Ridge Augmentation
Scarsdale and Mt. Kisco, NY
Ridge Augmentations provided by Dr. Gary Orentlicher and Dr. Andrew Horowitz in Scarsdale & Mt. Kisco, NY at New York Oral, Maxillofacial, and Implant Surgery
People needing to get dental implants may require some pre-implant procedures to prepare them for the prosthesis. If you are booked for implant placements, there is a chance you need ridge augmentation prior to implant placement.
Our oral surgeons at New York Oral, Maxillofacial, and Implant Surgery will first do a comprehensive inspection of the mouth to establish if ridge augmentation is needed when you come into our Scarsdale, NY office. Not every patient receiving implants requires ridge augmentation.
What Is Ridge Augmentation?
Ridge augmentation is a dental procedure that restores or improves the gum contour and the jawbone within the extraction site.
It is often used in cases where the jawbone has been damaged due to periodontal disease, trauma, or other causes like staying for long without replacing a missing tooth.
During the bone ridge augmentation procedure, a gum specialist will add synthetic or natural material to the ridge of the jawbone to rebuild the area and improve the appearance of the gum tissue.
Do I Need Ridge Augmentation?
There are several reasons that the bone in your jawbone may be compromised and a ridge augmentation would be required.
This may include previous dental conditions such as periodontal disease, significant trauma to the teeth, jaw, or face, long term partial or complete denture wear for many years, natural shrinkage of bone from premature tooth loss, and anatomic variations.
When dental implants are planned, ridge augmentation may be necessary to restore the normal volume of bone to the areas in preparation for dental implants.
Ridge Augmentation Procedure
For those who have had teeth missing for a longer period, a local anesthetic is given to numb the area, and an incision is made in the gum where the ridge augmentation is to be performed.
Bone graft material, containing bone, collagen, and/or proteins may be placed in order to encourage and stimulate bone growth. The incision is then sutured closed.
The grafted bone acts as a scaffold to stimulate new bone growth.
As new bone forms in the area, the graft is absorbed, a process that commonly takes 3-6 months.
A dental implant can then be placed in the area.
The bone for grafting can come directly from you, obtained most commonly from inside your mouth, or in some larger cases from your hip or shin.
Does a Ridge Augmentation Hurt?
A ridge augmentation does not hurt. The procedure is done under local anesthesia. The patient may feel a small amount of discomfort, but it is usually mild and does not last very long.
A ridge augmentation is not painful and does not require any sutures.
What Is Bone Graft Material?
Bone graft material is commonly used in ridge augmentation to help rebuild the lost bone structure and provide a stable foundation for dental implants.
The material can be picked from the patient's own body, from a tissue bank, or from a synthetic material.
The bone graft material is placed into the area of the jawbone that has been weakened or lost, and it helps to stimulate new bone growth and provide a robust base for the dental implant.
What Is the Best Type of Bone Graft?
The best bone graft material for ridge augmentation depends on the particular patient's needs and whether or not they have experienced bone loss.
Autografts, which use a patient's bone, are often considered the gold standard due to their high success rate and low risk of complications.
Allografts, which use harvested donor's bone, can also be used in some cases.
There are also synthetic bone grafts.
Is There an Alternative to Ridge Augmentation?
Yes, there are alternatives to ridge augmentation. These include ridge preservation and dental implants.
Ridge preservation is a process of saving the existing bone in the jaw. This process involves removing the injured or damaged teeth and then filling the area with a bone graft. This helps to keep the ridge intact and healthy.
Dental implants are medical appliances for lost or damaged teeth.
Read More About the Benefits of Dental Implants
FAQ's About Dental Implants
How Long Does Ridge Augmentation Take to Heal?
Ridge augmentation can take anywhere from three to six months to heal.
This depends on the size of the ridge, the type of bone graft material used, and the patient's overall health.
The ridge may take a little time to show up because it is made of hard and strong bone. When the ridge is put in, it presses on the skin, hence pushing it up.
Schedule a Consultation With Your Scarsdale, NY Oral Surgeons Today!
Please contact us at New York Oral, Maxillofacial, and Implant Surgery if you need a ridge augmentation. Call (914) 768-8220 for an appointment. |
