Pre-Prosthetic Surgery & Alveoloplasty

Pre-prosthetic surgery refers to the procedures used to prepare a patient's mouth before the placement of a prosthesis, such as dentures. The goal is to ensure that the mouth structure is properly shaped and healthy to support the prosthetics.

Alveoloplasty is a type of pre-prosthetic surgery that involves reshaping and smoothing out the alveolar ridges in the mouth. The alveolar ridge is the bone that supports your teeth, and it may need contouring after teeth removal to ensure a comfortable and secure denture fit.

If you have bony ridges, undercuts, or sharp areas in your mouth after tooth extraction, they can make wearing prosthetics uncomfortable or even painful. Surgery can help correct these issues.

The surgeon numbs the area with local anesthesia, makes an incision to expose the jawbone, and then uses a bone file or drill to smooth and reshape the bone. The area is then sutured closed.

Most patients experience some discomfort after the anesthesia wears off, but this can be managed with pain medication.

You may have swelling and mild to moderate pain, which typically subsides within a few days to a week. Complete healing may take a few weeks, during which soft foods and good oral hygiene are important.

While generally safe, there are potential risks such as infection, bleeding, or delayed healing, especially if you have underlying health conditions or smoke.

Follow your surgeon's instructions, which will likely include a soft diet, no smoking, and possibly the use of antiseptic mouth rinses. Avoid disturbing the sutures or surgery site with your tongue or fingers.

Your dentist will advise you on the appropriate waiting period, which can vary based on the extent of the surgery and your healing process. In general, waiting until full healing occurs ensures the best fit and comfort of your dentures.

Many dental insurance plans will cover a portion of the cost of this surgery, as it is often necessary for the proper fitting of dentures, which are a standard part of dental treatment plans.

You should be able to return to most of your normal activities within a day or two, but you may need to avoid strenuous activity for a short period as recommended by your surgeon.

Costs can vary widely based on the specific procedures needed, geographic location, and individual provider rates. It's best to get a detailed estimate from your oral surgeon.

The necessity of pre-prosthetic surgery largely depends on individual circumstances. Alternatives or additional procedures may include bone grafting or the use of various types of specialized dentures designed to accommodate specific mouth conditions.