Pre-Prosthetic Surgery

Pre-prosthetic surgery includes a variety of treatments aimed at recontouring and improving the bone and soft tissue structures within your mouth prior to receiving dental implants or removable dentures. This goes well beyond simple tooth removal—it is a forward-thinking strategy to establish a secure, comfortable, and visually appealing base for your new restoration.

A number of conditions may make pre-prosthetic treatment necessary. These include:

• Bone Resorption: Following tooth loss, the jawbone gradually shrinks and weakens over time. This deterioration can leave too little bone to anchor dental implants securely or to hold dentures in place.
• Uneven Jaw Ridge: Missing teeth often result in an irregular or asymmetric ridge line, which can compromise the fit and stability of a prosthetic appliance.
• Soft Tissue Issues: Swollen, overgrown, or excess gum tissue may prevent dentures from seating properly and comfortably.
• Sinus Pneumatization: In the upper jaw, the sinus cavity may enlarge into the area where teeth once sat, limiting the amount of bone available for implant placement. A sinus lift can address this issue.
• Severely Damaged Bone: Past injury or infection can leave the jawbone weakened and unable to support a restoration without surgical preparation.

Our skilled oral surgeons at Signature Oral Surgery & Implants provide a comprehensive range of pre-prosthetic surgical treatments, including:

• Bone Grafting: Placing bone material—either harvested from your own body or a biocompatible substitute—to restore lost bone volume. This step is frequently required for long-term implant success. Graft types include socket preservation grafts, lateral ridge grafts, and sinus lifts.
• Ridge Augmentation: Rebuilding the jaw ridge to form a more stable platform and improved contour for dentures or implants.
• Soft Tissue Management: Treatments such as frenectomies (releasing restrictive tongue or lip ties) and ridge reduction to refine tissue support and enhance denture fit.
• Sinus Lifts: Carefully elevating the sinus membrane to make room for bone grafting in the upper jaw.
• Alveolar Ridge Preservation: Procedures completed right after tooth extraction to help minimize subsequent bone loss.
• Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR): An advanced method using specialized membranes and graft materials to encourage targeted bone growth in precise locations.

• Greater Comfort and Function: A well-supported prosthesis lets you eat, speak, and smile with confidence every day.
• Higher Implant Success Rate: Adequate bone volume is essential for the long-term stability and integration of dental implants.
• Better Denture Fit and Retention: A properly prepared ridge creates a stable, comfortable foundation for your dentures.
• Enhanced Aesthetics: Recontouring bone and soft tissue helps produce a more natural and attractive smile.
• Long-Term Oral Health: Proactively treating bone and tissue concerns can help you avoid complications down the road.