Alveoplasty
What Is Alveoplasty?
After a tooth is removed, the bone that previously supported the tooth may have an uneven contour, sharp edges, or prominent areas. In many cases, the bone naturally remodels during healing. However, additional reshaping may be recommended when the remaining bone could interfere with proper healing or the fit of a denture. During alveoplasty, the gum tissue is gently lifted to provide access to the underlying bone. The bone is then carefully smoothed and recontoured before the gum tissue is repositioned and secured with sutures.
Why Is Alveoplasty Performed?
The goal is to create a smooth, rounded bone contour that supports healthy gum tissue and provides a more stable foundation for a dental prosthesis. Alveoplasty may be recommended for many different reasons:
Alveoplasty After Tooth Extraction
Alveoplasty is often performed at the same appointment as one or more tooth extractions. After the teeth are removed, the extraction sites are evaluated for sharp edges, uneven bone, or areas that may interfere with healing.
When necessary, these areas are reshaped before the gum tissue is closed. Performing alveoplasty at the time of extraction may reduce the need for a separate surgical procedure later. In some cases, alveoplasty is completed after the extraction sites have already healed, particularly when an uneven ridge affects denture comfort or stability.
Alveoplasty Before Dentures
A smooth and properly shaped jawbone is important for the comfort and stability of a denture. Prominent or irregular bone can create pressure points beneath the denture, resulting in soreness, poor retention, and difficulty chewing.
Alveoplasty may be recommended before a denture is made when the shape of the jawbone is likely to interfere with proper fit. Reshaping the ridge can help the denture sit more evenly, eliminate undercuts and reduce areas of concentrated pressure. Even after alveoplasty, some denture adjustments may still be needed as the gums and bone continue to heal and change.
Can Alveoplasty Improve Denture Comfort?
Alveoplasty can improve denture comfort when sharp, prominent, or uneven bone is contributing to pressure or irritation. A smoother ridge may help distribute chewing forces more evenly beneath the denture.
However, denture comfort also depends on several other factors, including the amount of remaining bone, gum health, saliva, bite alignment, and the design of the denture. Periodic adjustments or relining may still be necessary.
Is Alveoplasty Painful?
The treatment area is numbed with local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. You may feel pressure, movement, or vibration while the bone is being reshaped.
What Should I Expect During the Procedure?
Local anesthesia is administered to numb the treatment area. The gum tissue may be gently lifted to expose the underlying bone. Sharp or uneven areas of bone are carefully reshaped and smoothed. The area is cleaned and inspected. The gum tissue is repositioned over the bone. Sutures may be placed to support healing and gauze may be used to control minor bleeding. The length of the procedure depends on the number of areas being treated and whether tooth extractions are performed at the same appointment.
What Should I Expect After Alveoplasty?
Mild soreness, swelling, or tenderness is common after treatment and can usually be managed with the recommended pain medication and post-operative instructions. Most patients gradually become more comfortable over several days. The exact healing time depends on the extent of treatment, the number of extraction sites, and your overall health.
How Long Does It Take to Heal?
Initial gum healing generally occurs over the first few weeks. The underlying bone continues to remodel for several weeks or months. If alveoplasty is performed before a new denture is made, your dentist may recommend allowing the tissues to heal before taking final impressions. In other situations, an immediate denture may be placed on the same day and adjusted as healing progresses.
Alveoplasty Recovery Instructions
Alveoplasty Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alveoplasty Always Necessary After Tooth Extraction?
No. Many extraction sites heal without additional bone reshaping. Alveoplasty is recommended only when the remaining bone is sharp, uneven, prominent, or likely to interfere with healing or future dental treatment.
Can Alveoplasty Be Performed at the Same Time as an Extraction?
Yes. It is frequently completed immediately after one or more teeth are removed. This allows the bone to be evaluated and smoothed before the gums are closed.
Can I Wear My Denture After Alveoplasty?
This depends on your treatment plan. An immediate denture may sometimes be placed on the day of surgery. In other cases, your dentist may recommend waiting for the gums to heal before wearing or fabricating a denture.
Will My Denture Need to Be Adjusted?
Yes, adjustments are often necessary as swelling decreases and the gums and bone change during healing. A temporary liner, reline, or new denture may eventually be recommended.
Can the Bone Become Sharp Again?
Small bone fragments or sharp areas may occasionally become noticeable during healing as the jawbone remodels. Many resolve naturally, while others may require a minor adjustment.
What Is the Difference Between Alveoplasty and Bone Grafting?
Alveoplasty removes or reshapes prominent bone to create a smoother contour. Bone grafting adds graft material to preserve or rebuild bone volume. The procedures serve different purposes and may occasionally be performed as part of the same overall treatment plan.
Learn More
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) – Pre-Prosthetic Surgery
(561) 898-1010
