Textbook of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Alveoloplasty or alveolectomy is the surgical removal of a portion of the alveolar process. When multiple extractions are performed, the contours of the alveolar ridge should be considered in the light of future prosthetic needs. The ideal ridge is U shaped. Natural resorption will contour the ridges, occasionally unevenly, but a longer period of time is required, and the patient may experience discomfort until the sharp bony edges underlying the sensitive periosteum round off. Judgment is required to determine whether alveoloplasty is necessary and how extensively it should be done.