Pre-Prosthetic Extractions & Surgery

Pre-Prosthetic Surgery

		Pre- Prosthetic Extractions
		A tooth may be extracted for many reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed, others may have advanced periodontal disease, or may have been broken in a manner in which they cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth such as wisdom teeth or in preparation for orthodontic treatment. If the tooth is not fully erupted (impacted), it may be necessary to first remove some of the overlying gum and bone tissue in order to access the tooth. Some teeth must be cut and removed in sections. The extraction site may or may not require one or more stitches to close the incision. When multiple teeth require extraction, the remaining bone or soft tissue often needs to be shaped to allow for a comfortable fitting prosthesis and to prevent sharp bony ledges from developing, this procedure is called an alveoloplasty. Tooth extraction can be performed with local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or I.V. sedation.

The preparation of your mouth before the placement of a prosthesis is referred to as pre-prosthetic surgery.

Some patients require minor oral surgical procedures before receiving a partial or complete denture, in order to ensure the maximum level of comfort. A denture sits on the ridge of the jawbone, so it is very important that the bone is the proper shape and size. If a tooth needs to be extracted, the underlying bone might be left sharp and uneven. For the best fit of a denture, the bone might need to be smoothed or reshaped. Occasionally, excess bone may need to be removed prior to denture fabrication.

One or more of the following procedures might need to be performed in order to prepare your mouth for a denture:

• Smoothing and reshaping of bone
• Removal of excess bone
• Bony ridge reduction
• Removal or re-contouring of excess gum tissue
• Lowering of muscle attachments in order to increase ridge height
• Bone or soft tissue grafting to optimize ridge shape and/or dimensions

In some cases where your jaw ridges are not suitable for a well fitting and functional denture, implants may represent a treatment option by providing anchorage for removable dentures. For more information see the dental implant section of this website or ask your restoring dentist and/or surgeon.

We will review your particular needs with you during your consultation appointment.