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Before getting dentures or any other type of oral prosthesis, you’re prepared for the procedure with pre-prosthetic surgery. The aim is to ensure a good fit for the prosthetic and a comfortable result for the patient. Below is more information on pre-prosthetic surgery, when it's needed, and what to expect.

What Happens in Pre-Prosthetic Surgery

Dentures and similar prosthetics rest on top of the bone ridge of the jaw. The first the ridge must be uniform to best support the prosthetic. Parts of the bone or gum tissue might need to be removed, or the bone may require smoothing or reshaping. 

Who Needs Pre-Prosthetic Surgery

Those who have had teeth removed before will often need a bone smoothing or reshaping, as tooth extractions can leave the bone ridge uneven. In some cases, there’s an extra bone that can prevent a comfortable prosthetic fit, and the excess will need to be removed. Existing dentures that don't fit properly create issues as well, such as folds in gum, cheek, or lip tissue; in these situations, expect tissue removal as part of pre-prosthetic surgery.

What to Expectpre-prosthetic surgery

During the procedure, you will be given a local anesthetic. After the anesthetic has worn off, you might experience some minor pain. Mild swelling is common for the first couple of days after the procedure. Be sure to take all pain medications, antibiotics, and oral rinses as prescribed by your surgeon. Also, be careful of eating and chewing around any incision points; you will be able to feel the dissolvable stitches for several days after treatment, so exercise caution.

 

Knowing some basics about pre-prosthetic surgery will help you prepare for the process of getting comfortable dentures. Oral surgeon Dennis S. Gianoli DDS, PC, has been serving Hartford County, CT, since 1977. He provides pre-prosthetic oral surgery, wisdom tooth removal, dental implant procedures, and more. Call (860) 828-3559, visit his website or contact him on Facebook or Twitter to schedule an appointment.

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