Alveoloplasty is a dental surgical procedure aimed at reshaping the alveolar bone in the mouth to create a smooth, uniform surface. This procedure is often performed in preparation for dentures or dental implant placement.
At AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, our expert team is here to guide you through this process and provide information on this essential procedure.
Table of Contents
- What is An Alveoloplasty?
- Why Alveoloplasty Is Needed
- The Alveoloplasty Procedure
- Recovery and Care After Alveoloplasty
- Choose AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons for Your Alveoloplasty Procedure
- FAQs About Alveoloplasty
What is An Alveoloplasty?
Alveoloplasty is a commonly performed oral surgical procedure that involves reshaping the alveolar bone, the ridge of bone found in your upper or lower jaw bone.
An alveoloplasty has two main goals: to smooth the bony ridge and create a uniform shape for better support of dental prosthetics like dentures, partial dentures, dental bridges, or implants.
Why Alveoloplasty Is Needed
Alveoloplasty is often required in the following situations:
- After tooth extraction: Sometimes, when teeth are extracted, the remaining alveolar bone may have sharp edges or an uneven surface. For replacement teeth to fit correctly, alveoloplasty is often necessary.
- Before denture fitting: In some cases, a patient’s alveolar bone may naturally be irregular, making it difficult to fit and secure dentures properly. Alveoloplasty can create a smoother, more even surface, allowing for a better fit and increased comfort.
- Preparing for dental implants: An uneven alveolar ridge can make it difficult to place dental implants securely and accurately. Alveoloplasty can improve bone contours, ensuring a stable foundation for the implants.
Alveoloplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the alveolar bone in the mouth. This is usually done in preparation for dentures or dental implant placement.
The Alveoloplasty Procedure
The procedure can be done after a tooth is extracted, or after the site has completely healed. Prior to your tooth extraction, your dentist will assess your jaw and determine if recontouring is necessary.
Before the procedure begins, your oral surgeon will administer local anesthesia to numb the area. They may also provide sedation options if you are particularly anxious about dental work.
Once the area is numb, the oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the bone beneath. They will then use specialized tools to carefully smooth and contour the bone until it is even and free of any sharp or irregular edges.
After the bone has been reshaped, the surgeon will close the gum with sutures. This process typically takes about one hour, depending on the extent of the reshaping required.
Recovery and Care After Alveoloplasty
Recovery from alveoloplasty can vary, but most patients can expect to return to their normal routines within a few days. You may experience some swelling, pain, or discomfort in the treated area, but these symptoms can generally be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and ice packs.
It is essential to maintain good oral hygiene during the recovery process. Make sure to follow the post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon, which may include:
- Gently rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution for the first few days after surgery.
- Use a soft toothbrush to prevent irritation of the surgical site.
- Avoid foods that could aggravate the healing area (e.g., sharp, crunchy, or hard-to-chew items).
Your surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure the desired results are achieved.
Choose AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons for Your Alveoloplasty Procedure
At AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, our experienced team is committed to providing our patients with the best possible care. We understand that each patient has unique needs, and our experienced surgeons are skilled in creating customized treatment plans to ensure the best possible outcome.
We use advanced technologies to provide precise and reliable care. We also prioritize patient comfort and strive to make sure that patients feel comfortable throughout their entire experience with us.
If you have any questions about alveoloplasty or any other oral surgery procedure, our team is here to answer them. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation. To book an appointment at any of our five locations, call (480) 830-5866 or complete the online booking form.
FAQs About Alveoloplasty
Alveoloplasty is generally not a particularly painful procedure. As with any surgical procedure, some discomfort may be experienced during the healing process, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and ice packs.
It takes four to six weeks to fully heal. If you have the alveoloplasty procedure done at the same time as an extraction, you will be ready for tooth replacement within 23 days. For patients who do the procedure in a separate appointment after a tooth extraction, it will take about 65 days. For more information about recovery after oral surgery, read Tips for a Speedy Recovery After Oral Surgery.
For the first two or three days, you should stick to soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes. After that, you can gradually transition back to normal eating habits. Avoid hard or crunchy foods (such as chips or nuts) that may irritate the surgical site. It is also important to maintain a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables to promote healing.
