Alveolectomy: Bone Recontouring for All-on-4® Teeth

Major tooth loss can have a number of adverse effects, including deterioration of the jaw bone. If you’re missing a number of teeth, the teeth roots will no longer be present to stimulate bone growth, which can lead to shrinking of the jaw and other facial structures.

If you choose to replace missing teeth with full mouth dental implants (including All-on-4®), your dentist will perform an alveolectomy at the same time to reshape your jaw bone and create a flat surface that is ready to support dental implants and your new teeth.

Read more about what’s involved in an alveolectomy and implant procedures below or get in touch with our dentists in Applecross to discuss whether All-on-4® implants are a suitable option for you.

What is an alveolectomy?

An alveolectomy is performed on the alveolar bone. This is the part of the jawbone where the roots of teeth connect and grow. This bone structure is flexible to accommodate the changing size and shape of teeth as they develop. When teeth are lost, the bone can start to deteriorate and lose its shape.

During an alveolectomy, a dentist reshapes the alveolar bone and removes infected and unhealthy tissue to create enough space and provide a stable and supportive foundation for dental implants. This can help to preserve the shape and structure of the jawbone for a more natural-looking smile. It also makes it easier to clean your new teeth.

Is alveolectomy always needed?

An alveolectomy is a standard procedure that’s always performed when replacing a full arch of teeth with dental implants. It helps to ensure that the implants have enough support from the jaw, improves connections with the underlying bone to aid the healing process, and creates a flat surface for replacement teeth, leading to a better fit and aesthetic results.

The alveolectomy is performed at the same time the implants are placed. If you want to know more about this procedure or any stage of the All-on-4® process, contact our dentists.

All-on-4® treatment process: step by step

If you’re considering All-on-4® implants to replace missing teeth, your dentist will explain the procedure so you know what to expect at every stage. At Perth Dental Implant Centre, the process is as follows:

1. Consultation and 3D smile planning
2. Alveolectomy procedure to prepare the jaw for dental implants
3. Implant placement and immediate teeth
4. Healing & guided reviews
5. Crafting your long-term teeth
6. Ongoing care & maintenance

While the conventional apporach to full arch surgery involved waiting up to 6 months for implants to bond with the jaw, this is now avoided with using an All-on-4® protocol, due to the way the implants are positioned. The All-on-4® surgical protocol allows a fixed full mouth implant bridge to be fitted within 24 hours of surgery.

1. Consultation and 3D smile planning

It’s essential that you have all the information about All-on-4® and alternative options before you decide on treatment, which is why the process begins with an in-depth consultation with your surgeon.

During this visit, your dentist will discuss your needs and goals from the treatment, examine your mouth and jaw, and ask about your medical history and other factors to determine whether you’re eligible for the procedure or if you might benefit from an alternative solution. This will involve the use of 3D x-rays and taking other images and impressions of your mouth to assess the density and quality of bone in your jaw.

If you have been without natural teeth for some time, you may have experienced significant jawbone loss. In this case, your dentist will discuss the likelihood or having additional implants or longer implants placed such as pterygoid or zygomatic implants in the upper jaw to better support replacement teeth.

If you’re suitable for full mouth dental implants, including All-on-4® implants and decide to go ahead, your dentist will tailor your treatment plan with details including a cost estimate and schedule of appointments.

Following this appointment, you’ll have pre-surgery records taken and you’ll also meet your dental technician to choose the shape and shade of your teeth.

2. Alveolectomy procedure to prepare the jaw for a full arch bridge

On the date of your surgery, your dentist will first remove any remaining teeth and will perform the alveolectomy to recontour the jawbone and create a flat surface for your replacement teeth. This will involve making incisions in the gum to access the jawbone.

3. Implant placement & immediate teeth (using the All-on-4® protocol)

Once the jawbone has been prepared, your implants can be carefully placed inside. The All-on-4® approach uses four or more dental implants per arch that are positioned at the back and front of the jaw. Your dentist will then attach the abutments to the implants and stitch the gum closed. Your dentist will then take impressions for the dental technician to create your teeth. Healing caps will then be placed over the top of dental implants.

Within 24 hours, we fit your custom-milled bridge, crafted from high-quality, durable custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) within our onsite dental lab. This allows us to maintain full control over quality, fit and aesthetics to provide you with strong, natural-looking teeth while you heal.

4. Healing & guided reviews

Over the next three to six months, your implants heal completely. Your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment after two weeks and four weeks to check your implants, speech and bite and to ensure you’re healing well.

5. Crafting your long-term teeth

Within 24 hours of surgery, a temporary custom-milled PMMA (acrylic) bridge is fitted so you can leave with a functional, natural-looking smile while your implants heal.

This provisional bridge is designed to last around 1–2 years. From approximately three months after surgery, patients may choose to upgrade to a longer-lasting ceramic bridge.

For your final restoration, we use advanced digital scans and custom design technology to create a ceramic bridge that complements your smile, facial features and bite for a natural, long-term result.

6. Ongoing care & maintenance

Regular maintenance appointments every 6–12 months help keep your implants and smile in excellent condition.

We’ll also recommend x-rays every 1–2 years to monitor your jawbone health and support your long-term oral health.

What are the benefits of full arch dental implants?

At Perth Dental Implant Centre, we provide advanced full-arch dental implant solutions designed to restore a complete smile with new teeth fitted within 24 hours of surgery.

Rather than limiting treatment to one implant brand or system, our clinicians work across a range of trusted implant technologies and surgical techniques. This allows us to tailor treatment to each patient’s bone structure, goals and long-term needs—helping us deliver the most suitable solution for every smile.

Full-arch dental implants are designed to replace an entire upper or lower arch of missing teeth with a secure, fixed bridge supported by dental implants. In many cases, advanced implant placement techniques can help patients avoid the need for extensive bone grafting procedures.

Compared to removable dentures, full-arch implants offer a range of long-term benefits, including:

• Fixed teeth that feel more secure and stable
• A natural-looking smile designed to complement your facial features
• Improved chewing strength and ability to enjoy a wider variety of foods
• Implant support that helps stimulate the jawbone and reduce bone loss
• No need for removable dentures or adhesives
• Easy maintenance with routine brushing and professional care
• Long-lasting results with proper maintenance and ongoing care

Using advanced digital planning and modern implant techniques, we focus on creating smiles that look natural, feel comfortable and support your long-term oral health.

While dental implants show many benefits, they are not suitable for everyone. The advantage of dentures over implants include avoiding surgery and associated surgical risks and lower treatment and maintenance costs.

Learn more about the pros and cons of suction dentures, overdentures and All-on-4® dental implants in our blog.

How to care for your new teeth

You can help your new teeth to last for as long as possible by maintaining good oral hygiene and healthy habits. This includes:

• Brushing your teeth and gums twice daily to help prevent gum disease
• Cleaning between your teeth using a water flosser or other non-abrasive cleaning tool
• Avoiding too much added sugar in your diet
• Drinking plenty of water every day
• Not smoking, which is a risk factor for implant failure
• Visiting the dentist every 6 months for a check-up and clean

The alveolectomy procedure creates a flat profile for your bridge that makes them easy to clean. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, your dentist may recommend wearing a night splint to protect your teeth at night.

Find out more about All-on-4® implants in Perth

If you have more questions about the All-on-4 process, or you want to talk to us about your treatment, call Perth Dental Implant Centre today on 1300 108 133.

References

1. Malo P, de Araújo Nobre M, Lopes A, Moss SM, Molina GJ. A longitudinal study of the survival of All-on-4® implants in the mandible with up to 10 years of follow-up. J Am Dent Assoc 2011;142:310-204
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/alveolar-bone