoticeable. Those with dental implants have a natural-looking smile and are able to treat their teeth exactly as someone would who has a mouth of natural teeth.
Aesthetics
Aside from providing the support for a dental implant, a ridge modification also helps make a patient’s smile look better. If implants are able to be installed into a jawbone that has receded, the indentation may still be visible and the implant will appear longer than the other teeth. Without the modification, the gumline will be uneven and the teeth will look unnatural. One of the main reasons people choose dental implants over traditional dentures is because it provides a more natural-looking solution for replacing teeth. Patients who are planning to get dental implants should speak with their dentist about any changes needed to create the appearance of a natural smile.
Risks
The risks associated with ridge modification are minor but include infection, bleeding, or a problem with the bone grafting material fusing with the natural bone. The dentist will provide instructions for care following the procedure, but if a patient develops a fever, experiences excessive bleeding or excessive pain, or feels as if the implanted tooth is loose, he should contact his dentist. In most cases, the transition to dental implants is uncomplicated and seamless. Those who have dental implants report feeling confident with their smile and pleased with the convenience of caring for their implants.
If you are considering dental implants but your jawline is damaged and unable to support the implant, there may still be hope for implants in your future. Speak with an experienced, knowledgeable dentist like Dr. Frantz Backer of Advanced Dentistry of New York.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
