Pre-Prosthetic Surgery: Getting Ready for a Secure, Confident Smile
In certain cases, our oral surgeon may recommend pre-prosthetic surgery in Glendale, Arizona, and the surrounding Valley to prepare your mouth for a dental implant or implant-supported dentures. This preparation may involve several surgical treatments designed to create the ideal foundation for a comfortable, secure prosthetic fit. If you’re considering tooth replacement, Dr. Gary K. Lines or Dr. Donald R. Hoaglin would be happy to evaluate your needs during a consultation at Arizona Center for Oral Surgery. Call us today at 623-931-9197 to schedule your appointment.
In some instances, tooth extraction is necessary to remove decayed or damaged teeth prior to placing a prosthesis. However, extractions can sometimes leave behind uneven or jagged areas in the bone beneath the removed tooth. When this occurs, pre-prosthetic surgery may be needed to smooth and reshape the bone or gum tissue, ensuring that your replacement, whether a denture, bridge, or implant, fits properly and comfortably.
Pre-prosthetic surgery is a minor oral surgical procedure performed to prepare the mouth for a partial or complete dental prosthesis. It’s especially important in denture preparation, where the supporting bone ridge must be appropriately shaped and sized to ensure a secure, stable fit for the appliance.
Common types of pre-prosthetic procedures include:
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Smoothing and reshaping the bone
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Removal of excess bone tissue
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Reducing the bone ridge
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Removing overgrown gum tissue
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Exposing impacted teeth
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Contouring and leveling the jawbone
During your initial exam, our oral surgeon will perform a thorough assessment of your oral structures to determine if pre-prosthetic surgery is necessary. If so, we’ll discuss your treatment options and develop a personalized surgical plan that aligns with your restorative goals.
If you have questions about pre-prosthetic surgery or would like to schedule a consultation with our skilled oral surgeon, we invite you to contact Arizona Center for Oral Surgery today. We’re here to help you take the next step toward a comfortable and confident smile.
Frequently Asked Questions — Pre-Prosthetic Surgery in Glendale, AZ
1. What is pre-prosthetic surgery, and when is it needed?
Pre-prosthetic surgery refers to oral surgical procedures that prepare your mouth for a dental prosthesis (like dentures, bridges, or implant-supported teeth). If your jawbone is uneven, has sharp ridges, excess tissue, or remnants of removed teeth, preparing the bone and tissues helps ensure a better fit and greater comfort for the final prosthetic.
2. What kinds of specific procedures might be involved?
Some common procedures include:
- Smoothing and reshaping uneven bone ridges so the denture or prosthesis sits well.
- Removing excess bone (or bony growths such as tori) that interfere with fit.
- Reducing or reshaping the ridge (ridge reduction) where dentures rest.
- Removing excess gum (soft) tissue to provide a stable surface.
3. How do I know if I need pre-prosthetic surgery in Glendale?
You might benefit from this surgery if you:
- Are you getting new dentures or a prosthetic and have had trouble with fit or comfort?
- Have uneven bone ridges, sharp bone edges, or extra soft tissue under your denture.
- Previously extracted teeth left uneven bone surfaces, preventing a comfortable prosthetic.
During your evaluation at Arizona Center for Oral Surgery, we’ll assess the shape of your jaws, bone quality, and soft tissues to determine whether pre-prosthetic surgery is necessary.
4. What is the recovery like after pre-prosthetic surgery?
Recovery depends on exactly which procedure(s) you had, but generally, you can expect:
- Some swelling, mild discomfort, and possibly a soft-food diet for a few days.
- The surgical site heals enough in 1-2 weeks (in many cases) before fitting the prosthetic.
- Good oral hygiene (gentle rinsing, avoiding irritants), rest, and following your surgeon’s post-op instructions at Arizona Center for Oral Surgery to ensure smooth healing.
5. Will pre-prosthetic surgery increase the cost or delay getting my new teeth in Glendale?
While preparing the underlying bone or tissue adds a step, it generally reduces long-term problems like sores, a poor fit, or the need for multiple adjustments. It may add a short recovery time before final prosthetic placement, but it improves prosthetic comfort and longevity. During your consultation at Arizona Center for Oral Surgery, you’ll receive a clear treatment plan including timing, costs, and how this step fits into your overall restoration schedule.