Ridge Augmentation Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Ridge Augmentation Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Everyone has two alveolar ridges that run below your gums. These ridges provide support to your lower and upper teeth and help define the proportions and curvature of your smile. If these bones have begun to recede, either due to periodontal disease or following the loss or extraction of a tooth, your periodontist may recommend scheduling a ridge augmentation procedure. A ridge augmentation may also be recommended
for patients who have aesthetic concerns about the appearance of their jaw and/or to help secure implants if a tooth has been extracted or missing.
Following the loss of a tooth or a tooth extraction, the jawbone immediately begins to deteriorate and weaken as the socket, which was previously supporting the tooth that has been removed or lost begins to shrink, both in width and height. A ridge augmentation is an effective method of halting and reversing this process, and will also help facilitate an increase in bone or gum tissue in the affected area of the mouth to improve the overall functionality and general appearance and provide adequate support for a dental implant to be placed. The two types of ridge augmentations that can be performed are hard tissue and soft issue.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our specialty trained periodontists Drs. Zalewsky, Daru, Alkakhan, Fields, Gupta, and Lakkis have years of experience treating a wide range of stages of gum disease and placing dental implants. To learn more about the ridge augmentation procedure, our clinic facilities, or to schedule an appointment, contact our Alexandria, VA office at (703) 823-2422 or our Washington D.C. office at (202) 296- 3360.
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Dr. Alkakhan
Dr. Waleed completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, gaining advanced clinical training in surgical treatments. His thirst for expertise led him to specialize in Periodontics and Implant Surgery at the prestigious Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). At MUSC, he served as Chief Resident of Periodontics and conducted groundbreaking research on macrophage plasticity during periodontal inflammation, earning a second Master's of Science degree.
Dr. Daru
In 2005, Dr. Daru embarked on her educational odyssey, crossing continents to pursue her passion for dentistry. She obtained her Master of Science in Oral Biology and a certificate in Periodontics from the prestigious New York University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore, in 2010. During her academic years, she delved into intensive research, particularly focusing on innovative bone regeneration techniques, showcasing her dedication to advancing the field.
Dr. Fields
Dr. Fields, a native of Lexington, Kentucky, embarked on his dental journey at Georgetown College, where he earned a B.S. degree in biology/chemistry. He then pursued his passion for dentistry, graduating with a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) from the University of Louisville in 1989. Additionally, he earned the prestigious Ma.C.S.D. degree, specializing in IV conscious sedation, showcasing his commitment to advancing his skills and knowledge for the benefit of his patients.
Dr. Gupta
Driven by a dedication to excellence, Dr. Gupta embarked on a transformative periodontal residency at the University of Detroit Mercy. Here, she earned her Master of Science and a certificate in Periodontics while simultaneously serving as an adjunct faculty for the School of Dentistry for three years. Her commitment to advancing dental knowledge took her to an international stage, where she presented groundbreaking research on clinical treatment for gum recession and root coverage at a prestigious conference in London.
Dr. Lakkis
Dr. Dima Lakkis earned her DDS with honors in 2006 and completed her Periodontics training and Master of Science at Case Western Reserve. She is Board Certified and a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology. Dr. Lakkis provides a full range of periodontal and implant treatments, with advanced training in cosmetic procedures. She is an active member of several dental organizations and has published in the Journal of Periodontology on the link between periodontal and systemic health.
Dr. Zalewsky
Following his military service, Dr. Zalewsky pursued advanced training at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry. There, he earned a Certificate in Periodontics and Oral Implantology, along with a Master of Science in Oral Biology. This comprehensive training equipped him to handle intricate periodontal conditions and complex oral implant procedures with precision and skill.
Ridge Augmentation Procedure Expectations
The ridge augmentation procedure will begin with administration of a local anesthetic. Once the area is properly numbed, your periodontist will make a small incision in your gum to allow access to the bone. Depending upon what type of ridge augmentation procedure you are having performed, your periodontist will either place soft gum tissue or hard bone tissue. Soft tissue ridge augmentations are generally done to address cosmetic concerns. For this type of ridge augmentation, a soft tissue graft will typically be taken from the roof of your mouth and then inserted into the graft, after which the area will be sutured shut so the healing process can begin.
Patients who need to have a dental implant placed will typically have a hard tissue graft. The grafting material can be human (your own or a donor, also known as allograft) animal (xenograft), or synthetic material (alloplast). Once the graft is properly position, the area will be stitched shut so the healing process can begin. As soon as the bone has gained sufficient height and width, the patient will be ready to have a dental implant placed.
Ridge Augmentation Aftercare
The recovery process following ridge augmentation surgery can vary widely from patient to patient, depending upon the severity of your case. It can take as short as a few weeks or as long as one year for the bone to finish growing and healing. Because there is such variance in the recovery process, it is important to discuss what your unique recovery plan will be with your periodontist prior to having this procedure performed.
Immediately following your ridge augmentation, you will need to stick to a soft food diet, slowly reintroducing harder foods as the healing progresses. It is also important to avoid smoking or using straws for the first week or two following the procedure, as doing so will create unnecessary pressure.
Once you have completed the recovery process, it will not be necessary to follow special aftercare instructions, although it is important to be aware of the reason this procedure was needed in the first place. Continue practicing good daily oral hygiene practices. Brush and floss twice daily, and schedule regular visits to your periodontist to ensure that your teeth receive regular professional cleanings, which will reduce your risk of developing gingivitis or periodontitis. If you follow these best practices, you will enjoy a bright and healthy smile for many years to come.
Ridge Augmentation Cost
The cost of a ridge augmentation procedure will depend on a variety of factors, including your dental insurance plan, whether or not additional procedures are required, the severity of your case, and what type of dental sedation (if any) was used.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to ensuring that money is not a deterrent to our patients receiving the optimal dental health care they deserve. For this reason, we offer a range of payment options regardless of what type of treatment you are having, which our staff will be happy to explain and assist with. Our office insurance coordinators work with other insurance companies to assist patients with their claims.
For your convenience, Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry accepts cash, check, debit and credit cards (Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and Discover). Our clinic also accepts GreenSky Patient Solutions, a financing option for procedures and treatments not typically covered by insurance, or when insurance does not cover the entire cost. We are happy to provide an application in our office, you can find out more information about this service at https://www.greensky.com/patient-faq/.
Providing you with Optimal Care
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are proud to provide optimal care for patients in the Washington D.C. and Alexandria, VA area, and are dedicated to collaborating with your dentist to provide you with the customized treatment you deserve. In addition to having state-of-the-art equipment, we are also committed to creating a peaceful and relaxing environment, with amenities such as personal movie screens, neck pillows, and soft blankets available regardless of what procedure you are having performed.
To schedule your appointment for ridge augmentation, contact us today. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain a bright and healthy smile!