How do they Reshape the Alveolar Bone for Dentures?
Posted on 4/15/2025 by Dallas Prosthodontics
Have you ever considered dentures as a solution for missing teeth? If so, you might be curious about how dentists prepare the jawbone for these oral appliances. This process, known as alveolar bone reshaping, is crucial for ensuring a comfortable and functional fit for your dentures.
What is the Alveolar Bone?
The alveolar bone is a specialized part of the jawbone that surrounds and supports your teeth. It plays a vital role in oral care by anchoring your teeth and providing them with stability.
Why Does the Alveolar Bone Need Reshaping?
When you lose teeth, the alveolar bone begins to shrink or resorb over time. This happens because the bone doesn't receive the stimulation it once did from the roots of your teeth. As a result, the jawbone can become too thin or uneven to support dentures properly. In such cases, reshaping the alveolar bone becomes necessary.
How is the Alveolar Bone Reshaped?
There are various techniques dentists use to reshape the alveolar bone for dentures. These techniques fall into two main categories: surgical and non-surgical.
Surgical Techniques:
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Alveoloplasty: This procedure involves surgically removing and reshaping the alveolar bone to create a smooth and stable foundation for dentures. It's typically performed under local anesthesia.
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Bone Grafting: When the alveolar bone is severely resorbed, a bone graft may be required to add volume and density to the jaw. This procedure can be done using various materials, including your own bone, donated bone, or synthetic materials.
Non-Surgical Techniques:
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Denture Relines: These are soft liners that are placed inside the dentures to fill in any gaps between the dentures and the alveolar bone. They can be temporary or permanent and are often used as a non-invasive way to improve the fit of ill-fitting dentures.
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Bone Stimulating Fillers: These are injectable materials that are placed into the alveolar bone to stimulate bone growth. This technique is still relatively new but shows promise for promoting bone regeneration without the need for surgery.
Choosing the Right Technique
The specific technique used to reshape your alveolar bone will depend on several factors, including the extent of bone resorption, your overall health, and your preferences. It's important to discuss the options with your dentist and choose the approach that's right for you.
Importance of Reshaping the Alveolar Bone
Reshaping the alveolar bone ensures that your dentures have a strong and stable foundation, leading to better comfort, function, and aesthetics. It can also help to preserve the remaining bone and prevent further resorption in the future.
Conclusion
By understanding the importance of alveolar bone reshaping for dentures, you can make informed decisions about your treatment options and achieve successful denture restoration. Remember, regular dental checkups and proper oral care are essential for maintaining the health of your mouth and maximizing the longevity of your dentures.
Dental Blog | Dallas Prosthodontics - Dallas, TX Drs. Castellon and Buskin are offering this educational blog as a resource to our patients and the community. We hope that this blog will help you. Learn more. Dallas Prosthodontics, 6029 Belt Line Road, Suite 120, Dallas, TX 75254; (972) 503-7200; dallasprosthodontics.com; 5/14/2025; Page Terms:Prosthodontist Dallas TX;
