Are you planning to get dental implants or dentures? Pre-prosthetic oral surgery may be a necessary step in your treatment plan.
To many patients, pre-prosthetic surgery can sound a bit scary. But this is just a term oral surgeons use to describe any minor, in-office procedure performed to prepare the mouth for implant or permanent denture placement.
When Pre-Prosthetic Surgery is Necessary
The goal of pre-prosthetic surgery is to ensure optimal results from a dental restoration. For stability, functionality and comfort, patients often need improvements to the jaw, teeth and oral tissues before getting dental implants or dentures.
Some patients don’t need any surgical preparation for stable, secure and comfortable replacement teeth. For anyone with dental irregularities, however, oral surgery may be essential — which is why patients who are interested in dental implant or denture placement should consult with an experienced oral surgeon.
Pre-Prosthetic Oral Surgery Procedures
As every patient has unique dental anatomy and jawbone development, oral surgeons must always take an individualized approach to surgery. A range of procedures may be necessary prior to dental implant or denture placement, including:
- Tooth extraction or the removal of tooth remnants
- Exposure of teeth that are impacted or stuck in the gums
- Removal of diseased, damaged or excess gum tissues
- Removal of bony protuberances in the alveolar ridge
- Smoothing and reshaping of the jawbone
- Bone grafting to increase jawbone density
These oral surgery procedures are usually completed under anesthesia — either oral sedation, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or intravenous (IV) sedation — at the oral surgeon’s office.
Recovery from Pre-Prosthetic Oral Surgery
Different procedures come with different recovery times, so not all patients have the same post-surgical experience. That said, surgery to prepare for dental implants or dentures is generally minor — and for most, the recovery is no more challenging than it is for a routine tooth extraction.
The first few days after undergoing surgery, patients can expect mild discomfort and swelling. Ice packs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, typically work to manage the symptoms. But patients also need to avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours and only consume liquids and soft foods until the oral tissues are sufficiently healed.
Will you need surgical treatment before getting dental implants or dentures? An experienced oral surgeon can answer that question — and if you live in the greater east central Indiana area, the professional team at Richmond Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery has the skill, knowledge and expertise to offer practical advice on implant and denture placement.
For more information, or to schedule a consultation and find out if pre-prosthetic oral surgery is a must to get your mouth ready for dental implants or dentures, contact us today.