What is Pre-Prosthetic Surgery?
With over 42 million Americans wearing dentures, the need for quality preparation before placement is essential. When teeth are extracted, the remaining bone and tissue may not always provide the smooth, even surface needed for a comfortable denture fit.
Some patients need minor oral surgical procedures before getting a partial or complete denture to ensure maximum comfort. Dentures sit on the bone ridge, so the bone must be the proper shape and size. If a tooth needs to be extracted, the underlying bone might be left jagged and uneven. For the best fit of a denture, the bone might need to be reshaped or smoothed. Occasionally, excess bone would need to be removed before denture insertion. Review all surgical instructions to prepare for your pre-prosthetic procedure and recovery.
Bone Smoothing and Reshaping
After tooth extraction, irregular bone contours frequently remain. These sharp edges and uneven surfaces can create pressure points under your denture, leading to discomfort and sore spots. Our surgeons carefully smooth these areas, creating a more uniform foundation for your prosthesis. This process involves recontouring the bone to eliminate any sharp projections or deep depressions that may interfere with the proper placement of dentures.
The bone smoothing process is typically performed under local anesthesia, making it comfortable for most patients. Recovery time is generally quick, and most patients can return to normal tasks within a few days. Your surgeon will provide specific post-surgical care guidelines to ensure optimal healing.
Excess Bone Removal
Sometimes, there may be too much bone in certain areas of your mouth, creating bulges or prominences under the denture-bearing tissues. These excess bone formations, called tori or exostoses, can prevent your denture from sitting properly against your gums. Removing these bony growths creates more space for your denture, helping to achieve a better fit.
The removal of excess bone is a precise procedure that requires careful planning and execution. Your surgeon will evaluate your specific anatomy and determine exactly which areas need modification. Advanced imaging techniques help ensure the most conservative approach while achieving the desired results.
Bone Grafting Considerations
In some cases, pre-prosthetic surgery may involve adding bone rather than removing it. If you have areas where bone has resorbed significantly after tooth loss, bone grafting might be necessary to provide adequate support for your denture. This procedure helps create the proper ridge height and width needed for optimal denture retention and stability. These procedures also support dental implant placement when implants are part of your treatment plan.
Soft Tissue Management
Excess gum tissue can also interfere with the proper fit of dentures. Hyperplastic tissue, or overgrown gums, may need to be removed to create a smooth, even surface. This procedure, called a gingivoplasty, helps eliminate areas where food particles could become trapped and ensures your denture sits flush against healthy tissue.
Sometimes, the tissue covering the denture-bearing areas may be too loose or mobile, creating instability. Tissue conditioning procedures can help address these issues, creating a more stable foundation for your prosthesis.
Managing Impacted Teeth
Occasionally, impacted teeth or retained tooth roots may interfere with denture placement. If you need wisdom tooth removal before dentures, we can coordinate both procedures. These buried teeth or root fragments can create problems with fit and comfort. Your surgeon can safely remove these obstacles or, in some cases, expose partially erupted teeth that can be incorporated into your treatment plan.
Advanced Imaging and Treatment Planning
Our practice utilizes cone beam CT imaging to provide detailed, three-dimensional views of your jaw structure. This advanced technology allows us to plan your pre-prosthetic surgery with exceptional precision, identifying potential challenges before surgery begins. The detailed images help us minimize surgical time and ensure optimal results.
Recovery and Healing Instructions
Most pre-prosthetic procedures heal relatively quickly, typically within two to four weeks. During this time, temporary prosthetics may be provided to help maintain your appearance and function.
Pain Management
Pain management is a vital aspect of recovery. Most patients find over-the-counter pain relievers adequate for managing any discomfort. Prescription medications may be provided for more extensive procedures or for patients who anticipate needing stronger pain relief.
Rest and Activity Guidelines
Rest is critical during the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or exercise, as this may increase bleeding or swelling. Elevating your head while sleeping can help limit swelling and improve comfort.
Managing Swelling and Discomfort
Apply ice packs to the outside of your face for 15-20 minutes at a time on the first day after surgery. This helps reduce swelling and numbs any discomfort you may experience. After the first day, switch to warm compresses to promote blood flow and healing.
Dietary Recommendations
Your diet plays a crucial role in healing. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, smoothies, and mashed potatoes for the first few days. Avoid hot foods and drinks initially, as they may increase bleeding. Stay well-hydrated by drinking an abundance of water, but avoid straws as the suction can disrupt healing tissues.
Oral Hygiene During Recovery
Gentle oral hygiene is essential for preventing infection while promoting healing. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times daily, especially after meals. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water for an effective, natural rinse. Avoid vigorous swishing or spitting, as this may disturb the surgical site.
Medication Compliance
Take all prescribed medicines as directed, including antibiotics if they’re prescribed. Even if you feel better, complete the entire course of antibiotics to prevent infection. Don’t skip doses of pain medication if you need them, as staying ahead of discomfort is easier than trying to catch up later.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Watch for signs of complications such as:
- Excessive bleeding
- Severe pain increases rather than decreases over time
- Signs of infection, like fever or bad odor
Contact our office immediately if you experience any concerning symptoms.
Choose Goodove Oral Surgery for Your Pre-Prosthetic Care
The surgical team at Goodove Oral Surgery, led by Dr. Goodove and Dr. Zagursky, is exceptionally trained. Whether it’s a friendly hand to hold, a warm blanket during your procedure, or even a request to listen to your favorite song, our warm and professional surgical staff always takes the extra step to provide a genuinely caring environment for our patients. All staff members are CPR certified, and patients are closely monitored during and after surgery to ensure the highest level of safety and comfort.
Ready to take the first step toward your new denture? We invite you to experience the difference our personalized approach makes in achieving optimal results for your pre-prosthetic surgery needs. Contact our Virginia Beach office at (757) 412-2002 or our Chesapeake location at (757) 819-7002 to schedule your consultation, or reach us through our contact form to learn more about how pre-prosthetic surgery can improve your denture experience.
