Ensure your Dental Implants fit comfortably and function flawlessly. Our specialized procedures create the stable, smooth foundation necessary for long-lasting prosthetic results.
Ensure your Dental Implants fit comfortably and function flawlessly. Our specialized procedures create the stable, smooth foundation necessary for long-lasting prosthetic results.
Pre-Prosthetic Surgery is a vital step for many patients transitioning to dentures, bridges, or partials. Because a dental prosthesis sits directly on the bone ridge, the shape and size of that bone are critical for a secure and painless fit. Often, after a tooth is lost or extracted, the underlying bone can heal with sharp edges, uneven ridges, or excess tissue that makes wearing a prosthetic uncomfortable or even impossible.
At Peninsula Center Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, we specialize in preparing patients for prosthetic procedures, to help ensure maximum comfort and successful outcomes. Common procedures include:
Bone Smoothing and Reshaping (Alveoloplasty)
Smoothing out sharp or jagged edges left after extractions.
Removal of Excess Bone (Tori)
Reducing benign bony growths that interfere with the seating of a denture.
Bone Ridge Reduction
Reshaping prominent ridges to allow for a more natural prosthetic alignment.
Excess Gum Tissue Excision
Removing redundant soft tissue that can cause a prosthesis to shift or feel unstable.
By addressing these structural concerns beforehand, we help prevent chronic irritation and ensure your restorative treatment is a success. Our surgeons work closely with your general dentist or prosthodontist to tailor a surgical plan that meets the specific requirements of your upcoming restoration.
What to expect
Before surgery
Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation using digital imaging to map your jaw structure. We will discuss your prosthetic goals and select the best Anesthesia option for your comfort. If IV Sedation is chosen, you must fast for 8 hours prior and arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home.
During surgery
Most procedures are performed in our state-of-the-art office under Local Anesthesia or IV Sedation. Your surgeon will carefully reshape the bone or remove excess tissue as planned, ensuring the ridge is smooth and uniform. The procedure is typically efficient, often taking less than an hour.
After surgery
Minor swelling and soreness are normal and easily managed with prescribed medication and cold compresses. You will follow a soft-food diet for several days and maintain gentle oral hygiene. Most patients are ready for their prosthetic fitting within a few weeks of the procedure.
If your jawbone is uneven or has sharp prominences, a denture will create painful "pressure spots." Surgery ensures the base is smooth so your denture stays secure and comfortable all day.
While initial healing takes about a week, we recommend waiting until the tissue is fully stable—usually a few weeks—before your dentist takes final impressions for your prosthetic.
Many insurance plans cover Pre-Prosthetic Surgery when it is deemed medically necessary for restorative function. Our office can help you verify your specific benefits.
With our advanced anesthesia options, you should feel no pain during the surgery. Post-operative discomfort is typically mild and subsides within a few days.
Your dentist may provide a temporary "flipper" or partial, though we often recommend leaving the surgical site undisturbed for the first few days to speed up healing.
Take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile. Our team is here to answer your questions and guide you through a comfortable and effective treatment journey.
