Comfortable, Professionally Fitted Dentures

When a patient uses a partial or complete denture as a replacement for missing teeth, sometimes his or her dental arch is not suitable to receive the denture as is. In cases like these, the shape of their mouth can sometimes be surgically prepared to receive a prosthesis and, once the mouth is fully prepared to support the prosthesis comfortably, the denture can be placed. This surgical process will help prevent any discomfort or afflictions that may arise from an improper fit.

Our oral surgeons at Southern Oral & Facial Surgery want all of our patients to feel comfortable about their smile. If you are unhappy with the fit of your dentures, feel them slipping around in your mouth, or plan on receiving dentures, contact our office in Franklin and Thompson’s Station, TN, for a consultation.

Types of Pre-Prosthetic Surgery

There are various pre-prosthetic procedures available to prepare your mouth for a denture. The procedure you undergo will be dependent on your needs. Prior to treatment, we will take 3D scans of your mouth and discuss your options for anesthesia and sedation. We will evaluate your condition and design a treatment plan custom to your mouth and health needs.

Common pre-prosthetic procedures include:

  • Exposure of impacted teeth
  • Smoothing or reshaping the jaw bone
  • Removal of excess gum tissue or bone
  • Reduction in the size of the alveolar ridge
  • Ridge augmentation, a type of bone grafting procedure

Many patients wonder why their mouth can’t support a prosthesis, and the answer is in our genetics. Just like we all have different physical attributes (hair color, eye color, and face shape), we all have different shaped jaws and types of gum tissue. Sometimes, the jaw bone is not perfectly shaped to accommodate tooth replacements, and this can make daily activities such as chewing your food extremely difficult or even painful. Any prosthesis you receive should be placed in a stable manner that will be comfortable for you to wear long-term.

Benefits of Pre-Prosthetic Surgery

Since the denture rests on the bone ridge, ensuring the right fit is critical so that the mouth maintains the proper shape and size necessary for the dentures to fit long term. This treatment comes with many benefits that patients with dentures will enjoy, including:

  • Drastically improving the fit and function of your prosthesis
  • Eating a more complete diet with the nutrients you need
  • Reducing or eliminating oral sores caused by ill-fitted dentures
  • Ensuring your dentures fit securely and will not slide around
  • Enhancing your appearance for younger-looking results

At Southern Oral & Facial Surgery our skilled surgical and office staff will fully discuss treatment options with you to ensure you are informed and comfortable moving forward with your oral health plan. Contact one of our offices to schedule a consultation.