Specialized Pre-Prosthetic Surgery at Valley Oral Surgery in Livermore and Dublin, CA
Valley Oral Surgery provides surgical preparation of the mouth and jaw to ensure a stable, comfortable fit for full or partial dentures.
What Is Pre-Prosthetic Surgery?
Pre-prosthetic surgery refers to a group of minor oral surgical procedures performed to prepare the mouth for a complete or partial denture. These procedures create a smooth, well-shaped ridge and gumline that help your denture sit properly and comfortably in the mouth.
Dentures require a solid and balanced foundation. When the natural bone or gum tissue is uneven, too thin, or affected by previous tooth loss, pre-prosthetic surgery ensures the prosthetic fits securely and functions as intended.
Why Pre-Prosthetic Surgery Is Sometimes Needed
Many patients who need dentures or other removable prosthetics have experienced:
- Tooth loss from decay, trauma, or gum disease
- Irregular bone or gum contours from long-term edentulism (toothlessness)
- Sharp or undercut bony areas that may irritate the denture
- Excess tissue or uneven ridge surfaces
- Previous extractions that left ridges or sharp edges
Without correction, these conditions can lead to:
- Poor denture retention
- Painful pressure points or sores
- Difficulty speaking or chewing
- Premature failure of the prosthetic
Pre-prosthetic procedures ensure that the underlying tissue and bone can support the denture comfortably and functionally.
Common Types of Pre-Prosthetic Procedures
The procedures recommended depend on your oral anatomy and the type of denture being placed. Your oral surgeon may perform one or more of the following:
- Alveoloplasty: Reshaping of the jawbone to create a smoother ridge after tooth extraction
- Bone ridge reduction: Removing sharp or uneven bone to allow a proper denture fit
- Removal of excess gum tissue or tori: Including soft tissue overgrowths or bony lumps under the tongue or along the jaw
- Tooth extraction: Removing non-restorable teeth prior to prosthetic placement
- Vestibuloplasty: Repositioning of the muscles and tissues around the ridge to deepen the vestibule and improve denture stability
These procedures are often performed in a single visit and may be done under local anesthesia or sedation depending on patient preference.
How the Procedure Works
At Valley Oral Surgery, pre-prosthetic treatment is carefully planned based on prosthetic goals, jaw structure, and soft tissue evaluation.
- Consultation and Imaging: Using 3D imaging, we assess the shape of your jawbone and identify any irregularities.
- Treatment Planning: We work closely with your restorative dentist or prosthodontist to coordinate timing and define the surgical goals.
- Surgery: The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis. Most cases are completed in under 90 minutes.
- Recovery and Prosthetic Placement: After healing (usually 2–3 weeks), your dentist can proceed with final denture placement or impressions.
Benefits of Pre-Prosthetic Surgery
- Provides a stable foundation for dentures
- Improves comfort and reduces sore spots
- Allows for better speech and chewing function
- Enhances denture longevity
- Facilitates a more natural appearance and smile
In some cases, pre-prosthetic surgery may also be a first step before transitioning to more permanent options like implant-supported overdentures.
Recovery and Post-Op Guidelines
Recovery is generally mild and well tolerated. Here’s what most patients can expect:
- Swelling and tenderness for 2–5 days
- Soft food diet for the first few days
- Avoiding strenuous activity for 48 hours
- Gentle oral hygiene with rinsing as recommended
- Return to the prosthodontist or general dentist for prosthetic follow-up
You’ll receive full surgical instructions and a recovery plan tailored to your case.
Who Performs Pre-Prosthetic Surgery?
Your procedure will be performed by one of our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons:
Our surgeons have extensive experience in jaw contouring, soft tissue management, and collaborative treatment planning with prosthodontists and general dentists throughout the Bay Area.
Preparing Patients for Dentures Across the Bay Area
Valley Oral Surgery provides pre-prosthetic surgical care for patients preparing for dentures or prosthetics across the East Bay. With offices in Livermore and Dublin, we serve patients from Pleasanton, San Ramon, Tracy, Castro Valley, Hayward, Fremont, and surrounding communities. Our team focuses on timely scheduling and collaboration with restorative dentists to ensure the best possible outcome for prosthetic treatment.
FAQs: Pre-Prosthetic Surgery
Is pre-prosthetic surgery always necessary before getting dentures?
No. Some patients have adequate bone and gum structure. Surgery is only recommended if the anatomy could compromise the denture’s fit or function.
Will I need to wait before getting my dentures?
Yes. Healing usually takes 2–3 weeks before your dentist can take final impressions or place the appliance.
Is the procedure painful?
Most patients experience only mild discomfort, which is managed with local anesthesia and post-op medication. Sedation is also available.
Can this procedure help with loose or painful dentures?
Yes, especially if irregular bone or tissue is causing instability or pressure points. In some cases, other options like dental implants may also be considered.
How long is the recovery?
Most patients resume normal routines within a few days, with full tissue healing completed in 2–3 weeks.
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