Ridge Augmentation Wilmington, DE

Ridge augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to restore the bone in areas of the jaw where it has been lost due to tooth extraction, trauma, or disease. The jawbone naturally deteriorates after a tooth is lost, and this can create an uneven or recessed ridge that is not ideal for dental implant placement. Ridge augmentation helps restore the jaw’s natural contours, providing a stable foundation for implants and improving the overall appearance of the smile.

Dr. Conor Campbell and Dr. Louis Rafetto perform ridge augmentation procedures to add bone material to areas of the jaw where bone loss has occurred. This procedure can be combined with other treatments, such as bone grafting or sinus augmentation, to create the ideal conditions for implant placement. It is minimally invasive and performed with the utmost care to ensure proper healing and the best possible results.

Ridge Augmentation: What to Expect

Ridge augmentation is typically performed in a dental office or surgical setting and may involve several steps:

Preoperative Assessment: Before the procedure, your oral surgeon will conduct a thorough examination, which may include X-rays or 3D imaging. This assessment helps to determine the extent of bone loss and plan the best approach for augmentation.

Anesthesia: On the day of the procedure, anesthesia will be administered to ensure your comfort. Depending on the complexity of the case, local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia may be used.

Bone Grafting: During the procedure, Dr. Campbell or Dr. Rafetto will access the affected area and place bone graft material where the bone needs to be rebuilt. The graft material may come from a few different sources:

  • Autograft: Bone harvested from another site in your body, such as the hip.
  • Allograft: Donor bone from a tissue bank.
  • Xenograft: Bone from an animal source, typically bovine.
  • Synthetic materials: Biocompatible materials designed to promote bone growth.

After placing the graft material, we will carefully close the surgical site with sutures. The duration of ridge augmentation can vary depending on the complexity of the case, but it generally takes one to two hours.

The Recovery Process

The healing process for ridge augmentation usually takes several months. During this time, the graft material will integrate with the existing bone, a process known as osseointegration. Regular follow-up appointments will be necessary to monitor your healing progress and ensure that the graft is successfully integrated.

Recovery from ridge augmentation is a crucial aspect of the procedure and can influence the long-term success of your dental implants. Our team is committed to your healthy recovery and will provide post-treatment care instructions, including recommendations for pain management and dietary restrictions. 

Following the surgery, you may experience some swelling and discomfort, which is normal. Soft foods are typically advised during the initial healing period. During recovery, it’s essential to avoid smoking and limit physical activity to promote healing. We may also recommend avoiding certain medications, like blood thinners, during the recovery period.