Ridge Modification in Red Bank, NJ
Understanding Ridge Modification
Patients who have experienced significant damage to their smile from periodontal disease often find that they need treatments to rebuild the jawbone before certain procedures can be performed. For example, patients who would like to use dental implants to restore their teeth may find they are not candidates due to bone loss. In these cases, a procedure known as ridge modification (or ridge augmentation) can rebuild the jaw and prepare it for successful implant placement.
What it is
A surgical procedure that rebuilds the alveolar ridge of the jawbone after bone loss, restoring the height and width needed to support dental implants.
Who it's for
Patients who have experienced jawbone deterioration from periodontal disease, tooth loss, or trauma and need to rebuild the ridge before receiving dental implants.
Our approach
Dr. MacFarlane uses biocompatible graft materials and advanced healing protocols such as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) to promote safe, predictable bone regeneration.
Been told you don't have enough bone for dental implants? Schedule a consultation with Dr. MacFarlane to explore your options.
What Is Ridge Modification?
Dr. Glenn A. MacFarlane describes ridge modification as a procedure used for treating bone loss in the upper and/or lower jaw to correct deformities and prepare the area for the placement of dental implants. Dental implants are popular tooth replacement solutions for individuals who want a permanent, fixed restoration after tooth loss. In order for implants to be placed successfully, however, the jawbone must be sufficient to support them.
During the ridge augmentation procedure, Dr. MacFarlane fills the area where bone has been lost with bone grafting material to rebuild the alveolar ridge. This enables successful implant placement and helps maintain the remaining teeth in their proper position. At our Red Bank, NJ practice, we use only sterile, biocompatible materials sourced from reputable tissue banks to promote safe and effective healing.
Why Ridge Modification May Be Needed
Common Causes of Ridge Loss
- Periodontal disease: Advanced gum disease is one of the most common causes of jawbone deterioration, gradually breaking down the bone that supports your teeth
- Tooth loss or extraction: When a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone begins to resorb naturally over time without a root to stimulate it
- Trauma or injury: Physical damage to the jaw can result in bone loss or deformities in the ridge
- Long-term denture wear: Dentures rest on top of the ridge and can accelerate bone resorption over years of use
- Developmental defects: Some patients are born with insufficient ridge structure or develop deficiencies over time
Are You a Candidate?
- You have been told you lack sufficient bone for dental implant placement
- Your dentures no longer fit properly due to changes in your jawbone
- You have experienced visible changes in your facial profile from bone loss
- X-rays or imaging have revealed significant bone deficiency in the ridge area
- You are seeking dental implants after a period of tooth loss or long-term denture wear
- Dr. MacFarlane will perform a thorough evaluation, including imaging, to determine if ridge modification is the right step for you
Wondering if ridge modification is the right step before your dental implants? Dr. MacFarlane will create a personalized treatment plan.
How the Procedure Works
Ridge modification begins with a comprehensive consultation and imaging assessment at our Red Bank, NJ office. During a consultation visit and thorough evaluation, Dr. Glenn A. MacFarlane will determine if you need ridge modification to enable dental implant placement. This is determined by performing a series of X-rays to check the health of the jawbone and assess what needs to be done.
During the procedure itself, Dr. MacFarlane carefully lifts the gum tissue away from the ridge to expose the underlying bone defect. The area is then filled with bone graft material to rebuild the ridge to its proper dimensions. This material may include your own bone, processed donor bone from an accredited tissue bank, or a biocompatible synthetic substitute. The graft material is secured in place and the tissue is closed with sutures.
To support healing, our practice also offers bone grafting and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) therapy to support healing and optimal outcomes. PRF uses concentrated growth factors from your own blood to accelerate tissue regeneration and reduce post-operative discomfort. Once the area has been rebuilt and fully healed, patients can then schedule their oral surgery for the placement of dental implants.
What to Expect
Your Visit Steps
- Consultation & imaging: Dr. MacFarlane examines your jawbone with X-rays and advanced imaging to assess the extent of bone loss and determine the right approach
- Treatment planning: A personalized plan is created, including the type of graft material, the surgical approach, and the timeline for recovery and future implant placement
- The procedure: The gum tissue is gently lifted, the bone graft material is placed to rebuild the ridge, and the area is closed with sutures under local anesthesia or sedation
- Healing period: Over the following weeks to months, the graft material integrates with your natural bone to restore the ridge to a suitable shape and density
- Follow-up: Dr. MacFarlane monitors your healing and determines when the site is ready for dental implant placement
Good to Know
- Some swelling and mild discomfort after the procedure are normal and typically manageable with over-the-counter medication
- Most patients return to normal activities within a few days of the procedure
- Full bone integration generally takes 4 to 9 months depending on the extent of the ridge modification
- A soft-food diet is recommended during the initial healing period
- Sedation options are available for patient comfort
- Our practice uses platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) to support faster, more comfortable recovery
Ready to rebuild your jawbone and prepare for dental implants? Contact us today to schedule your evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don't let bone loss prevent you from enjoying a complete, confident smile. Schedule your ridge modification consultation at The Center for Holistic Dental Medicine in Red Bank, NJ.