Your jawbone is as unique to you as your fingerprints are. No two people have the exact same jaw in terms of size, shape, and strength. Even identical twins have completely different jawbones. Because of this, when we get teeth pulled, sometimes our jawbones require repair. Alveoloplasty in conjunction with extractions can help. Here’s what you need to know about this procedure.
What is an alveoloplasty in conjunction with extractions?
Alveoloplasty is a mouthful of medical jargon that you may have heard from your dentist when discussing an upcoming extraction. Alveoloplasty in conjunction with extractions is a common procedure, but you may still be curious as to what that means to you.
In laymen’s terms, the alveoloplasty procedure is a way to create a wide, smooth surface on your jawbone. This creates an ideal surface for any future dental restorations. Patients might receive alveoloplasty for a variety of reasons, including:
- Fitting for dentures: Full or partial dentures require a smooth surface without gaps or ridges that can trap food particles and cause irritation. Alveoloplasty makes this possible.
- Repair thinning jawbone: A thinning jawbone can be a consequence of age, but it can also be a result of lost teeth not replaced by implants or dentures. The alveoloplasty procedure helps widen the jawbone to receive dentures or implants.
- Repair bone after extraction: Whether the jawbone was already thin to begin with or surgical tooth extractions leave holes that don’t close on their own, alveoloplasty can repair the damage and close the gaps.
Even with the most skilled and careful dental surgeon performing the extraction, a vulnerable jawbone may sustain damage. And the type of extraction matters, too.
A simple extraction is nothing more than gently wiggling a tooth loose of its socket, but surgical extractions require more pressure and movement (and possibly cutting into bone). In the course of a proper surgical extraction, the jawbone may require alveoloplasty to get it ready for dental restorations.
How can this procedure help me?
Alveoloplasty in conjunction with extractions may seem daunting at first, but the benefits are tremendous.
After tooth extractions, dental restorations are crucial. Some patients may feel that replacing a lost tooth isn’t necessary, especially if it is in the back of the mouth, but this is a dangerous assumption. Our teeth work with each other to maintain proper bite alignment. When a tooth is missing, all teeth in the mouth will begin to naturally shift to fill that gap. Even for back teeth, this may mean gaps forming in the front teeth as they move to “balance” the bite.
When it comes time for dental restorations, whether you choose dentures, bridges, or dental implants, working with a smooth, even surface is crucial. For dentures, any small bump or ridge can trap food particles that lead to irritation or worse. Additionally, a very narrow jawbone can also impact proper denture fit and, ultimately, overall comfort.
Dental implants also require a reasonably healthy jawbone to begin, and alveoloplasty in conjunction with extractions can go a long way to providing a stable, supportive base to receive your implant.
Are there any alveoloplasty risks?
All surgeries come with potential side effects and risks. With proper aftercare and full disclosure of your risk factors, you can avoid many of these potential risks of alveoloplasty in conjunction with extraction.
Excessive bleeding
This is a rare but serious side effect. The surgical site may bleed for up to 24 hours but should taper off after that.
Blood thinners and daily aspirin taken for heart health can prevent clotting but they can cause excessive bleeding. Let your dental surgeon know if you are on these medications, and then follow their instructions.
Infection
Whenever you have dental surgery, infection is possible.
When the alveoloplasty procedure is performed, your dental surgeon will take all necessary steps to ensure a sterile and safe surgical environment to reduce this risk. Follow all of their aftercare instructions as well to reduce your chances of a post-procedure infection.
Stitches that reopen
Chewing on hard foods or being vigorous when chewing can rip open stitches.
While stitches may naturally come out as the wound heals, if they are ripped out early they will need to be replaced. Again, follow your oral surgeon’s recommendations to reduce your risk.
Numbness and tingling
Bruising in the nerves on the lower jaw can cause temporary numbness and tingling. Bruised nerves should heal in three to six months after surgery, at which time the numbness should subside.
Rarely, nerve damage (rather than bruising) can result in permanent numbness. This numbness does not cause a drooping lip, and no one will notice a physical difference in your appearance. While annoying and frustrating, this is a rare side effect that does not affect many patients.
What should I know about alveoloplasty aftercare?
Aftercare for alveoloplasty in conjunction with extractions is similar to aftercare for any type of dental surgery. It is crucial to follow all of your dental surgeon’s instructions, but here are some basic guidelines.
Take the 48 hours following surgery easy, resting and allowing your body time to heal. You can gradually return to normal levels of activity as the week following surgery progresses. Pay attention to how you feel with increased activity. Avoid strenuous exercise until cleared by your surgeon.
Keep your mouth clean, rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash as advised. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection, especially if other risk factors are present. Follow all instructions for pain management.
The wound may be gently cleaned after a day or two, but do not brush with a toothbrush.
As for dietary restrictions, stick to soft, nutritious foods like yogurt, smoothies, and soups. Avoid spicy, hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, and do not chew on the surgical side of your mouth until allowed to do so by your dentist.
Even with the best care, there are symptoms that need immediate attention after alveoloplasty in conjunction with extraction. If you experience excessive bleeding after 24 hours; fever, chills, or inflammation in the surgical area; or stitches that loosen or tear call your dental surgeon immediately.
AZ Dentist is your gentle dental surgeon with multiple locations in the Phoenix area. We perform alveoloplasty in conjunction with extractions safely and effectively for our patients. Give us a call to set up an exam.
Leave A Comment