Jaw Augmentation (Ridge Augmentation)
Jaw Augmentation (Ridge Augmentation)
In severe cases, the ridge has been reabsorbed and a bone graft is placed to increase ridge height and/or width. This is a technique used to restore the lost bone dimension when the jaw ridge gets too thin to place conventional implants. In this procedure, the bony ridge of the jaw is literally expanded by mechanical means. Bone graft material can be placed and matured for a few months before placing the implant.
These procedures are usually done in the doctor’s office under local anesthesia with I.V. sedation or occasional general anesthesia. The procedures themselves are without pain. Post-operatively, there will be some swelling and some mild to moderate discomfort, especially from other procedures performed, such as tooth extraction, cyst removal, etc. Your doctor will prescribe an oral analgesic to help relieve your discomfort. If a more invasive second procedure is required to obtain bone (i.e. from your hip, chin area, etc.) then your post-operative discomfort will be increased but still manageable.
Are there different types of bone grafts & GBR membranes?
Yes. Some grafts are taken from different parts of the patient’s own body (i.e. from the hip bone or chin). Other grafts come from deceased human organ donor, from synthetic materials, and from highly purified bone mineral. Likewise, there are different types of GBR membranes. Some are made from synthetic polymers a must be removed during a second surgery several weeks or months later. Others are made from natural materials and are gradually resorbed (melted away) by the body.