Alveolar bone surgery is a common procedure in oral surgery, often performed routinely. However, many people remain unclear about how it is conducted and who is suitable candidates. Below is an introduction to alveolar bone surgery.
Alveolar bone surgery is a relatively common outpatient procedure in oral surgery.Its purpose is to remove obstructions hindering denture restoration, allowing the alveolar ridge to evenly distribute occlusal pressure. This restores oral and maxillofacial functions such as chewing, speech, and facial aesthetics. Since the procedure primarily targets elderly patients, special emphasis should be placed on preoperative psychological care, close cooperation during surgery, and postoperative education.
Candidates for alveolar bone surgery include:
1.Patients with severe alveolar ridge protrusions beneath denture bases;
2. Patients with incomplete alveolar bone resorption after tooth extraction, leaving sharp bone margins or elevations;
3. Patients with insufficient maxillomandibular space, causing difficulty in denture insertion;
4. Patients with excessive anterior alveolar bone protrusion, interfering with normal denture alignment and compromising aesthetics.
5. Patients requiring immediate denture placement who need simultaneous alveolar ridge contouring for a smooth, natural appearance post-extraction.
Alveolar Bone Surgery Procedure——Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered. For isolated small bony spurs on the alveolar ridge, blunt instruments padded with gauze may be used to gently tap them into the alveolar bone.
For mild maxillary protrusion, post-extraction removal of the alveolar septum followed by chiseling and lingual displacement of the labial bone plate may achieve correction.
Severe maxillary protrusion may require removal of the labial bone plate, alveolar septum, and part of the palatal bone plate based on the protrusion severity, followed by excision of excess soft tissue and meticulous suturing.Other cases require surgical correction.
Minor reshaping procedures involve making a curved incision with a pedicle at the alveolar floor; elevating the flap; removing bone; filing the bone surface smooth; irrigating to clear bone debris; repositioning the mucosa; and closing the wound with interrupted or continuous sutures. Sutures are removed after 7 days.