Overview
When a tooth has been removed, the remaining socket and the surrounding bone begins to deteriorate. This may result in a noticeable indentation of the gums and/or an area of low density in the jaw. In such cases, skilled oral surgeons Drs. Stephen DeMarco, Diego Miron, and Luis Delgado may perform a ridge augmentation bone grafting procedure. Also known as horizontal or vertical alveolar ridge augmentation, this procedure utilizes bone grafts to reestablish the alveolar ridge, which is the region of the jaw that supports your teeth. The augmentation procedure can build the bone back up to the original height and width in order to prepare the mouth for an implant. Ridge augmentation may also be performed for cosmetic reasons, such as to correct the appearance of misshapen gums or reform sunken facial features. At Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons in Albany, NY, ridge augmentation can be performed with numerous bone grafting options. Schedule an appointment with a member of our elite surgical team to find out more information about ridge augmentation, dental implants, and other approaches to restore your smile.
Best Candidates
Ridge augmentation may be right for you if you have lost bone density in the alveolar ridge or bony arch that supports your teeth. Bone loss in the upper or lower jaws may be the result of losing one or more teeth, advanced periodontal (gum) disease, or physical trauma that has occurred. When a tooth is extracted from its socket, the surrounding structure often collapses, which can leave little bone to support tooth replacement with an implant and change the appearance of the face, gums, and jaw. If you are wanting to build up the shape of your gums or boost bone density to support an implant, ridge augmentation might be a suitable procedure to address your goals.
What to Expect
A ridge augmentation is generally performed as an outpatient procedure that will often be completed with IV sedation. Ridge augmentation may be done directly after an extraction in an effort to preserve the site for dental implant placement or to restore bone that has already been lost. Once you are prepared, our experienced surgical team will place bone grafting material into the tooth socket or make an incision in the gums to access the area of bone deterioration. Additional bone regeneration factors or techniques may also be applied at that time to speed healing and encourage your body to create new tissue on its own. When sutures have been placed and your ridge augmentation bone grafting procedure is complete, our team will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your sites as you heal.
Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Reviews
Everyone at the office was friendly, kind and instantly made me feel safe/not worried about the procedure. I was able to make an appointment with ease in a very timely fashion. My issue was treated in less than 24 hours. I highly recommend this practice! Every part of my experience was wonderful
Yesterday I visited the office for the final procedure of my implant, "journey." I arrived early, took a seat in the waiting area and my name was called almost immediately. I was escorted to the procedure room by a bright, cheerful nurse, who explained what would be happening this visit. I mentioned that I am an anxious person and I was calmed by their understanding of my anxiety, Their confidence assured me that this procedure would get done, that day. As a person who has struggled with anxiety and suffered from crippling panic attacks for decades, it was significant to feel that confidence from them. I had a very real concern that I would have a panic attack which would prevent the completion of the procedure that visit. As I reclined in the procedure room a second nurse, just as warm and upbeat as the first, entered the room, as well as the Doctor, and the procedure commenced. I can only estimate, heaven knows I'm no oral surgeon, that roughly 90% through the procedure, I felt my anxiety take hold and take over my body. Panic attacks are pretty paralyzing by nature and mine happen to be extremely physical. First I feel light headed, then all color leaves my face, then I break out in a full body sweat, followed by visible chills. The instant the color left my face, the doctor and nurses took action. The procedure was stopped. I was feeling helpless, scared, embarrassed, and guilty that I was taking time from these individuals and waiting patients. Then the swift, expert caregiving began. An ice pack was applied to the back of my neck, then another was applied to my forehead. (it's worth mentioning, an ice pack without a hand to hold it rarely stays. So I was single handedly monopolizing one nurse, who was kind enough to hold the ice pack against my head) I was given constant compassionate reassurance by the nurses and doctor that everything was alright. I was gently instructed to breathe slowly through my nose. My condition was not improving significantly, so a nurse handed me a cup of apple juice and encouraged me to sip. Slowly I sat up and not long after I felt my physically symptomatic panic take over, again. I gave only the slightest indication I was going down-hill and one of the two nurses reclined the chair I was in again. An I.V. was quickly and skillfully placed and fluids were administered. At this point I had two ice packs (one nurses' hand), oxygen and an I.V. A precarious position to be in for an individual deep into a panic attack. Some time passed and I was soothed by the cool collected casual conversation of the two attending nurses. The doctor said that he only had one quick thing to do before my procedure was completed, and I was happy to get that quick step over and done right then. The doctor took maybe 30 seconds to complete that last step and then that was done. Unfortunately, my anxiety was not. There was nothing more that could be done for my body to improve my condition. I needed something that cannot be packaged or sterilized, something that brings comfort to the soul... and that something was being in the presence of two of the most warm, caring, down to earth, hilarious, professional women I've ever had the pleasure of almost losing consciousness around. Brittany and Kaylee were a dream. Their lighthearted conversation distracted my anxious brain and their attentiveness to my condition made me feel safe. At no point did I feel rushed or that I was an inconvenience of any kind, something that, sadly, is incredibly rare in a medical practice. These two women are incredible, compassionate caregivers. They are a joy to be around. True treasures. I cannot possibly express my gratitude for the care and reassurance that I received from Brittany and Kaylee, but I thought I'd do my best to try.
Absolutely 100% ! A plus. 4.0. On every level. Dr. Diego Miron and associate professionals and complete Staff! And a big thank you for my Dentist Dr Walsh #1 for the referral!
The entire experience was excellent, all staff and Dr Delgado were the most professional I've ever met. They are the best!
Very friendly staff. Strongly recommended 👍👍👍
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Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
Recovery
If you received sedation for your procedure, you need to have a responsible friend or family member escort you home and stay with you for a couple of hours. You might have some soreness, swelling, and discomfort following a ridge augmentation procedure. A member of our team will supply you with the necessary aftercare instructions, prescriptions, and diet restrictions to help you experience a smooth healing process. Please contact our office right away if you have any questions or indications of an infection. A follow-up appointment with our Albany, NY team may be scheduled so that we can remove your sutures and check on your healing. In most cases, it may take 6 – 9 months for the graft to fully integrate with your jaw.
Insurance Coverage
During your treatment consultation, our expert oral surgeons will customize your ridge augmentation plan and discuss your bone grafting and sedation options. Our team can also help you choose the treatment that best matches your oral health needs and budget. Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons accepts many payment methods and can provide information on medical financing with CareCredit® to help make your procedure easier to afford. If you carry dental insurance, a member of our team will call your provider to determine your benefits and calculate your personal expenses.
Ridge Augmentation
Ridge augmentation can be quite helpful in rebuilding decreased bone density that occurs after tooth loss, gum disease, or physical injury. In such a case, our surgical specialists may recommend this type of bone graft to restore jawbone volume for you to have the ability to receive a dental implant. If you have tooth and bone loss and are considering a dental implant for tooth replacement, we welcome you to contact Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons in Albany, NY to receive more information on ridge augmentation.