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Pre-Prosthetic Surgery

Achieve a Secure, Comfortable Fit for Your Dentures

Pre-prosthetic surgery is performed to prepare a patient’s mouth for a well-fitting, comfortable, and aesthetic dental prosthesis. A denture that fits securely in your mouth will feel more comfortable and will not slip around or cause oral sores. Whether you are about to receive your first denture or have been wearing dentures for many years and seek a more comfortable fit, pre-prosthetic surgery can drastically improve the way your dentures feel and function.

Dr. Ahn is a board-certified oral surgeon who performs pre-prosthetic surgery in the comfort of our office in Aliso Viejo, CA. We proudly serve patients of all ages throughout Orange County, and we invite you to contact OC Oral Surgery today to schedule your consultation and to see how pre-prosthetic surgery can benefit your comfort and oral health.

When Is Pre-Prosthetic Surgery Necessary?

A denture sits on the bone ridge, so it is critical that the bone is the proper shape and size. Ill-fitted dentures may slip around in the mouth, cause sores, and make it difficult to eat or speak. For long-term denture wearers or for those who are just starting their tooth replacement journey, pre-prosthetic surgery can significantly improve the denture experience.

If you’re ready to explore your alternatives to dentures and bridges, we are more than happy to discuss your implant-based treatment options. Dental implants and implant-supported dentures through full-arch restoration can restore health and confidence to your smile without removable oral appliances or dental adhesives.

Types of Pre-Prosthetic Surgery Treatments

The goal of pre-prosthetic surgery is to improve the way dentures fit to achieve optimal chewing function and comfort. To achieve this goal, there are a variety of treatments available. The right type of pre-prosthetic surgery procedure for you will depend on your oral health. Dr. Ahn will examine your mouth during the consultation and design a custom treatment plan so that your dentures will fit and feel fantastic.

We will take 3D scans of your mouth and face, which are helpful in determining the health of your facial structures and for detecting hidden oral health conditions. Prior to any procedure, we will discuss your options for anesthesia or sedation to ensure a comfortable surgical experience.

Alveoplasty—Reshaping or Smoothing Bone

When teeth are extracted, the underlying bone might be left sharp and uneven. This bone is called the alveolar ridge, and if it is uneven, you may experience sore spots caused by an ill-fitted denture. Reshaping or smoothing this bone, a procedure known as alveoplasty, allows the denture to rest snugly around the gums.

Removing Excess Bone

Some patients have abnormal bone development, including excess bone or growths, that requires removal before wearing a denture. Small growths may not require treatment, but moderate to large growths can make it difficult for your denture to fit securely. Some growths almost always require surgical removal, including exostoses, which are on the outer edge of the alveolar ridge and touch the lips and cheeks, and tori, which are on the lower alveolar ridge and touch the tongue or palate.

Excision—Removing Excess Gum Tissue

Extra folds of gum, lip, or cheek tissue may need to be removed if this tissue interferes with the way your denture fits. Gum surgery is less invasive than bone surgery and is often performed using a laser.

Ridge Augmentation

The alveolar ridge that surrounds the teeth may shrink after teeth have been missing. This bone can continue to recede over time, pulling away from existing teeth roots. To rebuild and restore aesthetics to the alveolar ridge, we can place a bone graft to fill in the shrunken areas. Once healed, the ridge will have the right shape and strength to support a prosthesis.