Pre-Prosthetic Exposure
Patients frequently choose to utilize a partial or complete denture as a tooth replacement option for a missing tooth or teeth. When preparing to fabricate any removable dental prosthesis, the doctor must first ensure that the mouth is fully prepared to support the prosthesis comfortably to avoid any discomfort or afflictions that may arise from an improper fit.
For some patients, the shape of the bony ridge may not be ideal to receive the prosthesis. In these cases, a surgical procedure is necessary to ensure proper fit and maximum comfort.
Many patients ask, “Why doesn’t my mouth support the prosthesis as is?” Sometimes, the development of our jaw bone is not perfectly shaped to accommodate dental prostheses comfortably or in a stable manner. This can make daily activities like chewing your food extremely difficult or even painful. Because the denture rests on the bony ridge, it is critical to ensure that the ridge has the proper shape and size necessary for the dentures to fit properly.
With pre-prosthetic surgery at our Atlanta office, Drs. Aiken and Shessel can reshape your bone to allow your dentist to make a prosthesis that fits well.
There are various procedures that might be performed to prepare your mouth for a denture, and the procedure you receive will be dependent on your mouth’s individual needs.
Common pre-prosthetic procedures include:
Smoothing or reshaping of the jaw bone
Removal of excess gum tissue or bone
Reduction in the size of an alveolar ridge
Exposure of impacted teeth
At Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta, we want to ensure that you feel as informed and comfortable as possible before your procedure. Our doctors and skilled surgical and office staff will fully discuss treatment options with you and present the best alternatives for tooth replacement. Many patients choose long-term solutions, such as dental implants, in order to restore the best function and aesthetics possible for their mouths.
For more information about dental implants, please click here.
