A woman in her 50s recently suffered from severe pain in the first and second molars on the right side of her upper jaw, and the teeth were shaking greatly. A medical examination revealed that periodontal disease had caused serious damage to the alveolar ridge. Although the dentist recommended the extraction of these two teeth, the woman resisted extraction, so the dentist formulated a treatment plan for proper tooth reconstruction, using alveolar ridge preservation surgery and full-mouth periodontal disease treatment. The woman was successfully reconstructed after surgery and restored a healthy bite.
Li Fangxin, an attending physician at the Department of Periodontology at Chi Mei Hospital, said that periodontal disease is a common oral disease. The accumulation of plaque and calculus causes inflammation of the gums, which in turn causes damage to the alveolar bone. The alveolar ridge is an important structure that supports the teeth. If damaged by periodontal disease, the teeth may become loose or even fall out. Even if the teeth are extracted, the alveolar ridge will shrink severely, making it difficult to reconstruct subsequent dentures.
Li Fangxin pointed out that after examination, this woman found that periodontal disease had caused serious damage to the alveolar ridge, so it was recommended to extract the teeth. However, she was worried that after the tooth extraction, the alveolar ridge would collapse severely, making it difficult to implant teeth. She would no longer be able to have good chewing function, and she resisted tooth extraction for a time.
After understanding the woman’s concerns, Li Fangxin suggested that the patient undergo alveolar ridge preservation surgery immediately after the two teeth were extracted to preserve the maximum width and height of the alveolar ridge. While waiting for the subsequent dental implants, full-mouth periodontal disease treatment was arranged, so that the woman could successfully complete the reconstruction treatment with two dental implants in the missing tooth area on the right side of the upper jaw without having to undergo a second extensive bone repair surgery, and restore healthy bite function.
Li Fangxin said that alveolar ridge preservation surgery is mainly to prevent alveolar ridge atrophy after tooth extraction. It should be intervened immediately after tooth extraction to reduce the loss of alveolar bone and provide an ideal alveolar ridge foundation for future dental reconstruction treatments such as dental implants. There are many treatment methods for alveolar ridge preservation. A relatively simple method is to place collagen in the extraction cavity after tooth extraction to protect the extraction cavity. If the extraction cavity has extensive damage to the alveolar ridge, it is recommended to fill the extraction cavity with a bone graft and cover it with a regenerative membrane to stabilize the material and promote bone regeneration.
Li Fangxin emphasized that preventing periodontal disease is far simpler than treating it, and good oral hygiene habits are the most effective key. For patients who plan to have dental implants, alveolar ridge preservation can effectively improve the stability and success rate of implants. However, the amount of bone replacement is still limited and currently requires self-pay. However, the treatment plan suitable for each person is different. Professional doctors need to judge and find the most suitable option. After the operation, careful care and follow-up observation are also required according to the doctor’s instructions.
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