Pre-Prosthetic Surgery

The preparation of your mouth for the placement of a prosthesis is referred to as pre-prosthetic surgery.

In order to ensure the maximum level of comfort and function, some patients require minor oral surgical procedures before receiving a partial or complete denture. A denture sits on the bone and overlying gum tissue 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 can need to be removed to allow for 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
  • Soft (gum) tissue grafting or repositioning
  • Exposure or removal of impacted teeth

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