Mandibular Ridge: What It Is and Why It Matters

The mandibular ridge, also known as the alveolar ridge, is the bony structure in your lower jaw that supports and anchors your teeth. It is an important part of your oral anatomy, contributing to oral function and health. Understanding this structure is important for dental care and potential oral health changes.

Understanding the Mandibular Ridge

The mandibular ridge is located along the superior border of the mandible, the lower jawbone. This ridge is composed of alveolar bone, a specialized bone that forms tooth sockets. Along with the gingiva (gums), periodontal ligament, and root cementum, alveolar bone forms the periodontium, which secures teeth. Periodontal ligaments within the sockets absorb chewing forces and signal the bone to maintain its structure.

Changes to the Mandibular Ridge

Alveolar bone resorption, the gradual loss of this specialized bone, is a common change affecting the mandibular ridge. It primarily occurs after tooth loss because the stimulation from periodontal ligaments, which maintain bone structure, is no longer present. Without chewing forces, the alveolar bone begins to resorb.

After tooth extraction, the empty socket fills with a blood clot, then fibrous tissue. This leads to a noticeable reduction in ridge height within two months, and bone loss continues at a slower rate throughout life. The ridge can become flatter and narrower, impacting the lower jaw’s shape and height. Severe bone loss can make it difficult for new bone to form, and the resorbed bone may not return to its original form even with treatment.

Mandibular Ridge and Dental Prosthetics

The condition of the mandibular ridge directly influences the success and fit of dental prosthetics like dentures and dental implants. A well-preserved ridge offers better support and stability for conventional complete dentures. Conversely, a significantly resorbed ridge can lead to loose, ill-fitting dentures, causing discomfort and making it challenging for patients to adapt.

For dental implants, sufficient bone volume and density in the ridge are necessary for successful placement and integration. When bone loss has occurred, the jawbone might be too narrow or shallow to securely anchor an implant. In such situations, bone grafting or ridge augmentation becomes necessary to rebuild the lost bone and provide a stable foundation for the implant. These procedures involve adding bone graft materials to the deficient area, sourced from the patient’s own body or a donor, to restore the ridge’s dimensions.

Maintaining Mandibular Ridge Health

Maintaining good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, contributes to overall oral health and indirectly supports the mandibular ridge. Regular dental check-ups allow professionals to monitor jawbone condition and address concerns early. Promptly replacing missing teeth, especially with dental implants, can help preserve the alveolar bone. Dental implants stimulate the bone similar to natural tooth roots, minimizing bone loss. Unlike traditional dentures or bridges, implants are embedded directly into the jawbone, providing stimulation to maintain bone structure and density.

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