Jawbone Expansion (Ridge Expansion)

➢ Why Is the Jawbone Expanded?

Jawbone expansion is a procedure applied especially to prepare an area that has been toothless for a long time for implant placement. Over time, the edentulous area experiences bone loss, resulting in narrowing both vertically and horizontally. Bone grafts are added horizontally to the ridge in this area to provide sufficient support for the implant, ensuring adequate bone support for the implant.

➢ What Is Sinus Floor Elevation (Sinus Lifting)?

Sinus lifting is performed especially for patients who have no teeth in the posterior region of the upper jaw when there is insufficient bone height. The membrane covering the sinus floor is lifted, and bone powder is placed underneath, thereby raising the sinus floor.

There are two methods for this procedure:

1. If a large area and several teeth are involved in the implant work, a window is opened in the gum from inside the mouth via the cheek, and the procedure is performed through this window. This is a two-stage surgical procedure. The implant is placed six months later during a second surgery.

2. The second method is used when fewer teeth are missing and more bone is present. The sinus floor is elevated through the socket prepared for the implant, and then the implant is placed. This technique is also called socket lifting.

➢ Mandibular Nerve Repositioning:

When there is significant bone loss in the posterior region of the lower jaw, the nerve may be at risk during implant placement. To prevent this complication, the position of the nerve can be altered before implant placement so that it is safely away from the implant site.

In this method, the gum is lifted from the bone, a portion of the bone is removed, and the mandibular canal is accessed. The mandibular canal is then repositioned either labially/buccally or lingually, or deeper space is created for the canal so that the implant does not contact the nerve. This ensures that the implant can be placed safely without damaging the mandibular nerve. In such cases, the patient is protected from complications such as numbness, swelling, or paresthesia.