Maxillary Ridge Augmentations is a dental term that refers to the insertion of artificial bone into the upper jawbone to improve its shape or size. The word is spelled as [mæk'sɪləri] [rɪdʒ] [ɔːɡmɛn'teɪʃənz] in IPA phonetic transcription. The symbol /k/ is used to indicate the sound of "k" as in key, while the symbol /ɪ/ represents the sound of "i" as in sit. The symbol /ə/ indicates the central vowel sound, and the symbol /ʃ/ represents the "sh" sound. The word "augmentations" is spelled with the letters "au" to indicate the "aw" sound as in caught.
Maxillary Ridge Augmentations refer to a dental surgical procedure aimed at enhancing the bone structure of the maxillary (upper) jawbone. The maxillary ridge, also known as the alveolar ridge, is the bony arch that supports the upper teeth. Over time, this ridge may experience bone loss or resorption due to reasons such as tooth loss, gum disease, or trauma.
During a maxillary ridge augmentation, a dental professional typically uses bone grafting techniques to regenerate or rebuild the deficient areas of the maxillary ridge. Bone graft material, which can be sourced from the patient's own body (autograft) or from artificial or animal sources (allograft or xenograft), is placed in the areas where bone volume is insufficient. This bone graft material serves as a scaffold for new bone growth and facilitates the integration of surrounding tissues.
The procedure is usually carried out by an oral surgeon or a periodontist, and it can be done under local or general anesthesia depending on the extent of the surgery. Over time, the grafted bone fuses with the patient's own bone, resulting in the restoration of a stronger and more stable maxillary ridge.
Maxillary ridge augmentations are typically performed in preparation for other dental procedures, such as dental implant placement or the fabrication of dentures, as a strong and healthy maxillary ridge is essential for successful dental restorations. The success of the procedure relies on proper surgical technique, appropriate bone graft material selection, and post-operative care.