What Is Pre-Prosthetic Surgery?
The preparation of your mouth before the placement of a prosthesis is referred to as pre-prosthetic surgery.
Some Oklahoma City patients require minor oral surgical procedures before receiving a partial or complete denture, in order to ensure the maximum level of comfort. A denture sits on the bone ridge, so it is very important that the bone is 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 would 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
- Bone ridge reduction
- Removal of excess gum tissue
- Exposure of impacted teeth
We will review your particular needs with you during your appointment.
Dental Implants and Pre-Prosthetic Surgery
Dental implants are unlike dentures. They are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. While pre-prosthetic surgery isn’t always required for implants, it can sometimes be necessary to ensure optimal placement and function.
Here’s how pre-prosthetic surgery might be used for dental implants:
- Bone grafting: If there’s insufficient bone in your jaw to support the implant, a bone graft can be used to build up the area.
- Sinus lift: To create space for upper implants in the back of the mouth, a sinus lift might be needed. This involves carefully lifting the sinus membrane.
- Gum tissue sculpting: In some cases, the gum tissue may need to be reshaped to ensure a natural-looking crown can be placed on the implant.
Pre-prosthetic surgery can prepare your jawbone and gums for the long-term success and aesthetics of your dental implants.
Contact our offices in the Oklahoma City area for your Pre-prosthetic surgery appointment today.
