Creating the Ideal Foundation for Your Denture
For a denture to be comfortable and functional, it needs to rest on a smooth, stable foundation. Pre-prosthetic surgery is a specialized area of oral surgery that involves preparing the gums and jaw bone before the fabrication of a dental prosthesis. At Belmont Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, our board-certified oral surgeons, Dr. Pasquale Eckert and Dr. Blaise Eckert, perform these procedures to reshape the jaw ridge, ensuring your final denture has a secure, comfortable, and long-lasting fit.
Why is Pre-Prosthetic Surgery Necessary?
After teeth are lost or extracted, the underlying jaw bone can be left with irregularities, sharp edges, or bony bumps. These features can make wearing a denture extremely uncomfortable, causing sore spots and preventing the prosthesis from seating properly. Pre-prosthetic surgery corrects these issues by creating an even, smooth surface for the denture to rest on, which dramatically improves comfort, stability, and overall function.
Common Pre-Prosthetic Procedures
Your surgeon will create a personalized treatment plan, which may include one or more of the following common procedures:
- Bone Smoothing and Reshaping: Smoothing and contouring the jaw bone to remove any sharp points or high spots.
- Removal of Excess Bone: Excising benign bony growths (tori) that can interfere with a proper denture fit.
- Removal of Excess Gum Tissue: Reshaping the soft tissues to improve the stability and retention of the prosthesis.
- Ridge Augmentation: In cases where the jaw bone has severely shrunken, a bone graft may be used to add back volume and support.
Expert Preparation for a Comfortable Future
A well-fitting denture can significantly improve your quality of life. If you are struggling with a loose or painful denture, or are preparing to have teeth extracted for a new one, pre-prosthetic surgery can make all the difference. Contact our Belmont office to schedule a consultation with our expert surgeons and learn how we can create the best possible foundation for your smile.
Hear From Our Patients
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a candidate for pre-prosthetic surgery?
Anyone who currently wears a denture and experiences discomfort or instability, or anyone who is about to receive a new denture, may be a candidate. This surgery is designed to create the best possible foundation for a prosthesis.
Is the surgery performed at the same time as tooth extractions?
Yes, very often. If you are having remaining teeth removed to prepare for a denture, any necessary bone smoothing or reshaping is typically performed during the same comfortable, anesthetized appointment.
Will this procedure make my dentures fit better?
Absolutely. That is the primary goal of the surgery. By creating a smooth, evenly contoured ridge for the denture to rest on, we can significantly improve its stability, comfort, and function.
What is the recovery like?
Recovery is usually straightforward. You can expect some swelling and tenderness, which can be managed with medication. We will provide detailed post-operative instructions, including dietary recommendations, to ensure you heal properly before your final denture is made.
Restore Your Smile in Belmont, MA
Belmont Oral Surgery & Dental Implants is the premier provider for restoring missing teeth in Belmont, Massachusetts. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with our highly skilled team.