While many individuals opt for dentures as a non-surgical solution for missing teeth, surgery is still sometimes required to prepare the mouth for a prosthetic. Even if you are looking for a more permanent solution, pre-prosthetic surgery can help repair any issues preventing a prosthetic from fitting comfortably. Pre-prosthetic surgery can take many forms, including gum smoothening and bone reconstruction.
The experienced oral surgeons at Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group are here to help if you are considering dental prosthetics. We employ state-of-the-art technologies to provide our patients with the highest level of care. We take a patient-first approach to dentistry and oral surgery and will prioritize your comfort and unique needs above all else. When you trust us with your health and smile, you can rest assured you will leave our office satisfied.
Am I a Candidate for Pre-Prosthetic Surgery?
During your denture or prosthetic consultation, your surgeon will evaluate whether you need pre-prosthetic surgery for your dentures to fit. They will carefully examine the contours of your mouth, particularly your gums and alveolar ridge. The alveolar ridge is a piece of bone in your jaw that holds your teeth in place. If your bones are abnormally shaped, the dentures may fit too loosely in your mouth, allowing food particles and bacteria to become lodged underneath.
Pre-prosthetic surgery can also correct issues with receding gum lines and jawbones. However, candidates for the surgery must be healthy enough to tolerate the procedure. You may not qualify for pre-prosthetic surgery if you suffer from chronic heart or lung problems or have a condition that compromises your immune system. Your oral surgeon can review your medical history to determine if the surgery can be performed safely and benefit you in the long term.
Types of Pre-Prosthetic Surgery
Several types of bone and gum abnormalities may prevent your prosthetics from fitting correctly. Therefore, there are many types of pre-prosthetic surgery to address these issues. A few common types of pre-prosthetic surgery include the following:
- Alveoloplasty: If the alveolar ridge is uneven, your dentures will fit too loosely. This procedure smooths the bone into a congruous shape so your prosthetic fits snugly.
- Excess Bone Removal: It is not uncommon for extra bone growths to develop along the jaw. While these growths are typically harmless, they may need to be removed for your prosthetic to fit correctly.
- Ridge Augmentation: A lack of sufficient bone tissue can pose as many issues as excessive bone. After losing teeth, your alveolar ridge may start to recede and must be built back up before getting dentures.
- Gum Excision: Excess soft tissue, such as gums, can also pose fit issues for your prosthetics. This procedure is quicker and less invasive than bone surgery and can remove the excess gum tissue preventing a proper fit.
- Extractions: In some cases, your teeth may impede the fit of your prosthetic. If this is the case, one or more teeth may require extraction before you can wear your dentures.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, and there may be other procedures your surgeon may propose. Your doctor will evaluate your health, needs, and possible fit concerns when recommending the best procedure for you.
Schedule an Appointment with a First-Class Oral Surgeon at Elizabeth City Oral Surgery Group
At Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group our dentists and surgeons are dedicated to prioritizing your health and comfort. We tailor our innovative approach to each patient’s needs so you leave our office happy, healthy, and satisfied. We have over 25 years of experience in oral and myofascial surgery and are committed to providing pain-free solutions for our patients in Elizabeth and the neighboring areas. To schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help you, call (908) 663-5309 or complete our contact form today.
