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Effective Ridge Augmentation & Bone Grafting

Bone Grafting and Ridge Augmentation Washington DC

Washington D.C. Prosthodontist providing Bone Grafting and Ridge Augmentation Helping Dental Implant Patients Suffering from Bone Loss

Whether due to tooth loss, gum disease, or trauma, bone loss in the jaw is a common problem for many people. The longer a failing tooth goes unreplaced, the greater the amount of bone deterioration. If you suffer from bone loss, dental bone grafting can help you preserve a vibrant smile and healthy appearance by restoring the mass and structure of your jaw.

Experienced implant and cosmetic specialists Dr. Gerald Marlin provides exceptional dental bone grafting and ridge augmentation procedures frequently referred to as oral surgery services to patients with complex dental needs. To learn more about how they can help you, please contact Elite Prosthetic Dentistry today online or at 202-244-2101 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Marlin. Our state-of-the-art facility in Washington DC welcomes patients from across the country and local areas, including Bethesda, Arlington, and nearby communities in Maryland and Virginia.

A Successful Bone Grafting Surgery

In this example, the tooth position potentially jeopardized the bone when removed, and the ridge had a 45⁰ angulation while being too narrow (5.6mm) to receive and restore an implant. Therefore, the tooth was precisely extracted, preserving the bone, and bone grafting/ridge augmentation was performed to widen the ridge to 10.4mm while changing its angulation from 45⁰ to 20⁰. By rejuvenating the bone, the implant was preplanned and inserted to fit in an ideal position directly below the temporary crown.

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Dr. Marlin is not only committed to bone preservation as a priority, but also saving teeth, when possible. In addition, he has helped thousands of patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health. He will carefully evaluate your unique situation and develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. 

What Is Dental Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is an oral surgery procedure designed to correct bone loss. During the operation, the lost bone is restored by adding bone-like material to deficient areas in preparation for dental implant placement. Once placed, the bone graft is given time to heal and integrate with the surrounding bone.

Successful bone grafting:

  • Enables the secure placement of dental implants
  • Preserves the area for future treatment
  • Restores the jaw contour and facial profile
  • Improves biting, chewing, and speaking functionality

While grafting can help your bone preserve and support the socket, the results are not indefinite. Dental implants should be placed within four to twelve months to deliver long-lasting support and full functionality. Without placing implants, your graft may eventually resorb over time.

 

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watch: What is Ridge Augmentation and How Does it Help Our Dental Implant Patients?

What Is Ridge Expansion?

The ridge bone is the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. When a tooth is missing, the ridge bone starts to deteriorate. The ridge may also lose density as a result of disease or aging. Either way, the ridge bone must be augmented in order to add enough height and horizontal width to receive dental implants.

Ridge expansion is a procedure that can be performed when the jaw is not wide enough to support implants. Through one aspect of this oral surgery procedure, bone graft material is added to the outside of the ridge, or during a different type of procedure special drills are used to expand the ridge internally with bone being added in the newly developed “tooth” socket. The graft sites are then protected by a special barrier membrane. This creates a space between the divided sections of bone that can be filled with bone graft.

What Causes Bone Deterioration?

Any time a tooth is missing, the surrounding bone will shrink as it is no longer needed to support the tooth. Bone can atrophy from: 

This degradation makes it challenging to replace the missing tooth and may damage the adjacent teeth. When multiple teeth are lost, this can lead to a shrunken facial profile, making you look much older than you are. Using today’s superior technology, expert prosthodontist, Dr. Marlin, can rebuild the bone at the time of tooth extraction, which will preserve the vital structures.

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Real Patient Results

When it comes to your smile, you deserve the best. Review our many satisfied patients’ incredible transformations by viewing our before and after gallery!

Schedule Your Bone Grafting/Ridge Augmentation Consultation Today

Dr. Marlin is a nationally renowned implant and cosmetic specialist who is highly experienced in rebuilding the foundations of a beautiful smile. He and our team are committed to providing the highest standards of quality and integrity in a warm, welcoming environment. To schedule your bone grafting consultation, simply call 202-244-2101 today. We serve patients from Washington DC, Bethesda, Arlington, and nearby areas of Maryland and Virginia, as well as nationwide.