How long does the ridge augmentation healing process take?

The healing process for ridge augmentation typically takes several months. During this time, your body works to integrate the grafting material and generate new bone tissue. The exact duration varies among patients, but we closely monitor your progress and advise when it's safe to proceed with any planned dental implant procedures.

Will I experience pain during or after the ridge augmentation procedure?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with or without sedation, ensuring you don't feel pain during treatment. After the procedure, some discomfort is normal but can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications. Your oral surgeons will provide detailed instructions on pain management and recovery to support a smooth healing process.

Can ridge augmentation be combined with other dental procedures?

Yes, ridge augmentation can often be combined with other dental procedures, depending on the patient's specific needs and oral health condition. In some cases, it may be performed in conjunction with tooth extraction to preserve bone immediately. Your oral surgeon will create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all aspects of your oral health, potentially combining ridge augmentation with other necessary procedures for optimal results.

Ridge Augmentation | Seattle, WA, Oral Surgeons

Build a Strong Foundation for Dental Implants with Our Seattle Oral Surgeon

At Maring & Johnson Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center in downtown Seattle, we understand that a healthy jawbone is essential for a vibrant smile and optimal oral health. Ridge augmentation is an advanced procedure that rebuilds and strengthens your jawbone, creating a solid base for dental implants and improving overall oral function.

Ready to take the first step towards restoring your jawbone and improving your oral health? Call our Seattle oral and maxillofacial surgeon at 206-343-7500 to schedule your consultation. Let us show you why we’re Seattle’s go-to practice for comprehensive oral surgical care!

What Is Ridge Augmentation?

Ridge augmentation is a specialized dental procedure designed to restore the alveolar ridge, the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. When teeth are lost or extracted, the underlying alveolar bone can deteriorate over time, leading to a sunken appearance and potential complications for future dental work.

Our skilled Seattle oral surgeons at Maring & Johnson Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center use ridge augmentation to restore the height and width of your jawbone, establishing a strong foundation for dental implants or other restorative procedures.

Benefits of Ridge Augmentation

Ridge augmentation offers numerous advantages for patients seeking to improve their oral health and prepare for dental implant placement:

Restores jawbone volume and density
Creates a stable foundation for dental implants
Improves facial aesthetics by preventing a sunken appearance
Enhances the success rate of future dental procedures
Preserves the natural shape and contours of your face and smile
Improves overall oral health and function
Prevents further bone loss and deterioration
Increases options for restorative dental treatments
Boosts self-confidence by supporting a fuller, more youthful facial profile
Improves the fit and comfort of dental prosthetics

The Ridge Augmentation Process

Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation by one of our experienced oral surgeons at our downtown Seattle dental office. We’ll assess your oral health, discuss your goals, and determine if ridge augmentation is the right approach for you. Using advanced imaging technology, we’ll create a detailed treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Preparation

Before the procedure, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable and fully informed. Our team will review pre-operative instructions, including any necessary dietary changes or medication adjustments. We prioritize your safety and comfort throughout the entire process.

Bone Grafting

During the procedure, our oral surgeon in Seattle will carefully place biocompatible bone graft material in the areas of bone loss. This material acts as a scaffold, encouraging your body to regenerate new bone tissue. The graft is then secured with a protective membrane to promote optimal healing.

Recovery and Aftercare

Following the procedure, we’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to support proper healing. This may include:

Taking prescribed medications to manage discomfort and prevent infection
Avoiding strenuous activities for a specified period
Following a soft food diet temporarily
Attending follow-up appointments to monitor your progress

Why Choose Maring & Johnson for Ridge Augmentation?

Collaborative Expertise

At Maring & Johnson Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center, we offer a unique approach to oral healthcare. Our practice is home to both oral surgeons and a periodontist, working together to provide comprehensive surgical care that’s rare to find in the Seattle area.

Our husband-and-wife team, Dr. Thomas Maring (oral surgeon) and Dr. Susan Maring (periodontist), along with Dr. Robert Johnson (oral surgeon), bring a wealth of expertise to our practice. This collaborative approach allows us to offer unparalleled care in oral surgery, dental implants, periodontics, and wisdom teeth removal.

Dual Training in Dentistry and Medicine

What sets our doctors apart is their distinctive training in both dentistry and medicine. This dual background allows us to offer exceptional care in oral surgery, including ridge augmentation procedures. Our comprehensive understanding of both dental and medical aspects of your health enables us to provide safe, effective treatments with optimal results.

Who Can Benefit from Ridge Augmentation?

At Maring & Johnson Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center, we recommend ridge augmentation for patients who:

Have experienced tooth loss and subsequent bone deterioration
Are considering dental implants but lack sufficient bone density
Want to improve the appearance of their smile and facial structure
Have been diagnosed with advanced periodontal disease affecting bone health
Need to correct congenital bone defects in the jaw
Need to repair bone damage caused by trauma or injury
Wish to enhance the fit and function of dentures or other dental prosthetics

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at our downtown Seattle dental office to explore your ridge augmentation options. Call 206-343-7500.

The Impact of Ridge Augmentation on Dental Implant Success

Ridge augmentation plays a vital role in the success of dental implant procedures. By restoring the jawbone’s volume and density, ridge augmentation creates an ideal environment for implant placement. This procedure:

Increases the stability of dental implants
Improves the long-term success rate of implant procedures
Enhances the aesthetic outcome of implant-supported restorations
Allows for more precise implant placement
Reduces the risk of implant failure due to insufficient bone support

At Maring & Johnson Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center, our team’s combined expertise in oral surgery and periodontics enables us to provide comprehensive care throughout your implant journey, from ridge augmentation to final restoration.

The treatment has been excellent and Dr Maring is thorough and thoughtful in his approach. I especially like the time he spent educating me on my condition and treatment options. Very kind and responsive office staff.

— Doug B.

From the time I first called to make my appointment, walked in the office and met with Dr. Maring, I was treated professionally and respectfully.

— Theresa L.

I have complete confidence in Dr Maring; he is efficient, thorough in explaining things, & excellent at what he does. I am so thankful for him & his staff! for him & his staff.

— Lucille N.

I have been a patient of Dr. Susan Maring’s for more than 20 years. I have a rare condition that requires as much as monthly cleanings. She does the work herself, even when insurance doesn’t cover the cost of a periodontist doing the work of a hygienist. When I have needed the help of a dentist, she knew just the right people. She demonstrates tremendous commitment to her patients. I am lucky to have her in my life.

— Susan C.

Everyone in the office was helpful, skillful, and efficient. I was treated with compassion and professionalism. My questions and concerns got immediate responses. I was so impressed! In addition, I experienced minimal pain after my tooth extraction.

— Marianne C.