Ridge Augmentation

Dental implants usually are the most-desired form of tooth replacement. This is because they act most closely to a real tooth and they can last a lifetime. However, without a stable jaw bone, dental implants may not be an option. Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS  has found a way to correct this problem with a ridge augmentation.

A ridge augmentation replaces lost bone tissue along the ridge of a patient’s gumline. If the ridge where teeth are settled in loses width or height, implants may not be a realistic option for tooth replacement. This is because without a sturdy ridge, the implant will not last long or may not even be able to be placed at all. When a tooth goes missing, the ridge where the tooth sits can begin to deteriorate. If not replaced soon, the ridge may lose enough tissue so an implant cannot be held there anymore. When the tooth goes missing, a patient may not have the money, insurance, or time to have an implant installed. However, an implant may become possible for them in the future. This is why we offer ridge augmentation; to make implants possible again when bone has been lost.

Ridge augmentation involves taking bone graft material and placing it where the bone has been lost. The area is stitched up and allowed to heal for a few months. During this time, the bone graft material will also promote the ridge to grow even more. The area will then be ready for a dental implant to be placed.

If you have been told your ridge is too small for a dental implant, a ridge augmentation may be what you need. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS in our New Hyde Park, NY office, call us at (516) 233-2135 or visit our website, www.goinggrin.com. 

Gum Pocket Reduction

Advanced gum disease can cause gums to pull back from the teeth and form deep pockets. This is called gum recession. This can cause further infection of the gums, cause loss of teeth, and a lot of pain. Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS of New Hyde Park, NY is able to correct this problem with gum pocket reduction. This will not only improve the health of the gums physically, it will also help keep away gum disease once it is gone.

Before a gum pocket reduction is performed, the gum disease needs to be cleared up. Measures will be taken to clear the bacteria within the gums. This is typically done through a scaling and planing procedure. After this is complete, sometimes the gums do not go back to normal, keeping those deep pockets. The deep pockets make it easy for bacteria to re-infect the gums. Because of this, the gums need to be put back into their natural place.

To begin pocket reduction, your dentist will lift the gums up and away so that the deepest bacteria can be reached and removed. After the bacteria are cleared out from the gums and teeth, your dentist will replace the gum tissue so that it is tight against your teeth.

Gum disease is a serious matter as your oral health affects the rest of your overall health. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Amit Pandya, DDS in our New Hyde Park, NY office, call us at (516) 233-2135 or visit our website, www.goinggrin.com.