Patients may need to utilize a partial or complete denture as a replacement for missing teeth. When preparing to receive any removable prosthetic, the doctor must first ensure that the mouth is fully prepared to support the prosthesis comfortably to avoid any discomfort or afflictions that may arise from an improper fit. For some patients, the shape of the mouth or the ridge may not be ideal for receiving the prosthesis. In these cases, a surgical procedure is necessary to ensure proper fit and maximum comfort.
Many patients ask, “Why doesn’t my mouth support the prosthesis as is?” Just as our genetics gives us varying physical attributes such as hair color, height, and face shape, our jaw shapes and gum tissue growth can be quite varied. Sometimes, the development of our jaw bone is not perfectly shaped to accommodate tooth replacements comfortably or in a stable manner. This can make daily activities like chewing your food extremely difficult, even painful. Because the denture rests on the gum tissue overlying the bone ridge, it is critical to ensure that the mouth maintains the proper shape and size necessary for the dentures to fit properly. With pre-prosthetic surgery, Drs. Lieblick and Rehrer can reshape your mouth to make your prosthesis feel as though you have not lost your natural teeth.
There are a variety of procedures that might be performed to prepare your mouth for a denture, and the procedure you receive will be dependent on your mouth’s individual needs.
Common pre-prosthetic procedures include
- Smoothing or reshaping of the jaw bone
- Removal of excess gum tissue or bone
- Reduction in the size of the alveolar ridge
- Exposure of impacted teeth
At Beacon Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, we want to ensure that you feel as informed and comfortable as possible before your procedure. Our doctors and skilled surgical and office staff will fully discuss treatment options with you and present the best alternatives for tooth replacement. Many patients choose long-term solutions, such as dental implants, in order to restore the best function and aesthetics possible to their mouths.
For more information about dental implants, please click here.
Where can I get pre-prosthetic surgery in northern Oregon & southern Washington?
Do you think pre-prosthetic surgery will help improve the fit of your dentures? Have you been recommended to one of our offices in Gresham, Vancouver, Milwaukie, or The Dalles? Beacon Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons is proud to serve four separate communities by providing a full scope of oral and maxillofacial care. Whether you live in zip code 97030, 98683, 97222, or 97058, you can feel confident that our office offers the pre-prosthetic procedure you need to improve your oral health and function.