Rebuilding your smile with advanced oral surgery techniques
Advanced Dental distinguishes itself from other dentists’ offices in Aliso Viejo, California, and beyond with an array of oral surgery capabilities and treatments. Led by Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula and board-certified periodontist Dr. Joseph C. Yang, our team stays true to its name with ongoing investments in the technologies and training to support precise, predictable, and safe implant and related surgical procedures, such as ridge augmentation.
The problem: Bone loss
When a tooth is lost, it also hastens the destructive process of bone loss. Here’s why … the bone in your jaw remains strong, healthy, and dense to the force generated by essential functions. These functions include using the teeth to chew or grind food into manageable pieces. The force is then transferred through the roots of the teeth to the jawbone. This process further encourages the osteoblast cells to build more bone tissue.
However, when a tooth is lost due to progressive decay, gum disease, injury, or other trauma, the bone no longer benefits from the force generated by eating and other basic behaviors. When there are no roots to transfer the force from the teeth to the jaw, the bone gradually shrinks or is resorbed. Many aesthetic and functional complications arise as a result of destructive bone resorption. Additionally, bone loss can present challenges to benefiting from the “best” in modern tooth replacement: dental implants.
Fortunately, due to our array of complete and sophisticated oral surgery capabilities, we can address bone loss with tailored and precision treatment.
Dental Ridge Augmentation in Aliso Viejo, CA
If you have suffered bone loss in your mouth and if you need a treatment such as dental implants, you may have to undergo a procedure such as a ridge augmentation to “prepare” the jaw for dental implants. At Advanced Dental in Aliso Viejo, CA, we offer a variety of ridge augmentation or preservation techniques and complementary procedures that predictably and safely regenerate lost bone.
Rebuild Lost Jawbone
Prepare for Implants
Safe Bone Regeneration
Predictable Results
The solution: Bone grafting
The term “grafting” refers to materials taken from the patient’s body or an external or donor source, which are then transferred to a part of the body that could use the augmentation or build-up of the deteriorated tissue. In addition to reconstructing or regenerating bone due to tooth loss, our doctors can also build up tissue that has been eroded due to periodontitis or gum disease. Here again, you benefit from the considerable expertise of our onsite specialist in periodontics, Dr. Yang.
As indicated, a bone graft/donor tissue or material may be used to restore or preserve the bony ridge in the jaw that surrounds the tooth roots and as a means of “preparing” the jaw for dental implant placement. Without this additional surgical intervention, patients whose ridges have sustained tissue loss would not be good candidates for standard implants. And implant-supported prosthetic teeth are widely considered a leading way to replace teeth because they mimic the design of natural teeth. The implant itself replaces the tooth root. No other prosthetic, be it conventional bridges or dentures, accounts for and replaces the roots that stabilize the teeth.
However, an adequate amount of jawbone must be present to provide a foundation for the implant and the restoration (crown, bridge, or denture) that is later attached to it. Insufficient bone does not promote healthy osseointegration or the healing and joining of the implant to the bone after it has been surgically positioned in the jaw. Simply put, if the jaw cannot support the implant, the implant cannot support the replacement tooth.
Ridge Augmentation FAQs
What is ridge augmentation, and why is it necessary?
Ridge augmentation is a procedure involving bone grafting that aims to restore parts of the jawbone that have experienced volume loss due to tooth loss, gum disease, or injury. When teeth are missing, the jaw no longer receives stimulation from chewing forces, causing the bone to gradually shrink. Ridge augmentation restores the height and width of the jawbone, improving both function and appearance while creating a stable foundation for future dental implants or other restorations.
How does bone loss affect dental health if left untreated?
Untreated bone loss can lead to significant oral health problems over time. As the jawbone shrinks, nearby teeth may shift, facial structure can change, and dentures may become unstable. Bone loss can also make it impossible to place dental implants later. In advanced cases, ongoing resorption weakens the jaw and limits restorative options, making early intervention especially important.
What materials are commonly used for ridge augmentation?
Ridge augmentation may involve bone taken from the patient’s own body, donor bone from a tissue bank, or synthetic grafting materials. Each option has advantages depending on the patient’s needs, bone quality, and treatment goals. The chosen material acts as a scaffold, allowing the body to generate new bone over time and restore lost structure in the jaw.
What happens during a ridge augmentation procedure?
During ridge augmentation, the surgeon accesses the affected area of the jaw and places grafting material where bone has been lost. The graft is then secured and protected to allow healing to begin. Anesthesia is used to keep the patient comfortable, and the procedure is carefully planned to support proper healing and future implant placement if needed.
How long does recovery from ridge augmentation usually take?
Initial healing typically takes a few weeks, though full bone regeneration can take several months. Recovery time varies depending on the amount of bone grafted and the patient’s overall health. Patients are often advised to follow a soft-food diet, avoid pressure on the area, and maintain excellent oral hygiene during healing to support successful outcomes.
What risks or complications are associated with ridge augmentation?
As with any surgical procedure, ridge augmentation carries some risks, including infection, swelling, discomfort, or delayed healing. In rare cases, graft material may not integrate as expected. Choosing an experienced provider and following post-operative instructions closely helps minimize these risks and supports predictable, safe healing.
How does ridge augmentation support successful dental implants?
Dental implants require a strong, stable bone foundation to fuse properly with the jaw. Ridge augmentation rebuilds bone volume, allowing implants to integrate securely through a process called osseointegration. Without adequate bone, implants cannot remain stable long term, making ridge augmentation a critical preparatory step for many implant patients.
Can ridge augmentation improve facial appearance?
Yes, rebuilding lost jawbone can help support facial structure. Bone loss often leads to a sunken or aged appearance around the mouth and jaw. By restoring bone volume, ridge augmentation can improve facial balance and provide better support for the lips and cheeks, contributing to a more natural appearance.
Is ridge augmentation always done before dental implants?
Not every implant patient needs ridge augmentation. Some individuals retain enough bone after tooth loss to support implants without grafting. However, if bone loss is present, ridge augmentation may be recommended to ensure implants have the support needed for long-term success and stability.
How long do the results of ridge augmentation last?
When properly performed and followed by good oral hygiene, ridge augmentation results are long-lasting. The regenerated bone becomes part of the jaw and can support implants or restorations for many years. Maintaining oral health and addressing tooth loss promptly helps preserve these results over time.
Contact Advanced Dental today to find out more!
There are many ridge augmentation or preservation techniques and complementary procedures that predictably and safely regenerate lost bone. So, you, too, can benefit from all that modern restorative dentistry offers. Enjoy your favorite foods again, effortlessly. Smile proudly. Speak confidently and clearly. Call (949) 289-9993 to schedule a consultation at our office in Aliso Viejo, CA, and get one big step closer to transforming your smile and life.
Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula
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Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula has been practicing dentistry for over 20 years. After advanced training at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, she relocated to Orange County, CA in 2015. Dr. Chitra is a member of the American Dental Association and California Dental Association. Committed to continuous education, she provides top-quality dental services using the latest advancements.
Dr. Joseph C. Yang
Dr. Joseph C. Yang has over 30 years of dental practice experience. He earned his B.S. from Washington University in St. Louis, MO, and his D.D.S. from the University of Illinois, Chicago. He then had a distinguished 30-year career as a U.S. Naval Dental Officer, including a residency in Periodontology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Dr. Yang is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a member of the American Dental Association and American Academy of Periodontology. As a board-certified Periodontist, he has performed thousands of successful periodontal and implant procedures. He is also a renowned lecturer and trainer in the latest implant and periodontal techniques worldwide.