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Alveoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to reshape or smooth the bone following tooth extraction. The primary need for this procedure arises from the need to prepare the alveolar ridge for future dental prosthetics or to improve the esthetic contour of the gum line.

Rongeurs are specialized instruments that allow the dental professional to remove small amounts of bone. They have scissor-like handles and are designed for grabbing and cutting bone, making them essential when performing alveoplasty. Their ability to shape and contour the bone after a tooth has been extracted is fundamental to achieving a level and aesthetically pleasing alveolar ridge.

While elevators are essential for tooth extraction and forceps are key for removing teeth, they do not play a role in the shaping or smoothing of the bone afterward. Surgical scissors, while useful in various surgical procedures, do not specifically address the need for bone contouring, which is why the rongeur is identified as the additional instrument required for the alveoplasty procedure. Understanding the function of these instruments clarifies their relevance in different dental procedures, particularly the focus on shaping bone in alveoplasty.