Oral Surgery Procedures · Denture Preparation
Pre-Prosthetic Surgery
A partial or full denture rests on the ridges of bone and gum where teeth used to be. When those ridges are sharp, uneven or blocked by extra bone or tissue, a denture can’t sit securely or comfortably. Pre-prosthetic surgery reshapes the bone and gums so dentures and other prosthetics fit better, stay in place and feel more comfortable.
Often 1 visit procedures can be combined
Local or sedation anesthesia options
Better fit for dentures and partials
Why It’s Done
Preparing a stable foundation
Surgery is recommended only when the shape of the bone or gums would compromise how a denture fits or functions.
Signs it may help
- Sharp or uneven bone that causes sore spots under a denture.
- Bony bulges or undercuts that keep a denture from seating.
- Excess, loose or overgrown gum tissue.
- Tight muscle attachments that pull the denture loose.
The goals
- Improve the shape, height and contour of the ridges.
- Remove anything that gets in the way of the prosthesis.
- Increase denture stability, retention and comfort.
A team approach
- The surgeon plans with the dentist who will make your denture.
- An exam and X-rays show the bone and tissue that need attention.
- Reshaping is often done at the same visit as any needed extractions.
Common Procedures
What pre-prosthetic surgery may include
One or more of these procedures may be recommended, depending on your anatomy and the prosthesis planned.
Alveoloplasty
Smooths and reshapes the jawbone ridge, removing sharp edges and undercuts. It is often done at the time of extractions, or later as a separate procedure once the sites have healed.
Torus Removal
Tori are harmless bony growths on the roof of the mouth or inside the lower jaw. They are removed when they interfere with a denture or partial, or are repeatedly irritated when chewing.
Soft-Tissue & Frenum
Excess, loose or overgrown gum tissue is trimmed. A frenectomy releases a tight band of tissue connecting the lip, cheek or tongue to the jaw that can pull on a denture’s edge.
Vestibuloplasty & Ridge Building
Vestibuloplasty deepens the space between the cheek and gum so a denture has more surface to grip. Where the ridge has shrunk too much, bone grafting can rebuild it.
The Procedure
What to expect
Step 1
Planning
An exam and X-rays identify what needs reshaping, coordinated with the dentist making your prosthesis.
Step 2
Anesthesia
These procedures are usually done under local anesthesia, with sedation available for comfort.
Step 3
Surgery
The gum is opened, bone is smoothed or reduced, excess tissue is trimmed and the site is closed with stitches.
Step 4
Healing & fitting
The tissues heal before the final denture is made. A temporary denture may be adjusted or relined during this time.
After Your Procedure
Know what’s normal, and when to call
Recovery is similar to other minor oral surgery. Stick to soft foods for the first few days and follow your surgeon’s instructions for wearing any temporary denture.
What’s normal
- Swelling and tenderness for a few days.
- Light oozing during the first 24 hours.
- Mild soreness where a temporary denture rests on healing tissue.
Call our office if
- Bleeding doesn’t slow after 30 to 45 minutes of firm pressure.
- You have a fever above 101°F, pus or a bad taste.
- Swelling or pain gets worse after day three.
- A denture causes a painful sore spot. Don’t keep wearing it through the pain.
For general home-care steps, see our Post-Care & Recovery guide. If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Next Steps
Getting ready for dentures?
A consultation will show whether your ridges are ready for a comfortable fit, or whether a little preparation would help. Implant-supported dentures may also be worth discussing.
This page describes how these procedures are typically performed and is not a substitute for professional advice. Your surgeon will recommend a plan based on your exam, imaging and health history.
