Pre-Prosthetic Surgery

A pre-prosthetic procedure is performed on patients to prepare the dental arch for a restoration, most commonly a removable denture. Dentures lay flat on top of the gums to replace a full arch of missing teeth. For patients to enjoy the full range of benefits provided by their new dentures, they must maintain a consistently good fit. When the gum line does not allow the denture to lay comfortably in the mouth, patients experience pain, sores, and even a limited diet, as they cannot eat many foods without discomfort.

Pre-prosthetic surgery allows patients to receive a secure-fitting denture that restores their oral function. Oral surgeons can carefully adjust the bone and gum line in either the upper or lower jaw to prepare the mouth for the new set of teeth. Patients who are about to receive dentures or suffer from ill-fitting dentures should explore pre-prosthetic surgery at Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma. Our skilled surgeons, Dr. Robert Bryan and Dr. Jeremy Goodson, work with experienced restorative dentists in the area to complete this procedure and finalize the restoration.

How Does Pre-Prosthetic Surgery Work?

There are a few types of pre-prosthetic treatments used to prepare the mouth for the placement of removable dentures. Our oral surgeons conduct a pre-prosthetic procedure to remove excess bone or tissue, a bone ridge reduction treatment, or reshaping bones in the jaw. The approach selected is usually determined by the patient’s current oral health and the size and shape of the jaw bone. Dr. Bryan and Dr. Goodson provide a variety of options for anesthesia and sedation to make the treatment more comfortable, including local anesthesia and IV sedation.

Most pre-prosthetic oral procedures conducted at our practice are minor outpatient procedures. Our oral surgeons perform an oral exam and i-CAT^™ 3D imaging of your mouth and face during the initial consultation. They will use this information to assess the shape and size of the jaw bone and gum line to develop a personalized treatment plan for surgery. Once Dr. Bryan or Dr. Goodson have finished shaping the bone, and you have fully healed from surgery, your restorative dentist places your final set of new dentures.

Pre-Prosthetic Surgery in Oklahoma City, OK

If you are considering a removable denture and wish to ensure a comfortable fit, pre-prosthetic surgery may help you maximize the benefits of your new restoration. At Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma, we encourage all patients to seek information about their options for tooth restoration, including those missing an entire arch of teeth. Dr. Bryan and Dr. Goodson are experts in restorative dentistry and are happy to discuss all of your options, such as removable dentures and pre-prosthetic surgery. If we determine that this is the right approach for you, we can perform your treatment at our office in Oklahoma City, OK.