Alveoloplasty in Stockholm – Jawbone Smoothing Before Implants or Dentures
Alveoloplasty in Stockholm at Gloss & Floss Dental Care® is a minor oral-surgery procedure used to smooth or reshape uneven jawbone after tooth extraction or before planning dentures, implants or other tooth replacements. The goal is to create a more comfortable and stable foundation for healing, prosthetic fit and future treatment planning.
Alveoloplasty is also called ridge smoothing or ridge recontouring. It is different from bone grafting or bone augmentation. Alveoloplasty reshapes existing bone; bone grafting adds or rebuilds bone when more volume is needed for a planned treatment.
What is alveoloplasty?
Alveoloplasty is the careful surgical smoothing of the alveolar ridge, the part of the jawbone that supports the teeth. After an extraction, the bone may sometimes feel sharp, uneven or irregular under the gum. In selected cases, reshaping the ridge can improve comfort, healing and the fit of future dentures, implants or fixed restorations.
When may alveoloplasty be needed?
Not every tooth extraction requires alveoloplasty. It is considered when the bone contour may create discomfort, delay prosthetic planning or make the fit of a denture or restoration less predictable.
After tooth extraction
After a tooth is removed, the ridge may sometimes have sharp edges, bony spicules or uneven areas. Smoothing the bone can reduce irritation and support a more comfortable healing process.
Before removable dentures
A denture needs a stable and comfortable base. If the bone under the gum is sharp or irregular, it may contribute to sore spots or poor fit. Learn more about removable dentures.
Before dental implants
In some implant cases, the ridge shape needs to be evaluated before implant planning. Alveoloplasty may be relevant when contouring existing bone can improve the surgical or prosthetic plan. Learn more about dental implants in Stockholm.
Before fixed prosthetic planning
A smoother ridge can sometimes support better planning for fixed restorations, depending on the case. If crowns, bridges or implant-supported restorations are part of the plan, the ridge contour may need to be reviewed. Read more about crowns and bridges.
Alveoloplasty is not the same as bone grafting
This distinction is important. Alveoloplasty smooths or reshapes the existing jawbone. Bone grafting or guided bone regeneration is used when additional bone volume is needed. In other words, alveoloplasty is mainly a contouring procedure, while augmentation is a rebuilding procedure.
During consultation, your dentist evaluates whether the problem is an uneven contour, lack of bone volume, infection risk, denture instability or implant-planning limitation. The treatment recommendation depends on diagnosis, X-rays when needed and the final restorative goal.
Related oral-surgery and prosthetic pages
Alveoloplasty is often connected to extraction, implant planning, denture planning or oral-surgery assessment. These pages may help you understand the wider treatment context.
How the procedure is planned
Planning begins with a clinical examination. We assess the gum, ridge shape, healing status, symptoms, previous extractions, current dentures and future treatment goals. X-rays may be recommended when they are needed for diagnosis or surgical planning.
- Assessment: We evaluate the ridge contour, soft tissue and treatment goal.
- Diagnosis: We decide whether the issue is sharp bone, uneven ridge shape, denture irritation, implant-planning need or another cause.
- Treatment plan: You receive information about the procedure, timing, expected healing, cost and alternatives.
- Procedure: The area is numbed with local anaesthesia before the bone is carefully smoothed and the gum is sutured when needed.
- Follow-up: Healing is checked and the next step is planned, such as denture adjustment, impression-taking or implant timing.
How alveoloplasty is performed
The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia. The dentist or oral-surgery clinician gently exposes the area when needed, removes sharp edges or uneven bone, smooths the ridge and rinses the site. Sutures may be placed to protect the area and guide healing.
In some cases, alveoloplasty can be performed at the same visit as a tooth extraction. In other cases, it is planned later after initial healing, especially if the ridge needs to be assessed before dentures or implant planning.
Recovery and aftercare after alveoloplasty
Healing varies between patients. Mild swelling, tenderness, bruising or minor bleeding may occur during the first days. Most patients can return to normal daily routines fairly quickly, but physical exercise, smoking, alcohol and hard foods may need to be avoided for a short period depending on the procedure.
Typical recovery guidance
- Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your clinician.
- Eat soft foods during the first phase of healing.
- Avoid smoking, as it may disturb healing.
- Keep the area clean with gentle rinsing when instructed.
- Contact the clinic if swelling, pain, bleeding or bad taste increases instead of improving.
Risks, limitations and safety
Alveoloplasty is usually a controlled minor oral-surgery procedure, but all surgery has potential risks. These may include bleeding, swelling, tenderness, infection, delayed healing, temporary sensitivity, wound irritation or the need for additional treatment.
Risk factors such as smoking, certain medications, uncontrolled medical conditions, infection, poor oral hygiene or previous radiation therapy may affect healing. This is why medical history, medication review and proper diagnosis are important before treatment.
Who may be a suitable candidate?
You may be a suitable candidate for alveoloplasty if you have sharp or irregular bone after extraction, sore spots under a denture, difficulty planning a stable prosthetic replacement or an uneven ridge that affects future implant or denture planning.
You may not need alveoloplasty if the ridge is healing well, if the irregularity is minor and symptom-free, or if the main issue is not bone contour but infection, poor denture design, lack of bone volume or another diagnosis. A consultation helps clarify this before any surgical decision is made.
Why choose Gloss & Floss for alveoloplasty in Stockholm?
Gloss & Floss Dental Care® combines oral-surgery planning, prosthetic thinking and clear communication for English-speaking patients in Stockholm. We explain what is clinically needed, what can wait, what alternatives exist and how the procedure fits into your wider treatment plan.
- Clear explanation in English before treatment.
- Careful planning for implants, dentures or fixed restorations.
- Local anaesthesia and comfort-focused treatment workflow.
- Coordination with oral surgery, prosthetics and follow-up care.
- Transparent cost discussion before treatment begins.
When you are ready to discuss your options
Use the Book appointment button at the top of the page and choose a consultation or relevant dental appointment. If you already have a treatment plan from another clinic and want another assessment, you can also read more about a second opinion.
FAQ – Alveoloplasty in Stockholm
What is alveoloplasty and why is it done?
Alveoloplasty is the surgical smoothing or reshaping of the alveolar ridge. It is done to remove sharp or uneven bone and create a smoother base for healing, dentures, implants or other prosthetic planning.
Is alveoloplasty the same as bone grafting?
No. Alveoloplasty reshapes existing bone. Bone grafting or bone augmentation adds or rebuilds bone when more volume is needed.
Is alveoloplasty painful?
The area is numbed with local anaesthesia during the procedure. After treatment, some tenderness or soreness is common and is usually managed with the aftercare guidance provided by the clinician.
Can alveoloplasty be done at the same time as a tooth extraction?
Yes, in some cases it can be done at the same visit as the extraction. In other cases, it is better to wait and reassess the ridge after initial healing.
Do I need alveoloplasty before dental implants?
Not always. It may be recommended if the ridge shape affects implant planning, gum contour, prosthetic design or long-term comfort. Your dentist will assess this before recommending treatment.
How long does healing take after alveoloplasty?
Initial soft-tissue healing often takes one to two weeks, but full healing and the timing for dentures or implants depends on the extent of treatment and your individual healing response.
What affects the cost of alveoloplasty in Stockholm?
Cost depends on the number of sites treated, whether the procedure is combined with extraction, the complexity of the ridge and whether additional treatment planning is needed. You receive a clearer estimate after examination.
