Oral Surgeon in Atlanta

Pre-Prosthetics Surgery

Greater Atlanta Oral Facial Surgery

The preparation of your mouth before you undergo a procedure to place a dental prosthesis (or dentures) is a very important step. It’s referred to as pre-prosthetic surgery, and it’s essential to do properly to ensure that the placing of the prosthesis goes well.

Many of our patients require minor oral surgical procedures before getting a partial or complete prosthesis. These procedures are performed to ensure the maximum level of comfort once the prosthesis is placed. It’s much easier to get it right before the surgery than to have to make adjustments afterward.

The prosthesis rests on the bone ridge, so it’s essential that the bone it’s going to be mounted on is the proper shape and size. In the case that a tooth has to be extracted, it can leave the underlying bone sharp and uneven which makes a poor surface to mount a prosthesis. To achieve the best fit for the dentures the bone may need to be smoothed out or reshaped. In some cases excess bone needs to be removed prior to the prosthesis insertion.

Pre-Prosthetics Procedures

We may need to perform any one of several procedures prior to the jaw surgery to prepare your mouth for the prosthesis. Those procedures include:

  • Bone smoothing and reshaping
  • Removal of any excess bone
  • Bone ridge reduction
  • Removal of excess gum tissue
  • Exposure of impacted teeth

Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons will meet with you during your appointment to look over and assess your particular needs. We understand that each patient’s needs are unique, and we’ll work with you to find a treatment solution that’s right for you.

When Should Pre-Prosthetics Jaw Surgery Be Performed?

The procedures above are best performed either when teeth are being extracted, or at least six weeks prior to impression and formation stage of the denture process. The surgical area often takes some time to heal, and it’s important that that area of the mouth be in good shape when the prosthesis is inserted. This yields a more accurate result for the dentures. Full bone healing following surgery usually takes about 12 weeks.

Impacted teeth can prove to be a particular issue for pre-prosthetics jaw surgery, especially when complications arise. In these cases, the tooth should be extracted as soon as possible so that it doesn’t cause any further issues. Management of impacted teeth is delicate, and extraction must happen before a prosthesis can be inserted into the mouth. Impacted teeth can cause pain and pressure in the gum at the eruption site, gum recession, periodontal disease, and spread of decay to adjacent healthy teeth. If impaction is not detected and taken care of in a timely manner, it increases the chances that the patient will experience further undesirable consequences, and makes pre-prosthetics jaw surgery impossible.

Make sure that you keep up with regular appointments to catch problems like impacted teeth. If you need more information about jaw surgery or getting a dental prosthesis, contact us online or call us to make an appointment.

Two Convenient Locations

New Patients: (404) 410-1070
Existing Patients: (404) 937-3880

Monday - Saturday: 7am - 5pm

3833 Roswell Rd. NE, Tuxedo Atrium, Suite 110 Atlanta GA 30342

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New Patients: (404) 476-3667
Existing Patients: (404) 433-8433

Monday - Saturday: 7am - 5pm

425 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 340 Cumming GA 30041

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