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.