Tuberosity reduction is to make the tuberosity smaller. Tuberosity is found behind the last molar in the upper jaw which is covered by the gums. Tuberosity is not usually a problem if you've got a complete set of teeth. However, if some of your teeth on your upper jaw are lost, this may become a problem because it hangs down and may cause some discomfort. This is not a common mouth problem today due to dental implants; however, those people that have implants in their upper jaw will still need this procedure. The procedure begins when an oral/maxillofacial surgeon coordinates with the patient's dentist or a prosthodontist.



A prosthodontist is a dentist who is well-versed and dedicated to the study and application of dentures. In some cases, the sinus cavity of some persons may extend to the tuberosity and for this purpose; an x-ray should be done in order for the surgeons to know the position of the sinus cavity with respect to the tuberosity. After the image from your mouth is generated, the dentist may create a jaw-like mold showing the exact impression of your jaw in order for the surgeon to know how much tissue or bone should be removed. The said mold exactly fits your jaw and this will be used for testing if enough tissue and bone have been removed.

After this first step, the surgeon will administer anesthesia or intravenous sedation when necessary. The surgeon will now trim and remove unwanted gum tissue or the bone beneath the gums. The mold will be used to test if the exact amount of tissue or bone have been trimmed or removed. After these excesses have been trimmed down, the affected part is closed with stitches. It will take about an hour to finish this procedure.

Antibiotics and pain relievers are prescribed as a follow-up medication. Additional instructions will be given such as regular mouth wash and oral hygiene. After more than a week, the stitches will be detached if the stitch used is the type that cannot be dissolved. You will be further advised to refrain wearing your dentures because there may be some swelling on the affected part for the first few days, unless, the surgeon has specifically told you to wear them. Some will need temporary dentures continually for one or more weeks and the surgeon will give specific instructions with regards to the time of when the denture can be removed and for how long it should be worn. After a couple of months, the said dentures need to be relined or changed to fit better because the tissues get smaller as they heal.

There are some risks involved in the procedure such as infection and excessive bleeding but these are very rare in this procedure. It can happen that the sinus cavity may have been accidentally entered into and usually when this occurs, corrective procedures are immediately made. If there is a presence of blood in the noise after the operation, there is a probability that there's a puncture in the sinus. You should call your dentist or surgeon immediately.