Alveoplasty: Will You Need This Before Denture Fitting?
Posted on: 28 March 2016
When there is no chance of saving a dead tooth, dentists will extract them. If there are a number of teeth being removed, you can then discuss partial or full denture options with a dentist who is knowledgeable about cosmetic dentistry. However, if you have unevenness in your jaw bone, you may need to also undergo a procedure called alveoloplasty before the denture fitting can take place. There is nothing to fear about alveoloplasty, especially when you know these facts before you head in to have it done.
Why Do You Need Alveoplasty?
When the dentist removes your teeth, they examine the jawbone that held these teeth in place. If the bone is uneven, sharp or irregular, then they need to make an adjustment to the bone to smooth it out. If they do not, your new dentures will rub against these protruding lumps. This rubbing will make the denture uncomfortable to wear. Additionally, if the jawbone is not evened out, it will damage the underside of the denture, which means you need to replace it more often.
When Is Alveoplasty Done?
If the bone levelling to be done is relatively minor, then it will be performed at the same time as the tooth extraction. However, if there are a number of teeth being extracted, it may be necessary for the alveoloplasty to be done as a separate procedure.
This is because the alveoloplasty involves pulling the skin back from the jawbone so the bone can be smoothed out using a special dentist's tool. A dentist's anesthetic will last a couple of hours, but if the dentist feels they will need longer they will perform this procedure under separate sedation.
What Happens After The Alveoplasty?
After the alveoloplasty, there will be some bruising around the jaw line. Because of this, your dentist will wait around a week before doing the fitting for the denture. This is because the swelling is not a proper indication of the shape of your mouth, so it needs to subside before a denture mold is made.
One of the biggest benefits of having alveoloplasty done at the time of a tooth extraction is that it removes the chance of you experiencing dry socket. Dry socket is a painful condition that can occur if the extracted area is not cared for properly, but because your dentist will sew up the skin over the extraction site after the alveoloplasty is done, the risk of dry socket is eliminated.
Alveoplasty sounds scary, but it will mean your new dentures fit much better than if it is not done. Your dentist can provide further information regarding this procedure before it is performed, but it is best to simply think of this as getting you one step closer to regaining the perfect smile.
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