Which procedure is responsible for contouring and shaping bone?

Osteoplasty is the procedure specifically responsible for contouring and shaping bone. This involves surgical modification of the bone structure, allowing for the correction of deformities or to improve the aesthetic appearance. In dental practice, for example, osteoplasty can be used to prepare the bone for implant placement or to create a more favorable contour for prosthetic devices.

In contrast, osteotomy refers to the surgical cutting of bone, often to realign or redistribute weight. Osteogenesis pertains to the formation and development of bone, not reshaping existing bone structures. Osteocompression is a term typically associated with techniques that apply compressive forces to bones to promote healing or stability, rather than shaping them. Understanding these distinctions highlights how osteoplasty uniquely addresses the shaping and contouring of bone, making it essential for various restorative and cosmetic surgical procedures.