Surgery Before Prosthesis

Pre-prosthetic surgery, also known as Alveoloplasty, is the part of oral and maxillofacial surgery that restores mouth function and restores face shape. It is a surgical modification performed to produce a comfortable and aesthetic dental prosthesis.

The ultimate goal of pre-prosthetic surgery is to prepare an appropriate mouth for the procedure by redesigning the bones in which the prosthesis will fit. In order to get this, it is extremely important to protect the hard and soft tissues of the prosthesis base at the highest level. Long-term use of prostheses may cause adverse changes in the area where the prosthesis is placed, depending on the changes in the size of the jaw bones. This causes the prostheses to be incompatible and painful.

Pre-prosthetic Surgery: Procedure

The steps followed in the application of pre-prosthetic surgery are as follows:

First of all, the conditions that prevent the standard prosthesis function are corrected. For this, removal of excess bone, removal of excess gingival tissue, reduction on the ridge of the bone, and reshaping of the bone in the site are performed respectively. The procedures are performed under local anesthesia or sedation, depending on the surgeon and patient's decision.

Sometimes the lower lip and alveolar nerve may need to be moved while the patient's mouth is being prepared for dental implants. It is not always preferred and other options are also considered. The reason for this is the numbness that is usually seen in the chin after the surgery and takes time to disappear.

The outer part of the cheek side of the lower jawbone is removed. In this way, the nerve and vascular channels are exposed, and it is taken slightly to the side. When the implants are placed, the nerve is carefully held in place. It is released and placed over the implants then. Open sites are filled with bone grafts and the area is closed.

Who Can Have Pre-Prosthetic Surgery?

Candidates for pre-prosthetic surgery are determined by consultation with the surgeon. The oral structure of the patient, especially the alveolar ridge and gums, plays a decisive role. If there is abnormal bone development, the prosthesis may fit loosely. In addition, food and bacteria can accumulate more easily under dentures that do not fit properly. This increases the risk of gum disease and chronic bad breath.