Alveoplasty is a common dental practice that dentists perform right after a tooth extraction. The main purpose of the surgical procedure is to smooth out the jawbone following a tooth extraction. The name of the surgery comes from the word alveolus, which is the area within the jawbone that houses the teeth. Then the second part is “plasty” which refers to molding. So in simpler terms, the procedure molds the alveolus where your tooth used to be by smoothing it out to avoid rough edges.
Why is alveoplasty necessary?
Alveoplasty is a necessary procedure because smoothing out the jawbone makes it easier for your dentist to place prosthetics like dentures and dental implants. This is because the procedure helps your gums heal properly. Without alveoplasty, the tooth extraction procedure alone can leave sharp and uneven bones which can not only cause discomfort but can make it challenging to fit dental prosthetics. Therefore, it is necessary to smooth out the jawbone for a comfortable fit and a successful tooth replacement.
When should you perform the alveoplasty?
Your dentist will let you know when the best time for you to perform the alveoplasty is. However, in most cases, it is best to perform the procedure during your tooth extraction. This is for several reasons the most important of which is that it saves you time. Once you perform an alveoplasty right after your tooth extraction, you allow your jawbone to heal at once. In other words, this allows for a smoother recovery and makes you readily prepared for your tooth replacement procedure.
However, if you choose to perform the procedure at a later time, that is also possible. You can have your alveoplasty before the placement of your dentures and implants. It will be necessary then to smooth out the jawbone for a comfortable and snug fit for your prosthetics.
In some cases, you can still opt for an alveoplasty if you feel discomfort from the jawbone healing following a tooth extraction. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a procedure that you do to prepare for tooth replacement. Naturally, rough edges can develop around the jawbone which might be an inconvenience to you. In this case, you can simply opt for the procedure to help your jawbone heal correctly.
Is alveoloplasty always necessary?
No, alveoplasty is not always necessary. Your dentist will evaluate your jawbone and the site of tooth loss for signs of uneven or sharp edges around the alveolus. If the dentist finds that your bone is smooth, then you may not require the procedure.
Likewise, if following a tooth extraction you do not feel discomfort in the areas and do not plan on seeking tooth replacement, then you may not need the procedure at all.
Procedure steps of an alveoplasty
The procedure of an alveoplasty is fairly simple and consists of the following 4 direct steps.
1- Local Anesthesia
To avoid any pain or discomfort for you during the procedure, your dentist will give you a shot of local anesthesia to numb the area.
2- Accessing the Bone
Next comes accessing the bone, which is not a necessary step if your dentist performs the procedure right after a tooth extraction as the area will be open. However, if you opt for an alveoplasty at a later time, your dentist will make a small incision on the gums to have access to the jawbone.
3- Smoothing the Bone
Once your dentist reaches the jawbone, they will use special tools such as a chisel or a burr to smooth down the rough or sharp edges of the jawbone by shaving.
4- Closing the Gums
Once your dentist smooths out the surface of the bone, they will stitch the gums allowing your bone to heal.
Healing After the Procedure
Your dentist will give you direct instructions on how to care for your oral health following an alveoplasty.
The entire healing process will take a few weeks, during which your dentist will advise you to make dietary changes that consist of soft foods and liquids. This will avoid pressure on the jawbone and allow it to heal without complications.
It is best to save time by performing your alveoplasty during a tooth extraction, where a study concluded that the healing time was 23 days for patients who perform the procedure at the same time as a tooth extraction. On the other hand, if you choose to perform a tooth extraction, wait for it to heal, and then perform an alveoplasty, your healing period may stretch up to 65 days before you can consider tooth replacement.
Many patients often choose to wait between the procedures due to financial problems. In this case, you can consider medical tourism in Turkey. At world-class award-winning dental clinics like Dentakay, you can receive top-quality dental care for very affordable prices.
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The Takeaway
Alveoloplasty is a common dental procedure that helps prepare your jaw for successful tooth replacement, whether it be dentures or dental implants. By smoothing the jawbone, your mouth becomes ready to house prosthetics with ease and comfort. In other words, this procedure enhances oral health and ensures a better fit for dental prosthetics, helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile.
Since the procedure is not always necessary, your dentist will determine if alveoloplasty is right for you and recommend the best time for the surgery.
If you have any additional questions regarding the procedure, you can always consult our dentists or medical specialists at Dentakay. All you have to do is visit the following link to book an appointment by filling the following table or contacting us directly via WhatsApp. Our professionals will address your concerns in an online consultation that is free of charge.