NavigationRidge Augmentation − Wilmington DE
Wilmington DE Oral Surgeon provides a Ridge Augmentation procedure, a common dental procedure performed after a tooth extraction. Wilmington Office Phone Number Wilmington Office Phone Number 302-477-1800
A ridge augmentation is a common dental procedure often performed following a tooth extraction to help recreate the natural contour of the gums and jaw that may have been lost due to bone loss as a result of a tooth extraction, or for another reason.
The alveolar ridge of the jaw is the bone that surrounds the roots of teeth. When a tooth is removed, an empty socket is left in the alveolar ridge bone. Usually this empty socket will heal on its own, filling with bone and tissue. Sometimes when a tooth is removed, the bone surrounding the socket breaks, and it unable to heal on its own. The previous height and width of the socket will continue to deteriorate.
Rebuilding the original height and width of the alveolar ridge is not medically necessary, but may be required for dental implant placement, or for aesthetic purposes. Dental implants require bone to support their structure, and a ridge augmentation can help rebuild this bone to accommodate the implant.
How is the Oral Surgery Accomplished?
A ridge augmentation is accomplished by placing bone graft material in the tooth socket. It is often done immediately after the tooth is removed, to avoid the need for a second procedure later. Next, the gum tissue is placed over the socket and secured with sutures. Dr. Rafetto may choose to use a space-maintaining product over the top of the graft to help restore the height and width of the space created by the tooth and bone loss, and into which new bone should grow. Once the socket has healed, the alveolar ridge can be prepared for dental implant placement.
A ridge augmentation procedure is typically performed in Dr. Rafetto‘s office under local anesthesia. Some patients may also request sedative medication in addition.
See All Treatments and Procedures
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Procedures
Louis K. Rafetto, DMD, PA
Patient Review by Julie K
Dr. Rafetto, Danielle, and the entire staff are all SO WONDERFUL!! I can't say enough what a great experience I had- which I would think is rare when getting your wisdom teeth removed!! I've been so terrified of any dentistry after a terrible experience in my teens but everyone made me feel so at ease! From the consultation through the wisdom teeth removal procedure everything was communicated so clearly and with such patience.. and the procedure itself was a breeze! I appreciated the information packet and care package for my post extraction recovery. There was hardly any pain during or afterwards--- I will recommend this practice to everyone I know!
- Julie K
Patient Review by Georgia R
Thank you so much to the entire team at Dr. Rafetto’s office. I called this morning as a new patient with concerns about my jaw and was able to be seen just a few hours later. After X-rays and an exam, my concerns were put to rest. And, thanks to a thorough explanation from Dr. Rafetto; I know what I need to further discuss with my dentist about the continuing care of my teeth. If only all doctor’s offices could have such a caring, knowledgeable and helpful team- Thank you again for working me in to today’s schedule and for everyone taking the extra time to explain things so completely, being so incredibly helpful and for answering all of my questions.
- Georgia R
Patient Review by Richard C
Dr. Rafetto & staff exuded dynamic professionalism from the consultation stage through the wisdom 🦷 removal. Dr. Rafetto listened to my concerns and thoroughly explained processes to me. I felt that he genuinely cared about my health. Danielle, 1 of the assistants/ technicians, was kind, patient, and informative as she coached me through the 🦷 removal. Her instructions to breathe deeply, and her descriptions to me of precisely what was transpiring during the surgery, were comforting and helpful.
- Richard C
Patient Review by Richard C
Dr. Rafetto & staff exuded professionalism from the consultation stage through the wisdom 🦷 removal procedure that I experienced. Dr. Rafetto listened to my concerns, explained processes to me thoroughly, and left me feeling that he cared about my health. Danielle, 1 of the assistants/ technicians was kind and patient as she coached me through the 🦷 removal. Her instructions to breathe deeply deceptions of precisely what was transpiring during the surgery was comforting and helpful.
- Richard C
Patient Review by Mary M
I was terribly nervous about having the implant procedure done and was absolutely astounded at how simple it turned out to be. There was no pain whatsoever during and after the procedure. Dr. Rafetto and his entire staff are excellent, friendly and reassuring. They all made me feel very comfortable and at ease from start to finish. I would very highly recommend this practice!
- Mary M
Patient Review
Laughter is the best medicine for calming nerves...thank you Suzanne and Dr. Rafetto : ) Excellent care by all.
- Anonymous
Patient Review by Amy P
I cannot say enough good things about this experience. My son has a phobia of needles so I made it a point to only schedule a consultation. Dr. Rafetto was so kind and friendly that my son agreed to do the procedure at the initial appointment. My son and I both appreciate the time that Dr. Rafetto took to explain the procedure step-by-step. He was very calm and compassionate. The assistant that helped us during the appointment and throughout the procedure was also incredibly kind and helpful. They both made my son feel at ease which made me feel very comfortable. I highly recommend this practice!
- Amy P
Patient Review by William J
Was reluctant for 2 years to get my cracked nonimpacted wisdom tooth pulled reading and hearing horror stories about wisdom tooth extractions. For tooth extraction of any kind I have had over the years, this was the least painful, and flawless experience I have ever had. I recommend anyone to this practice.
- William J
Patient Review by Brian P
Having had a an awful experience with my last oral surgery, I was very reluctant to have this done. I chose to have my tooth pulled based on the recommendation of my primary dentist and some online reviews of Dr. Raffetto. The entire experience was wonderful. I came in with my nerves completely on edge and docs assistant Susanne was an absolute gem. She calmed me down and got me comfortable. She helped to remind me to breathe during the process which I’m confident took less than 5 minutes. Doctor Raffetto was very cordial and gave me a very comforting vibe. I even joked with Susanne afterwards that I’d do it again (let’s hope not). Left with a packet of goodies for the pain and for the first time all day felt relaxed. Couldn't be happier with the experience. Thank you Dr Raffetto and Susanne for exemplary service.
- Brian P
Patient Review by Michael M
Much better than expected. Not painful and very little swelling.
- Michael M
Patient Review by Kim T
Dr. Rafetto & his staff are just fantastic! Couldn’t have been more comfortable. Very relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Not to mention the expertise and professionalism demonstrated by not only Dr. Rafetto, but his staff, as well. Highly recommend.
- Kim T
Patient Review by Brenna H
I cannot recommend Dr. Rafetto enough! Thank you! I used to really dislike going to to dentists or any kind of medical professionals, but Dr. Rafetto and his amazing staff really did change that for me! I would recommend him to anyone who asked! When you get your wisdom teeth out, they will guide you step by step pre and post surgery. My removal was so fast and easy. Danielle and the entire staff are just wonderful. As long as you eat soft foods, use your ice pack, and follow their instructions- you'll be better in no time. Have no fear- Dr. Rafetto is here! Highly recommend if you’re looking for a friendly and professional oral surgery experience. You rock!
- Brenna H
Patient Review by Debbie Q
I went into this procedure terrified. Having teeth removed was my worst nightmare. Danielle and Dr. Rafetto make an excellent team, as everything was explained and their reassurance was very calming. They came highly recommended from my dental team, but I sure never thought getting my teeth removed would be the highlight of 2020! I actually look forward to seeing them again if I need their services!!
- Debbie Q
Patient Review by Beverly C
I was very concerned about the procedure and the Doc. was calming, with lots of assurance and the extraction went perfect.
- Beverly C
Patient Review by Brooke W
I found myself needing an oral surgeon due to an infection caused by an impacted wisdom tooth. I was desperate and searched through google to find an adequate doctor. What I found in Dr. Rafetto's office exceeded my expectations. The staff was efficient in getting me appointments for my consultation and surgery and gave me tips to manage my pain in the meantime. I was given a thorough understanding of the procedure and the aftercare to make my experience as comfortable as possible. I had all 4 impacted wisdom teeth removed and did not need to take a single Percocet. Dr. Rafetto even arranged to see me a week after the surgery to ensure I was healing properly. I am grateful to Dr. Rafetto and all of his staff for being so caring and knowledgeable and would highly recommend his practice to anyone.
- Brooke W
Patient Review by Heather V
I had 4 wisdom teeth extracted with local and nitrous, 2 were impacted. Dr. Rafetto was great! Him and all of the staff made me feel comfortable during every visit, the office and rooms are very clean, neat and organized. I knew exactly what to expect before and after my procedure, I didn’t need the pain meds I only used Tylenol and Motrin after the procedure. A co-worker referred me to Dr. Rafetto and I definitely recommend him to others!!
- Heather V
Patient Review by Fred C
My Dentist Erin Rautio recommended me to Doc Raffeto for an implant procedure, Both of my experiences with my Doctor have been the best in Delaware.
- Fred C
Patient Review by Will S
I was nervous about having my wisdom teeth removed but Dr. Rafetto & his staff did a great job of making sure all my questions were answered & assured me everything was going to be ok. My experience couldn’t have been better. I didn’t have a lot of pain or swelling. I was eating my regular diet by the second day after the procedure. I only had a little swelling for two days & I didn’t need to take any pain medication after the first day.
- Will S
Patient Review by Rebecca L
I came in kinda nervous based on what people say about getting their wisdom teeth out and I was afraid I would be able to feel it, but it was a great experience and I wasn’t able to feel anything and I was calm during the procedure! After my surgery the recovery went really well and I recovered relatively quickly with little discomfort, just make sure to keep it top of medication, the worst part was waiting for the numbness to go away!
- Rebecca L
Patient Review by Katie G
This office was awesome and Dr. Rafetto is wonderful! They met my every need and I had no issues. No swelling or issues post op and the instructions for post op care were very helpful!
- Katie G