Alveoloplasty / Jawbone Reshaping

Alveoloplasty refers to the shaping of alveolar process using surgical methods. It is done if a person has bony projections, sharp crestal bones or undercuts.

Alveoloplasty in Dentistry

Prior to the construction of any prosthetic appliance, attempts must be made to preserve the maximum possible amount of the alveolar bone. Primarily the alveolar ridge must be re-contoured for providing best tissue for denture support. This is done by maintaining and securing large amounts of the soft tissues and bone. The final aim involves the patient’s rehabilitation, while also restoring best masticatory function, and further improving the facial as well as the dental esthetics. Alveoloplasty is referred for both single and the multiple teeth extractions.

The procedure is as follows:

• After giving anesthesia, there is an incision made along alveolar ridge’s crest and is extended across the site of extraction.
• There is a removal of the soft tissue from the socket’s distal and mesial sides.
• The projected bone is slowly removed using the surgical blur or rongeur.
• Further smoothening is done with the help of a bone file.
• There must not be any undercuts.
• The additional bony fragments are also removed as the surgical site is thoroughly irrigated.
• 3-0 silk interrupted suture is used for approximating the wound margins.
• There is a removal of all the excessive fibrous areas. It is customary for the soft tissues to get adjusted to the alveolar process.