A surgical procedure usually performed after teeth are extracted to recontour the jawbone and increase the ridge size in preparation for dentures. If teeth need to be removed because of advanced periodontal disease, severe decay, or fracture, the ridge of the jawbone that surrounded and held the roots of the teeth may need to be flattened. In this state, the bone and gum tissue cannot support dentures and must be reshaped or reconstructed, possibly with the use of grafting. If bone or skin grafts are used, the procedure may require hospitalization. Procedures using artificial bone grafts may be performed in a dental office. In addition to providing support for dentures, alveoloplasty helps to reduce the risk of jawbone fracture and may help to prevent the severe pain or facial numbness that can be caused by lower dentures pressing on facial nerves.
Alveoplasty is a dental surgical procedure performed to remove protrusions and smooth out uneven areas in the bone that supports the teeth in the jaw. It is typically done under either general anesthesia or, more commonly, local anesthesia. The main purpose of alveoplasty is to create a smooth and even alveolar ridge, which is the bone underlying the gums. This helps in the placement and fitting of dentures, making them more comfortable and easier to wear for individuals whose alveolar ridge is not naturally smooth or even.
During an alveoplasty procedure, an incision is made in the gum, which is then gently lifted to expose the uneven bone underneath. The bone is then reshaped using either large forceps or a file, ensuring it is sculpted to the desired shape and smoothness. Once the bone is properly contoured, the gum is carefully repositioned over the treated area and stitched back together using dissolvable sutures. It is normal to experience some bruising and swelling in the mouth after the surgery. However, the gum typically heals within approximately two weeks, allowing for a smoother and more even surface for denture placement.