Pre-Prosthetic Surgery - Naperville, IL

Pre-prosthetic surgery is a minor oral treatment that needs to be done before the placement of a partial or complete denture. This preparation of the mouth ensures maximum comfort level for denture usage. Since dentures sit on the bone ridge, it is important to have the proper shape and size of the bone to act as the foundation for the dentures. For example, the underlying bone can have an irregular shape after tooth extraction, so it needs to be reshaped or smoothed to optimize the fit of the denture.

These treatments are possible procedures that might need to be done during pre-prosthetic surgery:

• Bone smoothing
• Bone reshaping
• Removal of excess bone
• Removal of extra gum tissue
• Bone ridge reduction

Denture Fit Over Time

After wearing dentures for a time, it is common for the bone to shrink, which causes problems with the fit of the denture. Continued use of a denture that fits improperly can result in damage to the soft tissue, causing soreness and irritation. The inflammation can lead to serious pain and infection if left untreated.

One option is to remove the inflamed soft tissue so the denture can be relined temporarily. If these problems continue, then a new denture or formal reline will need to be performed to ensure the proper fit of the prosthesis in the future.

If the bone shrinks to the point where the denture hits against the muscle attachments, then a simple excising of the irritated tissue is not an option. Instead, a vestibuloplasty can be done, which is a surgical procedure that changes the layout of the muscle attachments to minimize soft tissue irritation. When the tissue heals after this treatment, then a new denture will need to be created by your restorative dentist.

Dental Implants: An Alternative Solution

Dental implants are a popular alternative to traditional dentures, since the implants prevent many of these problems. The implants are designed to stabilize the denture, helping to reduce the movement of the denture. Or, the need for denture use can be eliminated if fixed teeth are placed on the implant.

During your consultation at our office in Naperville, you can discuss these various options with Drs. Blecha and Jandali. The goal is to evaluate your individual needs and design a custom treatment plan to ensure optimal results for every patient.