You may have heard that patients sometimes need pre-prosthetic surgery before a dental prosthesis is placed. The question you may be asking is, “why is pre-prosthetic surgery important?” We will look more into this below.
Why is Pre-Prosthetic Surgery Important?
Dental technology has given people the ability to get a bridge, dental implants or removable dentures. Because of genetics, some have an easier time than others with dentures. This is why pre-prosthetic surgery is important. For example, a patient may be having a tooth extracted or receiving dentures. Pre-prosthetic surgery can ensure comfort and a good fit and function.
When it comes to dentures, some individuals have a deficiency in the bone or bone growth in the roof of their mouth and lower and upper jaws. Therefore, the dentures need to fit properly. However, if the patient is getting a tooth extracted, the bone can be left uneven or sharp.
Your surgeon may use more than one procedure to prepare your mouth for dentures. A few are bone ridge reduction, bone smoothing and shaping, and removal of excess bone. Dentures that are worn for a period of time can cause issues. This may be due to the change of jaw bones. This, in turn, can cause pain from dentures that don’t fit properly.
How is the pre-prosthetic surgery done?
Many of the pre-prosthetic procedures are outpatient procedures. The oral surgeon will also discuss the anesthetic options to see which is best for the patient. Several options include the following.
Anesthetic Options
1. Nitrous Oxide
This what many call “laughing gas.” A patient remains awake, but it’s a mild form of conscious sedation that wears off quickly.
2. Local Anesthesia
The oral surgeon will inject a numbing medication into the jaw and gums. The patient isn’t sedated and will remain awake throughout the procedure.
3. Conscious Intravenous Sedation
Patients receive sedative medication by I.V. They will remain awake, but many times won’t remember the procedure.
4. General Anesthesia
There are times when a surgeon will give full anesthesia to the patient. They will be completely put to sleep and will have restrictions what to eat and drink before and after. It’s important to follow these instructions.
Aftercare Measures
The oral surgeon will give special instructions when a patient is scheduling their surgery. From the food they eat to how to brush and floss after the procedure, it’s important to follow these instructions as well as any follow-appointments.
Do you have questions regarding pre-prosthetic surgery? Give IOSC a call today at (423) 296-8210. Our skilled oral surgeons will be with you every step of the way.
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