When Do I Need a Soft Tissue Ridge Augmentation?
Soft tissue ridge augmentation is often suggested when the patient has a large depression, cleft, or crease in the gum. These deformities can occur as a result of bone loss following the extraction of a tooth, periodontal disease, trauma, injury, wearing dentures, or development problems. Such defects can be esthetically unpleasing and/or have a tendency to trap food. If new teeth are fabricated to the level of the damaged gum, the result will be out of proportion to the adjacent teeth and look artificial or unnatural. This condition is often treated prior to fabrication of replacement teeth, like, for example, a new dental bridge.