What is adjusted?
The contour of the jaw ridge.
← All explanationsAlveoloplasty
What is alveoloplasty?
Alveoloplasty is surgery to adjust the shape of the tooth-bearing jaw ridge or the ridge remaining after tooth loss. For example, troublesome bony edges may be smoothed if they interfere with a planned denture. It is a targeted contour adjustment, not a routine requirement after every extraction.
For training & practice ↓
AI-generated
Choose a view
Identifying a troublesome contour
Examination and the planned restoration show whether a bony projection or irregular ridge is actually causing a problem. Not every palpable irregularity needs surgery.
Changing only what is justified
Suitable instruments are used to adjust the contour where indicated. The extent is planned individually; existing bone is valuable for future restorations.
Checking healing and denture fit
Healing and later loading are assessed after surgery. A pressure sore can also be due to the denture itself and does not necessarily require bone surgery.
Read the full explanation
Identifying a troublesome contour
Examination and the planned restoration show whether a bony projection or irregular ridge is actually causing a problem. Not every palpable irregularity needs surgery.
Changing only what is justified
Suitable instruments are used to adjust the contour where indicated. The extent is planned individually; existing bone is valuable for future restorations.
Checking healing and denture fit
Healing and later loading are assessed after surgery. A pressure sore can also be due to the denture itself and does not necessarily require bone surgery.
Notes on the teaching images
- Ridge in a model · not a surgical indication
- Bone contour · no removal amount shown
- Assess denture base and fit too
At a glance
When might it be considered?
When a troublesome bone shape interferes with a restoration.
What matters beforehand?
Investigating the cause of symptoms and the alternatives.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available as text.
Often confused
Often confused: a bony edge and a denture pressure sore
A bony edge is an anatomical contour. A pressure sore results from local loading. Examination is needed to distinguish the cause and suitable treatment.
Quick answers
Is this the same as bone augmentation?
No. Alveoloplasty means reshaping, often by limited smoothing or removal. Bone augmentation aims to add missing bone volume.
Is it required before every complete denture?
No. Ridge shape, soft tissues and the planned denture matter. An individual examination establishes whether surgical correction is appropriate at all.
Does a sharp area after extraction always need surgery?
No. Have a troublesome or painful area examined. Do not cut, file or pull at it yourself; different causes are possible.
At the practice
For the appointment
You can bring this question to your appointment:
Is the troublesome area caused by bone, soft tissue or the fit of my denture?
Persistent pressure sores or bothersome bony edges can first be examined to identify their cause.
Discuss your findingsAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Alveolar process
- The part of the jawbone that contains the tooth sockets.
- Preprosthetic surgery
- Surgical preparation for a prosthetic restoration, when needed.
Make the distinction
A bony edge is an anatomical contour. A pressure sore results from local loading. Examination is needed to distinguish the cause and suitable treatment.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.