Pre-Prosthetic Surgery

The preparation of your mouth before the placement of a prosthesis (a tooth replacement) is referred to as pre-prosthetic surgery.

Some patients require minor oral surgical procedures before receiving a partial or complete denture, in order to ensure the maximum level of fit and comfort when wearing the denture. A denture sits on the gums over the bony ridge so it is very important that the bone is ssmooth and of the proper shape and size. If a tooth needs to be extracted, the underlying bone might be left sharp and uneven. For the best fit of a denture, the bone might need to be smoothed out or reshaped. Occasionally, excess bone may need to be removed prior to denture insertion.

One or more of the following procedures might need to be performed in order to prepare your mouth for a denture:

• Bone smoothing and reshaping
• Removal of excess bone such as tori (bony bumps on the upper or lower jaw bone that protrude outwardly)
• Bone ridge reduction
• Removal of excess gum tissue
• Exposure and possible removal of impacted teeth that compromise fit of the prosthesis

We will review your particular needs with you during your appointment.