dr. saker

Dental implants are an excellent solution for people who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, decay, or gum disease. They are natural replacements for missing teeth, and there are many different dental implant options suited to different dental issues. Dr. Saker and his team of oral surgeons at Ridgewood Oral Surgery and Implant Center in Glen Rock and Ramsey recommend dental implants for restoring your smile and confidence. 

 

What are dental implants? 

Dental implants are natural-looking replacements for natural teeth. A titanium post that is small and screw-like is surgically placed into the jawbone. The post provides a secure foundation for the placement of artificial teeth. Once inserted, the implant will fuse with the bone over a period of several months. 

 

Why are dental implants a good option for smile restoration? 

There are many reasons why dental implants are a great choice for people who have lost one or more teeth and would like to renew their smile. First, they look and feel like natural teeth, so enhancing your smile and making it look natural is a great benefit of dental implants. Secondly, they are strong and durable, making it possible to eat all your favorite foods without worry. Thirdly, they can help prevent bone loss in the jaw, which is a common problem that occurs when teeth are missing. Dental implants are also a long-lasting solution when your smile needs refreshing. With proper care, they can last a lifetime. 

 

What are the benefits of dental implants? 

In addition to the reasons dental implants are a good option for smile restoration in Glen Rock and Ramsey, dental implants have several other benefits. They can help to improve your bite and speaking ability. They can also prevent shifting and movement of adjacent teeth, which can occur when teeth are missing. As they are also resistant to decay and gum disease, they are easy to clean and maintain. 

 

What happens during a dental implant procedure? 

The process for getting dental implants typically involves several steps, including a consultation with Dr. Saker and his team of oral surgeons from Ridgewood Oral Surgery and Implant Center in Glen Rock and Ramsey, the placement of the implant, and the placement of the artificial tooth. 

 

The first step is to have a consultation with your oral surgeon to determine if dental implants are the right choice for you. During this consultation, your oral surgeon will examine your mouth and take X-rays to assess the health of your jawbone and determine the best location for the implant. 

 

Once it has been determined that you are a good candidate for dental implants, the next step is to have the implant placed. This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and is done on an outpatient basis. After the implant has been inserted, you will need to wait several months for the implant to fuse with the bone. During this time, you will have a temporary replacement tooth to wear. 

 

Once the implant fully integrates with the bone, Dr. Saker will place the artificial tooth on the implant. This tooth will be custom-made to match your existing teeth in terms of size, shape, and color so that it looks and feels just like a natural tooth. 

 

How long do dental implants last? 

Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime, with proper care and maintenance. In fact, studies have shown that the success rate for dental implants is over 95%. However, it’s important to remember that like all dental work, dental implants may require replacement or repair at some point in the future. This can be due to normal wear and tear, or because of changes in your mouth over time. To ensure that your implants last as long as possible, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene and to have regular checkups with your dentist. 

 

Are there any risks or complications associated with dental implants? 

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks and complications associated with dental implants. Some of the most common include infection, implant failure, and nerve damage. However, these risks are extremely rare and can be prevented or treated with proper care and attention. 

 

If you’re ready to renew and restore your smile, and you think that dental implants could be the answer, please call Ridgewood Oral Surgery and Implant Center to schedule a consultation with us today. Dr. Saker and his team of oral surgeons can make your dream smile a reality! 

Oral Pathology is the study of diseases that affect the oral and maxillofacial region. This includes oral cancer as well as other conditions such as oral infections, benign tumors, and pre-cancerous conditions. The early detection and diagnosis of oral cancer and other oral pathologies from Dr. Saker and his team at Ridgewood Oral Surgery & Implant Center in Glen Rock and Ramsey are essential for the successful treatment and management of these conditions. 

 

Oral Pathology in Glen Rock and Ramsey

Dr. Saker and the amazing team at Ridgewood Oral Surgery & Implant Center understand that oral pathology is crucial in providing comprehensive care for your patients. Oral pathologists can identify and diagnose a wide range of conditions, including oral cancer, infections, autoimmune disorders, and developmental abnormalities. 

 

By working closely with an oral pathologist, you can ensure timely and accurate diagnoses, which is essential in developing effective treatment plans. Regular screening and monitoring of patients are also important in detecting potential problems early on, which can improve outcomes and save lives. 

 

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects the mouth and throat, and more specifically the tongue, lips, cheek, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, and the pharynx. The causes of oral cancer are diverse, with the most common being tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, human papillomavirus infection, and a combination of these risk factors. The incidence of oral cancer has been increasing, particularly among young adults, and it is estimated that approximately 48,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with oral cancer each year. 

 

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

The early signs and symptoms of oral cancer can be difficult to detect, and it is important to be aware of any changes in the mouth that continue for more than two weeks. Common symptoms of oral cancer can include: 

• A sore or painful area in the mouth that does not heal
• A red or white patch in the mouth
• A lump or thickening in the cheek
• Loose teeth or dentures
• Swelling in the jaw
• Numbness or tenderness in the mouth or face
• Difficulty swallowing
• Changes in the voice, such as hoarseness

 

Diagnosis of Oral Cancer

The diagnosis of oral cancer begins with a thorough examination of the mouth and throat by your oral surgeon in Glen Rock and Ramsey. This exam includes a visual inspection of the mouth and throat and may include a biopsy of the affected area. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is taken from the mouth and examined under a microscope. In this way, it can be determined if cancer cells are present. 

 

In addition to a biopsy, imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans may be performed to more accurately diagnose oral cancer. These scans will also be used to determine if the cancer is only in one area, or has spread. They will also help to plan the treatment that will be recommended. 

 

Treatment of Oral Cancer

The treatment of oral cancer in Glen Rock and Ramsey will depend on the stage and location of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. The most common treatments for oral cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. 

 

Surgery is the most common treatment for oral cancer, and it may involve removing the affected portion of the mouth or throat. Sometimes, a portion of the jaw or the entire jaw may need to be removed. Reconstructive surgery may be necessary to restore the appearance and function of the teeth and mouth. 

 

If you need a skilled and trusted dental professional to help you explore your treatment options, look no further than Dr. Saker and his team at Ridgewood Oral Surgery & Implant Center Please schedule a consultation with us today. 

While oral surgery in Glenwood and Ramsey is necessary for many individuals, taking care of yourself while you recover from oral surgery is essential for ensuring your procedure has the best results possible. At Ridgewood Oral Surgery and Implant Center in Glenwood and Ramsey, Dr. Saker and his team can take care of you whether it’s a simple tooth extraction or a more complex procedure like a dental implant. However, it’s crucial that you understand what you should do to help your recovery process.

 

While each oral surgery procedure may be different and have slightly different post-operative instructions, there are a few things that are universal when you’re recovering from oral surgery in Glenwood and Ramsey. Here are ten tips to help you easily navigate your oral surgery recovery. 

• Follow Your Post-Operative Instructions. 

Before you leave Ridgewood Oral Surgery and Implant Center in Glenwood and Ramsey, ensure you clearly understand their instructions on what you need to do after your procedure. This should include details on managing pain, swelling, and bleeding, what foods to avoid, and when your follow-up appointment is scheduled. 

• Use pain medication as directed. 

Pain medication is often prescribed after oral surgery to help manage pain and discomfort. Take the medication as directed, and be mindful of any potential side effects. Contact your oral surgeon immediately if you experience any further discomfort or reactions. 

• Control swelling. 

Swelling is a normal part of the healing process after oral surgery, but it can be uncomfortable. To reduce swelling after surgery, apply a cold compress to the affected area in 15-minute increments for the first 24-48 hours. After that, switch to warm compresses to help improve your circulation and reduce discomfort. 

• Avoid strenuous activity

Immediately following oral surgery, it’s important to avoid strenuous activity for a few days. This includes heavy lifting, exercise, and bending over! Doing anything too strenuous after oral surgery could cause increased bleeding at your surgery site as well as make your recovery period longer. 

• Keep your Mouth Clean

While you are recovering from oral surgery, it’s still important to keep your mouth clean. While you may not be able to brush your teeth as you normally would, it’s important to do as much as you can. This also includes flossing! Your oral surgeon may also recommend rinsing with saline solution or a special rinse to promote healing. 

 

• Avoid Certain Foods. 

To reduce your risk of complications and promote better healing, it’s best to avoid foods that are hard, crunchy, or chewy foods. These foods can cause injury to the site of your oral surgery. It’s important to follow your oral surgeon’s instructions and stick to a soft diet. As you heal, you can gradually add solid foods back into your diet. 

• Don’t Smoke. 

Smoking can have a huge impact on your healing process after oral surgery. The chemicals in the things you smoke like cigarettes can reduce blood flow to the surgery site, slowing down the healing process. You should avoid smoking for at least 72 hours after oral surgery and consider quitting to improve your overall health and oral health. 

• Keep Your Follow-Up Appointments. 

Don’t miss your follow-up or post-op appointments with your oral surgeon in [GEOID]. These regular appointments are essential for monitoring your progress and ensuring that you are healing as you should be. These appointments are also important so you can communicate any concerns or questions you may have about your recovery. 

• Take Time to Rest. 

Any time you have oral surgery, it’s important to take time to rest. This rest will allow your body to heal properly. This means getting plenty of sleep, avoiding strenuous and stressful activities, and taking breaks throughout the day to avoid fatigue. 

• Be Patient. 

Oral surgery can be a long and sometimes painful process. However, it is often necessary for your overall dental health. It is important to be patient and not rush your recovery from oral surgery. Allow your body time to heal. Trust the process and focus on your health and well-being. 

 

While oral surgery recovery takes patience and a commitment to following the instructions of Dr. Saker and his team in Glen Rock and Ramsey, you can take the steps you need to have a successful and pain-free recovery. Whether you’re undergoing a simple tooth extraction in Glen Rock and Ramsey or a more complex procedure at Ridgewood Oral Surgery and Implant Center, Dr. Saker and his team are here to help you achieve your goals when it comes to oral health. If you’re ready, schedule a consultation with us today!

Four Common Oral Surgery Procedures in Glen Rock and Ramsey

Anyone looking for an oral or maxillofacial surgeon who is qualified to take on common and complex procedures should visit Dr. Saker and the team at Ridgewood Oral Surgery & Implant Center. Our surgeons work with patients to help resolve problems with their teeth, jaw, or facial structures. They undergo years of specialized, more in-depth training following dental school, and many of our staff have anesthesia training.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

For most people, wisdom teeth come in between the ages of 17 and 20. Wisdom teeth are additional molars that increase your chewing power; many people have them come in without any issues. However, you can experience problems with these teeth, and you may need an extraction if they crowd your existing teeth and push them forward or if they don’t come all the way through your gums. However, you should only need a few days to recover, and your pain levels are usually very low.

Tooth Extraction

Decay or wear and tear can cause your tooth to get infected, be painful, crack, or break. To fix this, Dr. Saker and our team in Glen Rock and Ramsey can perform an extraction. We’ll remove the problem tooth and clean out the socket, and we may place a stitch to ensure that it heals correctly. If your tooth is so infected that other treatment options are ineffective, tooth extraction will ensure you don’t have further issues.

Dental Implants

Lost teeth can cause gaps in your smile, and dental implants can flawlessly fill this space. This is a very common surgical procedure, but it can be complex. You may have to have several visits to finish the procedure, with the first visit involving implanting the post into your jawbone for the implant to adhere to. Next, you’ll get a few months to heal before returning for our oral surgeons to place the implant. If we find that you have poor bone structure, you may need a bone graft to stabilize the implant in your jaw. The result is a beautiful smile and a jaw in proper alignment.

Apicoectomy

When you have this surgery, you have a root on the end of a tooth with a curve. We’ll remove it and put a filler in place. Unfortunately, this curved growth pattern prevents our oral surgeons from getting their tools all the way to the root’s end, which means that we can’t remove all of the nerve tissue. This leaves your tooth open to infection or discomfort. Removing this hooked tip allows us to treat your dental infection or problem.

Oral Surgery – Four Complex Procedures

More complex cases require that you have an oral surgeon with niche training. Whether your surgeon has the qualifications and experience necessary to perform your surgery depends on the area they chose to specialize in and their schooling.

Facial Reconstruction

Blunt-force trauma to your face can cause a broken or fractured jaw, missing or loose teeth, and damage to your other bones, tendons, and muscles. You’ll most likely need the skill of an oral or maxillofacial surgeon to help with your facial reconstruction to restore your looks. These are usually more in-depth procedures focusing on your mouth, jaw, or face, and many of them require general anesthesia to keep you comfortable. It’s common to spend the night in the hospital post-surgery to ensure everything is okay. If you have severe trauma requiring total facial reconstruction, you may have several surgeries in a few months or years.

Bone Repair

If you have a fractured or broken jawbone, oral surgery usually addresses it. Severe fractures or breaks can make it hard for you to eat or breathe, so it’s imperative that you address it quickly. Our oral surgeons can deduce how bad your break or fracture is and what the best treatment option is when you visit our offices.

Sleep Apnea

Surgery is a very common fix for sleep apnea. We may recommend performing a tongue advancement, placing soft palate implants, or removing tissue from your throat and soft palate to make it easier for you to breathe.

Cleft Palate or Lip

Plastic surgeons commonly perform this surgery on small children. However, oral surgeons will have to have specialized training to correct a cleft palate or lip if it starts interfering with your eating or speech capabilities. While fixing a cleft lip or palate in an adult isn’t nearly as common as doing so on a young child, this is a great example of how our surgeons can work alongside a full healthcare team.

Oral Surgery – What Should You Expect?

When you come to your first appointment, Dr. Saker and the team will take a look at your gums, jaw joints, teeth, and surrounding structures. Then, they may order x-rays so they can get a clearer picture of your teeth, jawbone, and nerves, and they’ll use the results to create a custom treatment plan.

Depending on our findings, we may suggest you have an outpatient surgical procedure in our office. We have multiple sedation options to help ensure you’re comfortable and have no anxiety surrounding your procedure, and you can choose from deep or moderate sedation using nitrous oxide, IV sedation, or oral sedation. If you require more invasive surgery, you may have to go to the hospital and have it under general anesthesia.

 When you finish your procedure, our oral surgeons will give you post-operative instructions that you have to follow to help minimize the chances of complications arising, like bleeding or infections.

Enquire About Oral Surgery in Glen Rock and Ramsey at Ridgewood Oral Surgery & Implant Center

In Glen Rock and Ramsey, our patients know that Dr. Saker and the staff at Ridgewood Oral Surgery & Implant Center include high-quality oral surgeons that have the necessary training to perform complex or standard dental surgery. No matter if you need implants, bone reconstruction, or something else, the staff at Glen Rock and Ramsey are ready to create a custom treatment plan.

We’ll talk you through each step of the treatment while ensuring that you are comfortable and confident in our abilities before, during, and after surgery. Contact us to book an appointment.

For most dental issues, visiting a general dentist in your area can provide you with treatments that will resolve your problems quickly. For some more complicated or extensive procedures, however, you may need the assistance of Dr. Sakar or the team at Ridgewood Oral Surgery & Implant Center to resolve your difficulties and to provide you with the best care possible in Glen Rock and Ramsey. Here are some facts you and your family should know about general dentistry and oral surgery from Ridgewood Oral Surgery & Implant Center.

 General Dentistry vs. Oral Surgery

 Understanding the difference between general dentistry procedures and oral surgeries can help you determine whether you will need the services of a dentist or an oral surgeon. Oral surgeons have additional training in surgical techniques and may have a degree in medicine as well as a degree in dentistry. This allows you and your family to receive the specialized care you need when you need it most.

 At Ridgewood Oral Surgery & Implant Center, Dr. Sakar and his team make any oral surgery an easy process at their Glen Rock and Ramsey offices. You can receive the best treatment for your specific set of needs in our office. Here are some of the most common procedures done by either a general dentist or an oral surgeon.

General Dentistry: 

• Preventive dental services include teeth cleanings, examinations, and dental X-rays. 
• Simple extractions and fillings are also considered to be general dentistry services.
• Crowns and bridges can provide you with added support for damaged teeth or replacements for a single missing tooth or several missing teeth.
• Dentures are another dental service typically performed by a general dentistry team. 

Oral Surgery: 

• The removal of wisdom teeth or severely damaged teeth is usually performed by Dr. Sakar and his team at Ridgewood Oral Surgery & Implant Center. This ensures that all fragments of the tooth are removed during your surgical procedure. Wisdom teeth often become impacted, which means that they push on other teeth because of a lack of room in your jaw for these teeth. Your oral surgeon can carefully remove impacted wisdom teeth to free up room in your jaw and to provide you with added help in managing pain or potential damage that wisdom teeth can cause.
• Oral surgery may be required to remove pockets of infection caused by periodontal disease, correct deformities of the palate or lips, remove oral cancers, and restore the proper function and alignment of the jaw. These maxillofacial and periodontal oral surgeries must be performed by Dr. Sakar and his team at Ridgewood Oral Surgery & Implant Center to achieve the best results for you and your family members. Our oral surgeons provide safe and effective surgical options in our office that can allow you to receive the right care in a comfortable and familiar setting.
• Dental implants are usually applied by an oral surgeon to ensure precise placement and the right surgical approach to these dental solutions. When your dental implants have healed in place, our dentists will apply artificial teeth, bridges, or dentures to these titanium or zirconia implants. This will help you look your best and feel more confident in all your interactions with others.
• If other treatment options do not produce the desired results, surgical intervention for sleep apnea may be recommended by your doctor or dentist. Dr. Sakar and our oral surgeons at Ridgewood Oral Surgery & Implant Center give practical help in managing sleep apnea effectively and in the most proactive and long-lasting way possible.

If you need to see an oral surgeon, Dr. Sakar and his skilled team of oral surgeons will find the right options for your needs and your budget to make your treatment as affordable as possible for you and your family. We also offer payment plans that will allow you to spread the cost of your treatment over a longer period. If you are concerned about the expense involved in oral surgery, we will work with you to find the right options for you regardless of your budgetary restrictions.

Why Choose Ridgewood Oral Surgery & Implant Center for Your Oral Surgery Needs? 

If you are looking for the best solutions for oral surgery in Glen Rock and Ramsey, Dr. Sakar and his team at Ridgewood Oral Surgery & Implant Center provide oral surgery treatments to restore your teeth and gums to a healthy condition. Some of the most important reasons to choose our office for your oral surgery needs are:

• Convenient location and scheduling: Our easy-to-reach location and convenient appointment times make Ridgewood Oral Surgery & Implant Center a practical choice for you and your family. We can provide you with the care you need on a schedule that works for you.
• Friendly staff: Our team has the experience and the caring attitude you want when undergoing oral surgery. We work with you to make your experience as painless and pleasant as possible.
• An extensive lineup of services for you and your family: From cosmetic dentistry to help you look your best to oral surgery procedures, Ridgewood Oral Surgery & Implant Center is here to help when you need the best dental care for yourself or your family.

Give us a call today to schedule an appointment with us for your oral surgery needs. At Ridgewood Oral Surgery & Implant Center, Dr. Sakar and his skilled team are here for all of you in Glen Rock and Ramsey.

When you hear this word in our office, it is most likely that we are talking about your wisdom teeth. And while we know that it may sound scary to have “impacted wisdom teeth”, we want you to know that, actually, it is very common.

What are impacted wisdom teeth?

Throughout evolutionary history, human mouths (jaws) have become increasingly smaller. While the jaws have gotten smaller, the amount of teeth we have has not. So now we have the same amount of teeth squeezing into a smaller space. Because wisdom teeth are the last to erupt, they often become impacted – that is, blocked by the other teeth around them. Often they are growing in sideways or unable to erupt through the gums at all due to crowding.

Why do wisdom teeth need removal?

The inability to erupt properly means that wisdom teeth can cause a lot of pain and even become infected down the road. This is the main reason that we recommend the removal of all third molars (another name for wisdom teeth). The reason that we remove them during the teen years is that the bone is still soft and recovery from the surgery is taken by the patient much better at this age. If we were to wait, your teeth may become infected, your bite crooked, and it may be too late at some point for us to take them out.

Types of Impaction:

• Vertical Impaction – In this case, the tooth is unable to break through the gum line. Vertical impaction is very common.
• Mesioangular Impaction – Angled toward the front of the mouth, the tooth is probably pushing on its neighbor, causing pain and crowding. This type of impaction is also very common.
• Distoangular Impaction – This tooth is angled toward the rear of the mouth, it is uncommon.
• Horizontal Impaction – In this case, the tooth is a complete 90 degrees from where it should be, and is likely growing into the roots of its neighboring tooth. This is very rare.

What is the removal procedure like?

You will be completely pain-free during the surgery, which takes just about an hour. You will also be sent home with instructions for pain management, eating and rest orders.

What is recovery like?

You will recover comfortably at home. You can start drinking liquids and soft foods as soon as you feel ready, but should avoid crunchy foods, extra hot or cold items, and straws (NO STRAWS!). You can expect to resume some of your normal activities a few days post-operation.

If you have any questions about wisdom teeth removal or aren’t sure if you even need the procedure, give us a call at Glen Rock Office Phone Number 201-444-5355!

So, you were recently told by your doctor that you need a bone graft, but you aren’t quite sure what that means.

A bone graft is a surgical procedure that is used to fix bones or joints that were damaged by trauma, and it is also used to replace bone that is missing to provide structural stability around the body, including the jawbone. There are many types of bone grafts we can use to grow bone – the two most common are autografts and allografts.

An autograft is a bone or tissue that is transferred from one spot to another on the patient’s body. It is often thought of as the “gold standard” in bone grafting because of its reliability. Its high success rate is due to the fact that it is living tissue and thus its cells are kept intact.

An allograft is a bone or tissue that is transplanted from one person to another. They typically come from a donor, or cadaver bone. The allograft is safe, ready to use and available in large amounts. The main advantage of an allograft is that it requires one less procedure than the autograft, which must first be taken from the patient. Surgical time is minimized and the recovery can be quicker. The allograft comes from a reputable and reliable tissue bank.

Knowing which bone-grafting option you will need can be confusing, but we are here to answer any questions you may have. Please schedule a bone grafting consultation with us by calling Glen Rock Office Phone Number 201-444-5355. We will perform a thorough evaluation of your oral health. After our evaluation, we will recommend what bone graft is best for you. We are happy to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have. We want you feeling confident with our choice and worry free.

You may have heard: Immunotherapy is proving to be very promising in the treatment of a variety of cancers, in particular lung cancer and advanced melanoma. However, immunotherapy has not found its way (yet!) into the treatment regimen for head and neck cancers. 

What is immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is the process of enlisting the patient’s own immune system in the fight against cancer cells. Several drugs have been used successfully to aid in the treatment of advanced lung cancers and melanoma, giving patients a longer prognosis in many cases.

Cancer Cells are Tricky

Cancer cells are notoriously sneaky – their ability to hide from immune cells is one of the reasons that cancer is so hard to treat. This is where “checkpoint inhibitors”, one of the most common classes of immunotherapy drugs in cancer treatment, come in. These drugs help to block the activation of proteins that help cancer cells hide from immune cells.

The Connection with Oral Cancer

Recurring head and neck cancers are very difficult to treat. Often they are resistant to the best chemotherapy drugs, so the hope has always been that immunotherapy drugs may some day step in to assist with the oral pathology fight. A recent trial in the UK has shown that the day may be coming sooner than we thought! The trial proved successful in extending prognosis for many of the patients.

Reduced Side Effects

The research also noted that side effects were reduced to give patients a better quality of life during treatment.

More Testing Needed

While more research is needed before the drugs receive FDA approval for the treatment of oral cancer, the good news is that because these drugs are already approved and on the market for other cancers, the application process for use in oral cancers will be quicker (and smoother) than it would be for a new drug.

At Ridgewood Oral Surgery and Implant Center, our commitment to your care, comfort, health and safety is evident from the minute you walk through our door. Call us at Glen Rock Office Phone Number 201-444-5355 for more information about oral cancer.

There is exciting news in bone grafting technology that will hopefully find its way into the oral surgeon’s office over the next decade! Researchers have been able to create a synthetic bone material using 3D printers that may be better than what is being used now. 

3D printers create three-dimensional objects out of a variety of materials using a computer as a precise guide. Although the concept has been in the news a lot recently, the practice actually dates back to before the 21st century. In fact, 3d printing’s roots go back to the early 1980s. Since then, everything from jewelry to synthetic human organs has been printed, much to the amazement of modern society!

And now, surgeons have successfully implanted the 3D-printed synthetic bone grafting material into animals with bone defects. This “hyperelastic bone” was made using just the right combination of bioactive materials and polymers to make a material that could be layered while still wet, allowing for better adherence between layers.

Here are some of the expected benefits of this new material:

• Very elastic, allowing for cutting without crumbling, which can be a problem with current grafting materials.
• Blood vessels move in quickly because the material is porous.
• Biodegradable as the body replaces it with genuine tissue.
• Doesn’t dry out right away.
• So far the animals haven’t rejected the implant, which could mean less complications for humans as well.
• Could be a great option for children since it will grow with them.

While human trials are potentially five or more years away, the news is very exciting for the surgical community, and we are can’t wait to see what benefits this will bring to our patients.

To find out more about bone grafting in general or to set up a consultation with our office, please call us at Glen Rock Office Phone Number 201-444-5355.

If you come to see us for an extraction, you may hear us talking about “socket preservation” or ”ridge augmentation”, and you might be wondering, what is that?

Socket preservation is a procedure we will sometimes recommend when you are having a tooth extracted. The bones that hold your teeth require frequent use to maintain their size and shape, otherwise they start to recede as they are no longer needed.

When a tooth is extracted, it leaves behind a hole (or “socket”) in the alveolar ridge bone, making it vulnerable to shrinkage. In fact, some studies show that bone loss can be 50% in the first 12 months after extraction.

You may be wondering, “Why does bone loss matter if I don’t have a tooth there anyway?” Unfortunately, without teeth and adequate bone structure, several unwanted oral health problems may occur:

• Aesthetics: Without adequate bone structure and teeth, your smile starts to cave in in that area, causing undesirable aesthetic consequences. Your skin may begin to look shriveled over time and your smile will be unbalanced and unnatural.
• Alignment Issues: Your teeth are always moving, particularly into open spaces. A hole on one side of your smile can lead to a severe shift of your teeth over time, affecting your smile and subsequently requiring orthodontic treatment.
• Implant Complications: The damaged and recessed bone often ensures complications if you plan on getting a dental implant to replace the extracted tooth in the future.

This is where socket preservation comes in. Typically done at the end of your extraction procedure, we place bone-grafting material into the socket and a collagen membrane on top to encourage bone growth in the area. Because the procedure can be done at the same time as your extraction, no additional anesthesia or appointments are necessary.

If you are facing extraction, call us at Glen Rock Office Phone Number 201-444-5355 to see if socket preservation is an option for you – it could save your smile!