Pre-Prosthetic Surgery

The preparation of your mouth before the placement of a prosthesis (denture) 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 comfort. A denture sits on the bone ridge, so it is very important that the bone is in 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.

Some patients have an excess bone in the upper jaw on the roof of the mouth called a palatal torus. Others have lumps of bone on the inner aspect of the lower jaw known as lingual tori. These prominent bony protuberances are benign but can cause pain or inability to wear dentures. They are removed in an office procedure.

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
  • Removal of impacted teeth or retained roots

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

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