Name of the Procedure:

Alveoloplasty Not in Conjunction with Extractions - Four or More Teeth or Tooth Spaces (D7320)

Summary

Alveoloplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at reshaping and smoothing the bone of the jaw where teeth have been removed but not in conjunction with extractions. This helps provide a more stable and comfortable base for dentures or other dental prosthetics.

Purpose

The procedure addresses irregularities and sharp bony edges in the jaw that can create discomfort or make it difficult to fit and wear dentures properly. The expected outcome is a smoother alveolar ridge that facilitates the better fitting of dental prosthetics, enhancing oral function and comfort.

Indications

• Patients who have uneven or sharp bony ridges following tooth loss.
• Difficulty fitting or discomfort when wearing dentures.
• Preparing the jaw for dental implants or other prosthetics.

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for a certain period before the procedure if general anesthesia is used.
• Any current medications, especially blood thinners, may need to be adjusted as per the dentist’s or surgeon’s instructions.
• A thorough dental and medical evaluation, including imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans, is conducted to plan the procedure.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is typically administered to numb the area, although general anesthesia may be used in some cases.
2. Incision: An incision is made along the gum to expose the underlying bone.
3. Reshaping: Specialized tools like bone files, chisels, or dental drills are used to smooth, reshape, and contour the jawbone.
4. Closure: The gum tissue is repositioned and sutured (stitched) back into place.
5. Post-operative Care: Instructions are given for managing swelling and discomfort, often including prescribed pain medication and antibiotics.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity and the number of areas needing adjustment.

Setting

Alveoloplasty is usually performed in a dental office, outpatient clinic, or surgical center.

Personnel

• Oral surgeon or dentist
• Dental assistants
• Anesthesiologist (if general anesthesia is used)
• Surgical nurses

Risks and Complications

• Common: Swelling, bruising, pain, minor bleeding, infection.
• Rare: Prolonged numbness, damage to adjacent structures, delayed healing, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.

Benefits

• Improved fit and comfort of dentures or prosthetics.
• Reduced discomfort and irritation caused by sharp bony edges.
• Enhanced oral function and aesthetics.

Recovery

• Follow post-operative instructions, including taking prescribed medications.
• Apply ice packs to reduce swelling and manage pain.
• Eat soft foods and avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods until healing is complete.
• Keep the surgical site clean, following the dentist’s recommendations for oral hygiene.
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and remove sutures if necessary.
• Recovery typically takes about 1-2 weeks.

Alternatives

• Bone grafting: May be considered if there’s insufficient bone structure for implant placement.
• No Intervention: If the patient can tolerate discomfort, but this might pose more issues with prosthetics.
• Temporary adjustments to dentures: A less invasive but short-term solution to accommodate irregularities.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients should expect to feel no pain due to anesthesia but might feel some pressure or vibrations from the tools used. Post-procedure, there will likely be some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which can be managed with prescribed medications and home care measures. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days, following the dentist’s recommendations.