Pre-Prosthetic Surgery

Pre-prosthetic surgery, a specialized dental procedure performed by our oral surgeon in Huntersville, NC, brings relief to patients with oral health concerns. It prepares the oral cavity for the successful placement and optimal function of dental prostheses, such as dentures, bridges, or dental implants. This surgical intervention addresses underlying oral issues, such as inadequate bone volume or soft tissue support, through procedures like bone grafting, ridge augmentation, or soft tissue grafting.

By enhancing the oral environment's stability, aesthetics, and functionality, pre-prosthetic surgery ensures the proper fit and longevity of prosthetic restorations. It is essential when there's insufficient bone mass, ridge deformities, gum recession, or other oral conditions that may compromise the success and comfort of dental prostheses. Overall, pre-prosthetic surgery is crucial in maximizing the success and satisfaction of patients undergoing prosthetic treatment, ultimately improving their oral health and quality of life. 

Who Can Benefit From Pre-Prosthetic Surgery? 

Edentulous Patients (Without Teeth) 

• Individuals who have lost all or most of their natural teeth due to decay, trauma, or other dental issues can benefit from pre-prosthetic surgery to ensure optimal fit and stability of dentures or dental implants. 
• Pre-prosthetic surgery in Huntersville, NC, can address underlying bone deficiencies, jawbone irregularities, or soft tissue abnormalities that may compromise the retention and function of dentures or implants. 

Patients With Jawbone Resorption 

• Patients with significant jawbone resorption, often resulting from long-term tooth loss or periodontal disease, may require pre-prosthetic surgery to augment or regenerate bone tissue. 
• Procedures such as bone grafting or ridge augmentation can help restore lost bone volume and density, providing a stable foundation for dental implants or improving the fit of removable dentures.

Patients With Soft Tissue Abnormalities 

• Individuals with excess or uneven soft tissue (gums) around the teeth or edentulous ridges may require pre-prosthetic surgery to recontour the gums and create a harmonious gingival architecture. 
• Soft tissue recontouring procedures, such as gingivectomy or gingivoplasty, can enhance the smile's aesthetics, improve denture stability, and facilitate proper oral hygiene maintenance. 

Individuals Seeking Implant-Supported Dentures 

• Patients considering implant-supported dentures may benefit from pre-prosthetic surgery to prepare the jawbone for implant placement. 
• Procedures such as sinus lifts or bone grafting can augment the bone in the implant site, ensuring sufficient support and stability for dental implants and prosthetic restorations. Contact us today to learn more!

Types of Pre-Prosthetic Surgery Procedures 

Bone Grafting 

Bone grafting is a standard pre-prosthetic procedure that involves augmenting or regenerating bone tissue in the jaw. It is essential when there is insufficient bone mass to support dental implants or when bone loss has occurred due to periodontal disease, trauma, or other factors. By enhancing bone volume and density, bone grafting creates a stable foundation for the placement of dental prostheses, ensuring long-term stability and functionality.  

Ridge Augmentation 

Ridge augmentation is a surgical procedure performed by our oral surgeon at The Center For Oral Surgery & Dental Implants to enhance the width or height of the alveolar ridge. This bony ridge supports the teeth. This procedure is often necessary when the ridge has been resorbed or deformed, making it difficult to properly fit and support dental prostheses such as dentures or bridges. Ridge augmentation restores the natural contours of the ridge, improving the fit and stability of prosthetic devices and enhancing overall oral function. 

Soft Tissue Grafting 

Soft tissue grafting, also known as gum grafting, augments or restores gum tissue in areas where it has been lost or damaged. This procedure is essential for ensuring proper aesthetics, function, and comfort of dental prostheses, particularly in cases of gum recession or inadequate soft tissue support. By enhancing the volume and quality of gum tissue, soft tissue grafting improves the appearance of the smile, reduces sensitivity, and provides a stable foundation for prosthetic restorations. 

The Importance of Pre-Prosthetic Surgery 

Addressing Bone Deficiencies 

One of the primary objectives of pre-prosthetic surgery is to address bone deficiencies in the jaw. Insufficient bone mass can occur due to periodontal disease, tooth loss, or trauma, posing challenges for the placement and stability of dental implants or prostheses.

Bone grafting procedures are often performed to augment or regenerate bone tissue, creating a stable foundation for prosthetic restorations. By enhancing bone volume and density, pre-prosthetic surgery ensures the long-term success and stability of dental prostheses, ultimately improving oral health and function. 

Enhancing Prosthetic Fit and Function 

Proper fit and function are crucial considerations in dental prosthetics. Irregularities in the alveolar ridge or gum recession can compromise the stability and comfort of prosthetic restorations such as dentures or bridges.

Pre-prosthetic surgeries, such as ridge augmentation and soft tissue grafting, address these issues by restoring the natural contours and dimensions of the oral tissues. This improves the fit and stability of prosthetic devices and enhances oral function, allowing patients to chew, speak, and smile confidently. 

Preserving Facial Aesthetics 

Bone loss in the jaw can lead to changes in facial aesthetics, including a sunken appearance or changes in facial proportions. Pre-prosthetic surgery helps preserve facial aesthetics by maintaining adequate bone volume and supporting the overlying soft tissues.

By addressing bone deficiencies and enhancing the contours of the jawbone and gums, pre-prosthetic surgery contributes to a more youthful and natural facial appearance, improving overall confidence and quality of life for patients. 

Pre-prosthetic surgery is an indispensable component of comprehensive dental care, offering numerous benefits for patients seeking prosthetic treatment. From addressing bone deficiencies to enhancing prosthetic fit and preserving facial aesthetics, pre-prosthetic surgery plays a crucial role in ensuring the success and longevity of dental prosthetics. Visit The Center For Oral Surgery & Dental Implants at 9713 Northcross Center Court, Suite 100, Huntersville, NC 28078, or call (704) 875-8833 to learn more about how pre-prosthetic surgery can benefit you and to embark on your journey towards a healthier, happier smile.