Did you know that even tiny irregularities in your jawbone can impact how well your dentures or dental implants fit?
Alveoloplasty is a specialized procedure that smooths and reshapes the jawbone, creating the ideal foundation for restorations like dentures or dental implants.
Alveoloplasty is a pre-prosthetic procedure that prepares the mouth for dental prosthetics like full and partial dentures and dental implants. It involves smoothing and reshaping the alveolar bone so that the prosthetic fits comfortably in the mouth.
What Is Alveoloplasty?
Sharp edges, uneven bone, or irregular ridges can cause discomfort and make it hard for dentures or other prosthetics to fit correctly.
Alveoloplasty is a pre-prosthetic surgery that smooths and reshapes the alveolar bone in your jaw. The procedure prepares the area for dentures, dental implants, or other restorations.
Why Is Alveoloplasty Necessary?
After tooth extraction or tooth loss, the alveolar bone changes shape and loses density.
These changes can cause bone spicules or sharp projections to form on the edges. Alveoloplasty removes these and creates a smooth foundation for your restorations.
Here are common scenarios where it may be recommended.
1. Preparing for Dentures
Uneven or sharp areas of the alveolar ridge can cause discomfort and prevent dentures from fitting correctly.
Smoothing the bone will improve function and retention and prevent ulcers and sores from forming on the gums.
2. After Tooth Extractions
Alveoloplasty is often performed in conjunction with tooth extractions to prevent bone spicules or irregular edges left behind after tooth removal.
However, alveoloplasty can frequently be avoided in modern oral surgery for a single tooth extraction as bone graft socket preservation often prevents the development of bone spicules or irregular edges. Socket preservation also ideally prepares the area for a dental implant in the future.
3. Correcting Bone Irregularities
Bone resorption or dental trauma can lead to uneven bone surfaces, which may cause issues such as difficulty with denture fit, discomfort, or increased risk of oral health complications.
Alveoloplasty improves the stability and comfort of dentures and the overall health of the gum tissue by eliminating sharp edges or irregularities that can irritate the gums.
4. Supporting Dental Implants
A stable and even jawbone is essential for the proper placement of dental implants. On occasion, patients develop excess bone growth.
Alveoloplasty can remove excess bone growth and improve the foundation for a future implant. .
The Alveoloplasty Procedure
Alveoloplasty is a standard procedure that an oral surgeon performs in conjunction with extractions or as a separate surgical procedure.
Here’s a step-by-step look at the alveoloplasty procedure:
- Preparation: Your oral surgeon will review your health history, take X-rays, and explain the process. Local anesthesia will be used to ensure your comfort. Sedation options will be discussed with you at your consultation.
- Access the jawbone: Once you are comfortable, a small incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the alveolar ridge.
- Reshaping: Special instruments are used to reshape the bone, smoothing out sharp edges and irregularities. The goal is to create a smooth surface that promotes healing and improves functionality.
- Closing the site: Once the bone is reshaped, the gum tissue is stitched closed and the healing process begins.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients recover quickly and only experience minor discomfort. It is important to follow all postoperative instructions carefully to ensure a successful recovery.
- Take all medication as directed. If you are prescribed antibiotics, take the entire course, even if you don’t think you need it. If you are prescribed pain medication, take it as directed. Never exceed the recommended daily amount.
- Avoid strenuous exercise until your surgeon gives you the go-ahead.
- Stick to soft foods that are gentle on your mouth. Print out this list of 50 soft food ideas!
- Minor bleeding can be controlled by firmly biting down on gauze pads placed over the surgical area.
- Avoid using straws as they can dislodge blood clots and slow down healing.
- Keep the area clean, but avoid brushing directly over the surgical site.
- Do not smoke or vape for a minimum of 4 weeks following surgery.
Trust Foley & Le Oral Surgery in Boulder, CO
Our experienced oral surgeons, Dr. Thao Le, DDS, MD, and Dr. Benjamin Foley, DDS, are dedicated to providing quality care to every patient.
When you choose Foley & Le, you are choosing oral surgeons that:
- prioritize your comfort
- use state-of-the-art instruments and imaging technology
- provide personalized care tailored to your needs
To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Boulder, call (303) 444-2255 or complete the online booking form. We are located at 1420 28th St, Boulder, CO.
Call UsFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, in many cases! Uneven bone can prevent dentures from fitting well. Alveoloplasty creates a smooth and stable foundation for partial or full dentures. The procedure improves the comfort, function, and retention of the dentures.
Alveoloplasty is a simple procedure that is performed using local anesthesia and sedation (if necessary). We do everything we can during the procedure to ensure your comfort. After the procedure, you may experience some soreness. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication or prescription medication. Following aftercare instructions will minimize discomfort and encourage healing.
Specialized instruments such as dental drills, bone files, and burs allow for precise contouring of the jawbone. Oral surgeons have extensive training and experience in using these tools.
The gums typically take a few weeks to heal fully after alveoloplasty. However, complete healing of the bone may take a few months. Recovery time varies from person to person, but most patients can resume their normal activities within a few days after surgery.
Soft foods are recommended for proper healing in the first few days following alveoloplasty. Try mashed potatoes, smoothies, scrambled eggs, soups, and yogurt. Avoid hard or sticky foods that could irritate the surgical site or cause discomfort.
Alveoloplasty is a safe and common procedure with minimal risks. However, as with any surgery, complications such as infection, bleeding, or allergic reactions to anesthesia can occur. These risks can be minimized by following post-operative care instructions and attending all follow-up appointments. Contact your oral surgeon for further evaluation if you experience persistent pain, swelling, or other concerning symptoms after alveoloplasty.
