Intraoral Preparation for Perfectly Fitting Dentures
Literally, preprosthetic surgery means “surgery prior to prosthetics.” It encompasses all corrective procedures performed on bone and soft tissues to ensure that the planned removable (denture) or fixed prostheses fit perfectly against the oral tissues, cause no discomfort to the patient, and remain durable over the long term.
Why Is Pre-Prosthetic Surgery Needed?
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Bony Protuberances (Tori): The presence of hard bony growths on the jawbone that are structural in nature, interfere with the fit of the prosthesis, and cause sores.
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Irregular Bone Edges: Sharp bony projections remaining after tooth extractions that cause pain and pressure during denture use.
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Muscle and Tissue Attachments: In cases where lip or cheek muscles attach very close to the jawbone (frenulum), the position of these attachments is altered or the tissue depth is increased to prevent removable dentures from becoming dislodged.
How does the process work?
The planned procedure, determined by the type of prosthesis to be used, is performed painlessly under local anesthesia. Irregular bone structures are filed down and smoothed, while soft tissues that would displace the prosthesis are repositioned using a laser or electrocautery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this procedure mandatory before every prosthesis?
No. It is performed only if the existing bone and gum anatomy would compromise the retention of the prosthesis to be fabricated and the patient’s chewing comfort.
When is the prosthesis fitted after recovery?
Depending on the extent of the procedure, the tissues are expected to heal completely and settle into their final shape. This process generally takes between 3 and 6 weeks.
Conclusion
Preprosthetic surgery is a critical preparatory phase that strengthens the foundation of treatment, ensuring that prostheses fit the mouth perfectly, cause no sore spots, and can be used comfortably.