If you have recently lost teeth or had them removed due to dental disease or other trauma to the mouth (e.g., accident), you may be a candidate for alveoloplasty. This common procedure helps smooth the jawbone so that reconstructive surgery can be performed or dentures can be properly fitted. Here is more detail on what’s involved in the alveoloplasty procedure and what you can expect in terms of recovery.
What is an alveoloplasty?
Alveoloplasty is a dental procedure that actually reshapes the bones of the mouth when teeth are missing. Named for the alveolar bone, the alveoloplasty procedure reshapes the bone to provide a level surface in the mouth.
Just as with outward appearances, the inside of our mouths are particular to us. When teeth are lost or removed, the contours of the jawbone may be ridged, wavy, or bumpy. Alveoloplasty is a dental surgery that can make this surface more uniform.
The conditions alveoloplasty procedure can treat include the following.
Fitting for dentures
If you’re missing teeth and are being fitted for full or partial dentures, alveoloplasty may be necessary to ensure a snug fit on the gum.
Bumps and ridges in the bone can cause gaps between the denture and the gum. This can trap food particles and, over time, result in painful friction or infection.
To repair bone after tooth extractions
In some cases, the jawbone can be damaged after tooth extractions.
When multiple teeth are removed, holes that do not naturally come together remain in the bone. Alveoloplasty with extractions can repair this damage to close the gap (or, as above, to prep for dentures).
To repair thinning jawbone
Naturally thinning jawbone may impede proper fit of dentures.
If your mouth is missing teeth over a period of time, your bones will also begin to thin. The alveoplasty dental procedure works to provide a wide enough settling place for dentures.
What can I expect with an alveoloplasty procedure?
As with most health-related treatments, the alveoloplasty procedure can vary, depending on each individual patient. For most patients, there are common procedures followed and steps to prepare for an alveoloplasty with extractions and without.
Step 1: Prepare for surgery
Your dental surgeon will give you specific instructions to prepare for the alveoloplasty procedure, but as with most surgeries that use anesthesia, food and water are generally restricted after midnight. The most important thing is to try to relax and get a good night’s rest the night before the prcoedure.
You may also be provided with anti-microbial mouthwash and antibiotics before your surgery. Antibiotics before surgery are generally provided for those who are at higher risk of infection, so not every patient will receive these. Again, a personalized approach is important, so work closely with your doctor and ask them about any questions or concerns you have.
Step 2: Anesthesia
If teeth are being removed prior to the alveoloplasty, many dental surgeons will opt for IV anesthesia. If no extractions are needed, local anesthetic may be the best course of action.
At AZ Dentist, the most important factor is patient comfort. We will take whatever steps necessary to ensure a pain-free experience.
Step 3: Surgery
During the procedure, your dentist will expose the bone by creating flaps of gum tissue. This bone is then contoured and reshaped using a number of different instruments. Each procedure is as different as the patient. Sometimes only minor work is needed, such as filing bone down, and other times sections of bone may need to be removed.
Regardless of the extent of the alveoloplasty, the surgical area is kept clean and free of debris throughout the procedure with a regular flush of saline solution. This also keeps the bone cool to avoid damage from the dental drill.
Finally, the dental surgeon will flush the wound thoroughly with water or saline solution and close the gum tissue with stitches. Non-resorbing sutures are generally used, although some dentists will use dissolvable stitches if the surgery is not extensive. While there are more than a few steps involved, with a highly-skilled dentist, this procedure is fast.
Step 4: Recovery
Some soreness is to be expected after the alveoloplasty procedure, most of which can be managed with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen. You can also control swelling with the use of ice packs. Any swelling should generally subside within 48 hours.
Stitches will often be removed within a week to ten days after surgery, but complete healing may not occur for four to six weeks. During this time, your doctor may give you an antibiotic rinse to use to prevent infection. As the incision heals, only consume soft foods approved by your dentist.
Are there any alveoloplasty side effects or risks?
As with any surgical procedure, there are side effects and risks.
Excessive bleeding is a rare but potentially serious complication. Patients can expect some bleeding for the first 24 hours, but after that the bleeding should taper off. In some cases, blood thinners can cause excessive bleeding, as can daily aspirin taken for heart health. Always be candid with your dentist and let them know any medications you’re taking.
Other risks include infection and stitches that reopen. Infection is always a possibility with dental surgery, so it is important to keep your mouth clean, rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash as advised by your dental surgeon. Similarly, chewing on hard foods or being vigorous when chewing can rip open stitches. Following the post-operative directions to stick with soft foods is the best way to prevent this.
Finally, it is possible to experience some numbness and tingling after alveoloplasty, especially if it is performed on the lower jaw. Nerves in the area may bruise, resulting in slight numbness that lasts between three to six months after surgery.
For a small percentage of patients, this numbness can be permanent, caused by actual damage to the nerve (instead of bruising). 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 also not a common side effect.
Call your dentist immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Excessive bleeding after 24 hours
- Fever, chills, or inflammation in the surgical area
- Stitches that loosen or tear
A gentle, experienced doctor is key to a successful, safe, and comfortable alveoloplasty. To find a qualified dental surgeon in the Phoenix area, get in touch today!
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