What Is An Alveoloplasty?

If you’re interested in dental implants to replace a missing tooth, you may or may not need to have your jaw reshaped first. Alveoplasty is a jaw recontouring and reshaping procedure that is performed in preparation for the placement of dental implants. To learn more about alveoloplasty, when it’s necessary, and what it entails, read on.

Purpose of Alveoloplasty

Once you’ve healed from a tooth extraction, you may have a bumpy or uneven alveolar ridge, which creates an uneven surface that is less than ideal to support a tooth restoration. To prepare the mouth for dental implants, we may need to smooth out the jawbone. This reduces complications and if the procedure is performed at the time of extraction, can aid in the healing process.

When Is Alveoplasty Needed?

Not everyone who has lost a tooth and is looking to have the tooth replaced will require alveoloplasty. If the shape of the jaw is satisfactory to support a restoration, then there is no need for reshaping. 

However, it’s not uncommon for uneven bumps to appear which could cause discomfort, tenderness, or an ill-fitting restoration if it is placed on an uneven surface. Alveoloplasty can be performed at any time – at the moment of extraction after the extraction site has healed or a long time after tooth loss. 

However, it is common for it to be done in conjunction with the extraction because it encourages healing, reduces the risk of dry socket, eliminates the need for a second procedure, and reduces costs.

The dentist performing your extraction will evaluate the shape of your jaw to determine if it needs to be recontoured. If you opt to wait until you have healed to get the procedure, it will prolong the process of receiving a tooth replacement. The quick healing that alveoloplasty promotes is important for cancer patients undergoing radiation and those who suffer from autoimmune diseases.

The Alveoloplasty Procedure At Our Dedham Office

We’ll first administer a local anesthetic to numb your mouth. An incision will then be made into the gums to reveal the jawbone. Different tools can be used to shave down the uneven bone, such as a bone file, chisel, burr, and a handheld drill. 

Once the ideal shape has been achieved, the gum flap will be repositioned and sutured. You’ll be instructed how to care for the surgical site and will need to stick to a diet of soft foods for a little while.

Tooth Replacement

Once you’ve healed from the procedure, you’ll be ready to schedule your tooth restoration appointment. You’ll be fully healed in about 4-6 weeks. Most patients who receive alveoloplasty at the same time as an extraction will be ready for a tooth replacement within 23 days. For patients who have the procedures performed separately, it will take about 65 days. 

At Digital Dental Studio, we provide alveoloplasty and tooth restoration services. If you think you may need jaw recontouring or a tooth replacement, contact us at (781) 471-7934 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Anna Vishart.