Pre-Prosthetic Procedures

• Pre-prosthetic surgeries are typically minor procedures, and are usually requested by a patient’s restorative dentist. Most are performed to prepare the soft tissue and bone of the gum ridge for optimal denture fit. Since full and partial dentures rest on the gum ridge, proper denture fit function and comfort depend heavily on that ridge being the proper shape and size to support them.
• In preparing the bone that underlies the gum ridge for prosthetic use, Baltimore oral surgeons may perform a procedure – called alveoplasty – that smooths and/or reshapes the jawbone. Areas of bone that are uneven, lumpy or sharp often occur where teeth have been extracted. These areas can make it difficult to fit dentures properly, the high points in the bone rubbing against the denture base to cause discomfort and mouth sores, as well as denture instability.
• Additionally, in some cases, the top of the jawbone may be poorly shaped for proper denture fit, very thin or with a lip of bone that juts out awkwardly, for instance. During alveoplasty, Dr. Arroyo removes high points in the jawbone to create a smooth, even surface for dentures, and flattens or tapers the top of the jawbone as necessary for correct and comfortable denture support.
• Other procedures that may be done in pre-prosthetic surgery include removal of excess bone in the roof of the mouth and along the ridges, ridge reduction, removal of excess gum tissue and exposure of impacted teeth. Patients may need any combination of these procedures to ensure proper denture fit and comfort.