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, Timothy Adams, 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
Yesterday, I went to have a tooth extracted by Dr. DeMarco. The procedure only took about 20 minutes and everything went well. When it was over I was given printed and detailed instructions for the next few days. Also included was extra gauze and a quick acting ice bag. I followed all the home care instructions and had no problems at all. I would highly recommend his services.
Over the years, I have needed extensive oral surgery. Dr. DeMarco has been the best surgeon I’ve had and I would highly recommend him. His office and surgical staff are great. Very professional and attentive.
excellent dr, excellent staff, no wait.
Dr Marcos was very kind and attentive to our special circumstances.
The professional staff including prescribers and surgeons, as well as nurses and medical/dental technicians are extremely competent, caring, and very courteous. The same holds true for the front desk staff as well as the administrative staff.
185
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.