Some People Need Surgery Before Getting Dentures

If you have lost most or all of your teeth, dentures are an excellent way to restore the appearance of your smile and allow you to eat and speak comfortably again. Many people choose dentures because they are significantly more affordable and less invasive than other restorative dental treatments such as implants and bridges. However, some patients may require surgery in order to ensure that their new dentures will fit properly.

When Is Pre-Prosthetic Surgery Necessary for Dentures?

It is crucial that the jawbone is the correct shape and size for your dentures to fit comfortably. There are a variety of different procedures that may be necessary before your jaw is ready to support dentures. One of these procedures is called an alveoloplasty, which involves smoothing and reshaping the jawbone where teeth have been lost or extracted. When teeth are extracted, the bone underneath may be left with abnormalities such as sharp or uneven edges. An alveoloplasty will smooth down these edges so that your new dentures can fit comfortably on top.

Another procedure that may be necessary before getting dentures is the removal of excess bone. Large pieces of excess bone near the cheeks or lips can cause dentures to come loose and slip. On the contrary, patients who do not have enough bone mass may require bone and tissue grafting before receiving their new dentures. Not having natural teeth in your jaw leads to jawbone deterioration, so patients who have been missing teeth for many years before getting dentures may have insufficient bone mass. If your jawbone has already started deteriorating, your dentures may not fit properly and will need to be replaced more often. A bone graft will help your jaw support the prosthetic teeth more effectively and slow down further jawbone deterioration. If you are considering dentures and are wondering if you may need surgery first, contact our office today.