Procedures
Alveoloplasty
About Alveoloplasty
Alveoloplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at reshaping and smoothing the alveolar bone to improve oral health. This helps to prevent the formation of bone spicules.
This procedure is often needed for individuals having a dental extraction, especially when preparing for dental implant placement or denture fitting.
Anatomy of the Jaw
Before diving into the specifics of alveoloplasty, it is important to have a basic understanding of the jaw anatomy.
The alveolar bone, also called the alveolar ridge, is the bony structure that surrounds and supports our teeth. It consists of both hard and soft tissues, including the bone, mucosa, and gingival tissue.
When a tooth is extracted, especially if it is a molar or premolar, the alveolar bone may become uneven and bumpy due to the body’s natural healing process.
Why Alveoloplasty Is Necessary
If the alveolar ridge is uneven, bumpy, or has sharp edges, it can cause problems when fitting dentures or placing dental implants.
Dentures and dental implants rely on a smooth surface and a stable foundation for proper fit and function.
Without alveoloplasty, these prosthetic appliances may not fit properly, leading to discomfort, difficulty chewing, trapped food particles, gum irritation and potential implant failure.
Key Takeaway
The alveolar ridge is the bony structure that surrounds and supports our teeth. When a tooth is removed, the alveolar bone may become bumpy or uneven. Alveoloplasty smooths out the bone and removes any bumpy or sharp edges. A smooth alveolar ridge provides a smooth and stable foundation for dentures and dental implants.
The Alveoloplasty Procedure
Alveoloplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia and can be done at the time of extraction or at a later time as needed.
Immediate Alveoloplasty
Immediate alveoloplasty is done right after a dental extraction, while the patient is still under anesthesia.
This allows for proper shaping and smoothing of the alveolar ridge before it has a chance to heal unevenly.
Once the tooth or teeth are removed, the surgeon will use special instruments to carefully reshape and smooth the bony ridge.
In some cases, bone grafting may also be done during this procedure to help maintain the shape of the ridge and promote new bone growth.
Once the jaw bone has been reshaped, the gum tissue is closed with stitches and allowed to heal.
Secondary Alveoloplasty
If the patient had teeth removed previously, perhaps months or years earlier, and is now seeking dental implants or dentures, a secondary alveoloplasty may be necessary.
During this procedure, the surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone.
Any bony irregularities are then removed, and the remaining ridge is smoothed out using specialized tools.
After the procedure, sutures are placed to close the incision.
Recovery and Aftercare
After the procedure, it is important to follow the postoperative instructions given to you by your surgeon.
You may experience some swelling and discomfort in the treated area, but these symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication or pain medication prescribed by your surgeon.
Here are a few tips for a smooth recovery:
- Eat soft foods and avoid hard, crunchy foods that can irritate the treated area.
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products as they can slow down the healing process.
- Keep your mouth clean by gently rinsing with warm salt water after meals and before bed.
- Attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and address any concerns.
- A detailed explanation of post-operative care will be provided by your surgeon to ensure a successful recovery.
FAQs About Alveoloplasty
Alveoloplasty is typically performed at the same time as tooth extractions, but it can also be done long after a tooth has been extracted. This is called secondary alveoloplasty and it is done to address any remaining issues after the initial extraction has healed.
Alveoloplasty is typically performed using local anesthesia and some form of dental sedation, so patients usually do not feel any pain during the procedure. Some discomfort and swelling may be experienced after the surgery, but this can be managed with pain medication.
The healing time will vary depending on the individual and the extent of the surgery. If you had the alveoloplasty procedure at the same time as a tooth extraction(s), it can take 4 – 6 weeks for the gum tissue to heal. You should be ready for your dental prosthetic within 3 – 4 weeks.
You should stick to a soft food and/or liquid diet for the first few days after alveoloplasty. Do not eat hard or crunchy foods that could damage the healing gums.
Smoking should be avoided until the site has fully healed. Smoking can delay the healing process and increase your risk of infection. If you must smoke, wait at least 24 hours after the surgery.
In most cases, alveoloplasty is necessary for dentures to ensure a proper fit and stability. Your oral surgeon will use a CBCT scan to assess the condition of your alveolar bone and determine if an alveoloplasty is needed.
While some general dentists may have the skills and training to perform alveoloplasty, it is generally recommended to have this procedure done by an experienced oral surgeon. Oral surgeons specialize in these types of surgeries and are better equipped to handle any complications that may arise.
AZ Max Oral Surgeons:
Dental Implant Specialists
If you are considering dental implants or dentures, AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons is here to help.
Our team of experienced and skilled oral surgeons specializes in alveoloplasty and other pre-prosthetic surgeries, providing our patients with the best possible results.
Contact us today to schedule a free dental implant consultation and learn more about how we can help you achieve a healthy and functional smile.
We have 4 locations in the Phoenix East Valley and one in Show Low! Our offices are conveniently located in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Show Low, and Tempe. We have 7 oral surgeons on staff, all with extensive training and experience in dental implant placement and other oral surgeries. To book an appointment at any of our locations, call (480) 830-5866 or complete the online inquiry form.
