Pre-Prosthetic Surgery

When a removable or permanent prosthesis is inserted to replace missing teeth, it is important to ensure that the prosthesis properly fits. An improperly fitting prosthesis can be extremely uncomfortable and may result in painful rubbing against the gums or difficulty eating and speaking properly. In some cases, the fit of the dentures or bridge is dependent on the proper creation of the prosthesis. But sometimes, the shape of the patient’s mouth must be altered to receive the prosthesis, and a surgical treatment method may be required.

At Balaci Oral and Facial Surgery, our skilled surgical and office staff will present all of your treatment options available to determine the right type of pre-prosthetic surgery for your dentures. We can also discuss your options for long-term tooth replacement, such as dental implants or the All-on-4^® Treatment Concept. Contact us in Lebanon, PA, today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Balaci, Dr. Forbes, or Dr. Murphy.

Benefits of Pre-Prosthetic Surgery

Treatment is customized to fit your exact needs, ensuring the most optimal outcome for your smile. By undergoing pre-prosthetic surgery, you can experience many benefits, including:

• Preserve or improve the jaw bone structure, resulting in better facial harmony
• Improve jaw function, resulting in easier chewing, swallowing, and speaking
• Dramatically improve the feel and function of your denture
• A snug-fitting denture will rest in a better position on your gums, producing more natural-looking results
• Improve the contours of your smile through gum reshaping
• Improve your overall well-being

Types of Pre-Prosthetic Surgery

The surgical treatment method used to prepare the mouth for the prosthesis varies and will be determined by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon during the consultation. We will often take 3D scans of your mouth and face to evaluate the size and shape of the bones and soft tissues. Our surgeons offer a variety of anesthesia and sedation options to ensure you remain comfortable and at ease throughout any procedure.

Some of the most common types of pre-prosthetic surgery include:

• Smoothing or reshaping of the jaw bone
• Removal of excess gum tissue or bone
• Reduction in the size of the alveolar ridge
• Inserting bone grafts to regrow areas of the jaw bone
• Exposure of impacted teeth

Why Don’t Dentures Fit Correctly to Begin With?

Just as we get our different physical attributes such as hair color, height, and face shape from our genetics, we are given different shaped jaws and gum tissue growth as well. If the jaw bone is not shaped in a manner that allows for a prosthesis to be placed in a stable and comfortable manner, it makes it very difficult for patients to utilize their new teeth in a functional manner. With pre-prosthetic surgery, our oral surgeons can reshape your mouth to make your prosthesis feel as though you have not lost your natural teeth and restore oral function.

If you plan on receiving dentures, visit Balaci Oral and Facial Surgery to see if pre-prosthetic surgery is right for you. By undergoing this treatment, your dentures will feel more secure, fit comfortably, and help you achieve overall better outcomes. Contact us today for an appointment at our Lebanon, Pennsylvania, office.