When patients are preparing for the placement of a dental prosthesis, including dentures, pre-prosthetic surgery may be necessary. Pre-prosthetic surgery may be appropriate in cases where the patient’s mouth needs to be altered to help the future prosthetic fit more comfortably. Dr. David Carl Obenchain has extensive experience in preparatory surgery for prosthetics and is dedicated to providing a safe and effective pre-prosthetic surgery experience.
Why Is Pre-Prosthetic Surgery Necessary?
When patients are being prepared for a dental prosthetic, such as a denture, irregularities in the bony ridge in the jaw can make it difficult or impossible to create a comfortable fitting. Pre-prosthetic surgery can eliminate sharp or uneven areas in the jawbone to ensure that they are both comfortable to wear and able to fit securely on the jawbone. Without a proper fit dentures can be uncomfortable to wear due to pressure points, while slipping may cause them not to function properly.
Long term consequences of improperly fitted prosthetics can include the creation of sores and problems with speaking and eating clearly. A skilled oral surgeon will be able to make the necessary modifications prior to your being fitted that guarantee your prosthetic will function properly.
How Will I Know If Pre-Prosthetic Surgery Is Appropriate For Me?
Whether you’re an existing patient or have recently been referred to Dr. Obenchain’s office, you’ll undergo an exam and consultation discussing your eligibility for pre-prosthetic surgery. During your consultation, you’ll be evaluated to determine if you will benefit from pre-prosthetic surgery and whether there are other options to address the existing concern. Your prosthetic or restoration options will be discussed as well to determine if dentures or implants are the best choices for you.
What Types Of Pre-Prosthetic Surgery Are There?
There are multiple types of pre-prosthetic surgery available. Which one will be appropriate for your oral health will be determined by the nature of the condition that needs to be addressed. The majority of these procedures are outpatient and are relatively minor with reasonable recovery times. The most common types of pre-prosthetic surgeries include:
- Reshaping and smoothing of bone
- Reduction of the bone ridge
- Excising of excess soft tissue or bone
The goal of each of these procedures is to create a smooth, stable surface that your prosthetics can fit comfortably on. A comfortable fit is essential to creating a prosthetic that will restore function and be able to serve you for years to come.
If you’re considering getting dental prosthetics and are concerned that achieving a comfortable fit may be difficult, call our offices at 402-740-4961. During your visit to our offices at 6105 63rd Ave Ct NW, Gig Harbor WA, your oral health will be evaluated to determine if you are a candidate for receiving dental prosthetics and if you can benefit from pre-prosthetic surgery. Don’t let uneven jawbone, excess, tissue, or other concerns keep you from getting a dental prosthetic that will restore your smile. Call and select a date for an appointment with Dr. David Carl Obenchain at our office today!
