Usually, patients who need dentures can get them without any preparation or additional procedures. Occasionally, pre-prosthetic surgery is needed in order to prepare the jawbone beneath the gums for a full or partial denture to fit comfortably. In case you’ve been told you have to undergo oral surgery for dentures, here’s what you should know.

Pre-prosthetic Oral Surgery
You might need dentures if you need a restoration that does not require the support of nearby teeth. It is true that dentures do not require adjacent teeth to hold them in place, but that does not mean they do not require any support at all. The dentures rest on the gums and the bony ridge beneath the gums.
It can be uncomfortable to wear dentures if this ridge is uneven or too sharp. Despite adhesive pastes, dentures can slip and shift unexpectedly throughout the day. You may have trouble eating and experience slurring when you speak as a result. Constant shifting and slipping can irritate your gums and cause painful sores.

In spite of the fact that dental implants are the ideal solution for this problem, we understand that they are not an option for all patients for a variety of reasons. Many of the complaints patients have about conventional dentures can be avoided by reshaping the bone so that a full or partial denture will fit securely.

Pre-prosthetic Surgery Options
Pre-prosthetic surgical procedures are minor outpatient surgeries performed in our office. The most common pre-prosthetic surgeries we perform at our oral surgery office are:

• Bone smoothing and reshaping: Smoothing and reshaping the bone prevents sore spots where the denture rubs and causes irritation. This surgery is often performed as a pre-prosthetic procedure, but it can also be performed on patients who have dentures and are experiencing discomfort.
• Bone ridge reduction: This procedure alters the bony ridge to ensure that dentures fit comfortably and securely.
• Removal of excess bone or soft tissue: Excess bone and soft tissue can prevent a denture from fitting properly or make it uncomfortable or unstable.

In some cases, only one of these procedures is necessary, while in other cases, a combination of these procedures may be necessary.

Pre-prosthetic Surgery Recovery

There will be some discomfort following your procedure for a few days. We will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help you manage any pain and minimize complications. It is possible to speed up the healing process and get back to normal much sooner if you eat soft foods, get rest, and use cold compresses.
After your pre-prosthetic surgery, your dentist or prosthodontist will fit your denture once the bone and soft tissues have healed.
If you have questions about oral surgery for dentures or you’d like to schedule a consultation, contact us today.