Ridge Preservation in Wayne, NJ

At Fine Dental Care, we are dedicated to helping you achieve long-term oral health, especially following tooth extraction. Our ridge preservation procedure is designed to maintain the integrity of your jawbone, which is essential for both your overall oral health and the success of future dental restorations like implants. By choosing ridge preservation, you are taking a proactive step towards safeguarding your smile, enhancing your oral function, and preventing potential complications. Our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way, providing expert care and reassurance to help you achieve optimal dental health.

What Is Ridge Preservation?

Ridge preservation is a type of bone grafting procedure designed to prevent the natural shrinking of the jawbone that occurs after tooth extraction. When a tooth is removed, the empty socket can lose bone volume and density, affecting the contour of your jawline and complicating future attempts to place dental implants or other restorative devices.

The Importance of Ridge Preservation

Maintaining the jaw ridge’s original height and width after a tooth extraction is crucial for several reasons:

Prevents Further Bone Loss

A ridge preservation procedure can prevent the progression of bone loss after a tooth extraction. By promptly filling the tooth socket with a bone grafting material, this procedure supports and encourages the growth of new bone tissue. The graft material acts as a framework that allows new bone cells to deposit and integrate, thereby maintaining bone density and volume.

The procedure helps preserve the jawbone’s integrity and minimizes further deterioration that could complicate future dental treatments. By taking proactive steps through ridge preservation, we help safeguard your jawbone’s structural health. Jaw health is essential for overall oral health and the success of any subsequent dental procedures.

Prepares the Jaw for Dental Restorations

A well-preserved jawbone is fundamental for those considering future dental restorations. Ridge preservation provides a strong and stable foundation for supporting dental implants, bridges, or dentures. This stability is crucial for the longevity and functionality of these dental devices.

A preserved ridge ensures that implants have sufficient bone to anchor into, which is essential for the success and durability of the implant. Similarly, a stable jawbone helps achieve a more natural fit for bridges and dentures. A well-fitting restoration enhances comfort and effectiveness in daily functions like chewing and speaking.

Improves Aesthetic Appearance

Preserving the jaw ridge helps maintain your face’s natural contours and aesthetics. After a tooth is extracted, the jawbone can deteriorate due to a lack of stimulation, which leads to a change in your facial structure. This bone loss can result in a sunken appearance around the mouth area, affecting the look of your smile and the overall youthful appearance of your facial features. By performing ridge preservation, we ensure that the jawbone retains its original volume and shape. This prevents these undesirable aesthetic changes and maintains the natural alignment of your facial structure.

How a Ridge Preservation Is Performed

Ridge preservation involves inserting a bone grafting material into the tooth socket after the tooth has been extracted. This material can come from different sources, such as human or animal bone, synthetic compounds, or a blend of these materials. The chosen material acts as a scaffold that encourages new bone growth and stabilizes the socket.

After the graft material is in place, the area is usually covered with a collagen membrane, and the gum is sutured closed to promote healing. This process helps maintain the volume and shape of the jawbone as it heals, preparing the site for any future dental work, such as a mini dental implant.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from ridge preservation is generally straightforward. You may experience mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising. However, you can manage this with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses. It’s important to follow our provided post-operative care instructions, including diet modifications and oral hygiene practices, to ensure optimal healing.

As you heal, please avoid disturbing the graft site with your tongue or fingers and refrain from smoking, as it can disrupt the healing process.

We will typically schedule a follow-up visit to monitor the healing process and plan any future dental restorations.

Maintain Your Jaw Health at Fine Dental Care

At Fine Dental Care in Wayne, NJ, our team is committed to providing the highest standard of dental care. We use advanced techniques and materials for ridge preservation to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. Whether you’re preparing for a dental implant or looking to maintain your oral health after an extraction, our experienced professionals are here to guide you every step of the way.

If you need a dental extraction or want to learn more about ridge preservation benefits, contact Fine Dental Care today to schedule an appointment.