Pre-prosthetic surgery is a surgical procedure designed to prepare the mouth for the placement of dentures.
This surgery ensures that the oral cavity is in optimal condition to accommodate dental prosthetics such as complete or partial dentures and full mouth dental implants.
The procedures focus on reshaping or smoothing the bone and soft tissues within the mouth.
Key Takeaway
Pre-prosthetic surgery is an essential step in the process of fitting and maintaining dental restoration such as full and partial dentures and full mouth dental implants.
Why is Pre-Prosthetic Surgery Performed?
The goal of pre-prosthetic surgery is to create a stable and functional environment for the prosthetic.
Here are some of the reasons why this surgery might be necessary:
- Improving denture fit: An ill-fitting denture can cause discomfort and oral health issues. Pre-prosthetic surgery improves the fit and retention of dentures by addressing issues like excess bone and gum tissue.
- Removing excess bone: Sometimes, there may be areas of excess bone in the mouth that need to be removed for dentures to fit properly. This can occur due to bone loss or trauma. Pre-prosthetic surgery helps reshape the jawbone to ensure an even surface for dentures to rest on.
- Removing excess gum tissue: Similarly, excess gum tissue can interfere with the fit of dentures and may need to be removed through surgery.
Common Pre-Prosthetic Procedures
There are several procedures that fall under pre-prosthetic surgery.
The most common procedures are alveolar ridge reduction, alveolar ridge augmentation, gum surgery and tooth extraction(s). The goal of each procedure is to prepare the mouth for the prosthetic.
Alveolar Ridge Reduction
Alveolar ridge reduction, also known as alveoplasty, is a procedure that reshapes and smooths the jawbone to create an even surface for dentures.
This procedure is typically done when there are bony growths (tori) or uneven areas in the mouth. Specialized instruments are used to carefully trim and shape the bone.
Alveolar Ridge Augmentation
In some cases, the alveolar ridge may require augmentation to provide sufficient bone structure for denture support.
This procedure involves adding bone material—either from the patient’s own body or synthetic materials—to areas where the ridge has resorbed or lacks adequate height and width.
The augmentation helps reconstruct a more natural jawline, providing better support for dentures.
Bone Smoothing and Reshaping
Bone smoothing and reshaping, also known as osteoplasty, involves removing sharp edges or bony projections caused by tooth extraction or other factors.
Smoothing and reshaping the bone can help create a more comfortable fit for dentures.
Gum Surgery
Gum surgery may be needed to address issues such as excess or uneven gum tissue that can impede the fit of dentures.
The procedure involves trimming and reshaping the gum tissues to create a smooth, uniform surface. This ensures that dentures can rest snugly against the gums, improving the stability and comfort.
Tooth Extraction(s)
If there are any remaining natural teeth that may hinder the placement of dentures, they will need to be removed.
Types of Bony Protrusions
Bony protrusions within the oral cavity can complicate the placement of dentures and may require surgical intervention as part of pre-prosthetic surgery.
These protrusions are typically classified into four main types: mandibular tori, palatal tori, tuberosity, and exostosis.
Mandibular Tori
Mandibular tori are bony growths that develop on the lingual surface of the mandible near the premolars.
These bilateral formations are relatively common and usually benign. However, they can pose challenges for denture fitting, as they may cause irritation or make it difficult to achieve a comfortable seal with the prosthetic.
Palatal Tori
Palatal tori are similar to mandibular tori but occur in the roof of the mouth, known as the hard palate.
These growths can vary in size and shape, often manifesting as a lump or series of lumps along the midline. Like mandibular tori, palatal tori can interfere with the fit and stability of dentures, potentially leading to discomfort or ulceration.
Tuberosity
A tuberosity refers to a prominent bony area located behind the last upper molar.
Though a natural feature of the maxillary bone, excessive enlargement of a tuberosity can hinder the seating of upper dentures. When necessary, surgical reduction of the tuberosity may be performed to create adequate space for a snug denture fit.
Exostosis
Exostosis are additional bony outgrowths that can occur on any part of the maxilla or mandible.
These outgrowths are usually smooth and rounded, protruding from the normal bone surface. While not always problematic, exostoses can make denture placement challenging, and surgery may be recommended to remove or reshape the excess bone.
| Type of Bony Protrusion | Location | Characteristics | Effect on Dentures | Potential Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mandibular Tori | Inner surface of the lower jaw | Bilateral, benign growths | Can cause irritation, affects denture fitting | Surgical removal or reshaping |
| Palatal Tori | Roof of the mouth (hard palate) | Size and shape vary, midline lumps | Interferes with fit and stability | Surgical removal if problematic |
| Tuberosity | Behind the last upper molar | Enlarged maxillary bone | Hinders upper denture seating | Reduction surgery if necessary |
| Exostosis | Any part of maxilla or mandible | Smooth, rounded outgrowths | Challenges denture placement | Removal or reshaping recommended if problematic |
Candidates for Pre-Prosthetic Surgery
Pre-prosthetic surgery is typically recommended for patients that are planning on getting full or partial dentures or full mouth dental implants.
It may also be necessary for individuals with certain dental conditions, such as:
- Excessive bony growths that impede proper denture placement
- Uneven gum tissue that interferes with denture fit and retention
- Loss of jawbone due to prolonged use of dentures or other factors
- Structural abnormalities in the jawbone that can affect the stability of dentures
Choose Concord Oral Surgery For Pre-Prosthetic Surgery in Vaughan, ON
If you are missing some or all of your teeth and are considering traditional dentures or full mouth dental implants, you may require pre-prosthetic surgery.
The first step you should take is to book a consultation with an oral surgeon to determine the best course of action. Our oral surgeon, Dr. Robert Barron, specializes in full mouth rehabilitation. He will evaluate your situation and offer suggestions based on your current concerns, lifestyle and smile goals.
We work closely with denturists to ensure a smooth transition from surgery to fitting your dentures.
If you are considering your tooth replacement options or have questions about pre-prosthetic surgery, contact our oral surgery clinic in Vaughan, ON. Call (905) 669-2616 or complete the appointment request form.
