Ridge Preservation
in Long Island

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A ridge preservation or augmentation is a procedure to restore lost jaw bone after the absence of a tooth for a period of time. The augmentation rebuilds the ridge so a dental implant is possible.

Senior man sitting in dental chair holding a mirror and smiling.

What Is The Gum Ridge?

A gum ridge, also known as a dental ridge or alveolar ridge, is a bony ridge in the upper or lower jaw that contains the sockets of the teeth. It is the part of the jawbone that surrounds and supports the teeth. When teeth are lost or extracted, the gum ridge can sometimes become less prominent or resorb over time. This can affect the fit and stability of dentures or other dental prosthetics.

To resolve this issue, ridge augmentation or ridge preservation can restore the form of the ridge and eliminate the concavity. This allows a periodontist to place replacement teeth resulting in a natural appearance again.

How Is The Procedure Performed?

Periodontist explaining about dental implants to a patient.

Dr. Scharf will assess the area using X-rays or 3D imaging to evaluate the extent of bone loss and plan the augmentation procedure accordingly. The area to be treated is numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel pain during the procedure. Sedation may also be an option, depending on the complexity of the case and your preference.

The gum tissue at the augmentation site is gently lifted to expose the underlying bone. If necessary, Dr. Scharf will create a space in the existing bone to accommodate the graft material. Bone graft material, which can be sourced from your own body (autograft), a donor (allograft), animals (xenograft), or synthetic materials, is placed into the prepared area.

In some cases, a barrier membrane is positioned over the graft to protect it and encourage new bone growth. This membrane prevents soft tissue, like gums, from infiltrating the healing area. The gum tissue is stitched back together to cover the graft material and create a stable environment for healing.

Over the next few months, your body will naturally integrate the graft material with your existing bone. Regular check-ups allow your dentist to monitor the healing process and ensure the graft is successfully integrating with your natural bone.

Why Choose Dr. Scharf?

Dr. Scharf - Periodontist Long Island, NY

Dr. David Scharf is one of the foremost experts in the New York area for ridge augmentations. He has developed and published an innovative technique that is utilized for repairing collapsed ridges. This technique has been published in the International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry. This same technique is utilized by periodontists and oral surgeons worldwide.

Woman with blond hair smiling in a dental chair.

Ridge preservation is an excellent way to correct the loss of jawbone that prevents you from receiving a dental implant. If you still have questions regarding ridge preservation, contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions.

If you are in need of a dental implant but have been missing teeth for an extended period of time, or if have other aesthetic reasons for ridge preservation, please call us today!

Dr. David Scharf and his team are happy to serve the greater New York area. We’re waiting to help make your smile healthier and brighter!

Long Island Ridge Augmentation

ADDRESS:
98 East Main Street
Babylon, NY 11702
Get Directions

PHONE: (631) 661-6633

OFFICE HOURS:

  • Monday: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Thursday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Book your appointment today

Call our office at (631) 661-6633