Pre-Prosthetic Dental Surgery
Pre-prosthetic dental surgery is a group of procedures designed to prepare the mouth for dentures, dental implants, or other prosthetic restorations. The goal is to create a stable, healthy foundation so that replacement teeth fit comfortably, function properly, and look natural.
Before placing a prosthesis, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend procedures that reshape or rebuild the bone and gum tissues. These treatments help ensure the long-term success of your restorative plan.
Common Pre-Prosthetic Procedures
1. Bone Grafting
Bone grafting restores areas of the jaw that have lost bone due to tooth loss, trauma, or periodontal disease. The graft material—often natural or synthetic bone—is placed in the deficient area to encourage new bone growth. Once healed, the strengthened jawbone can support a dental implant or a well-fitted denture.
2. Sinus Lift
A sinus lift, or sinus augmentation, is performed when the upper jaw lacks sufficient bone height near the molars or premolars. The surgeon carefully raises the sinus membrane and adds grafting material beneath it to increase bone volume. This procedure creates a solid base for future implant placement.
3. Alveoloplasty
Alveoloplasty is the surgical reshaping or smoothing of the jawbone ridge (alveolar ridge). It is often done after tooth extractions to remove sharp edges or irregularities that could cause discomfort or interfere with the fit of dentures or bridges.
4. Ridge Preservation and Tissue Recontouring
Sometimes minor procedures are performed to preserve bone after extraction or to contour soft tissue for a better aesthetic and functional outcome.
Safety and Expertise
Pre-prosthetic procedures are typically carried out by oral and maxillofacial surgeons or dentists with advanced surgical training. These professionals are skilled in maintaining patient comfort, using local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia as needed.
Throughout your treatment, the surgical team focuses on safety, precision, and personalized care. Detailed imaging and careful planning help reduce risk and promote faster healing. By addressing the foundation before prosthetic placement, pre-prosthetic surgery helps ensure your new teeth feel natural, function comfortably, and last for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pre-prosthetic surgery prepares your mouth for dentures, implants, or other restorative dental work. This can include reshaping the jawbone, removing excess tissue, or performing minor bone grafting to create the ideal foundation for your new smile. The goal is to make sure your future dental restorations fit comfortably, look natural, and function properly. Dr. Smith works closely with your dentist or prosthodontist to plan the surgery and ensure the best long-term results.
Our Team
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Dr. Justin Hollar
Dr. Justin Hollar is an experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeon committed to delivering expert surgical care to the Vancouver, Washington, community, which he has always called home. With over two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Hollar brings a patient-centered philosophy to every procedure, prioritizing safety, comfort, and informed decision-making at every step of the care journey.
Dr. Hollar earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from Temple University in 2002, followed by a prestigious residency at the University of Illinois at Chicago, completed in 2007. Prior to founding Oral Surgery Solutions, he ...
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Pre-Prosthetic Dental Surgery Technology
Intraoral Camera
What if you could see exactly what your dentist sees? You'd probably find it simpler to make informed decisions about your oral health!
Intraoral cameras allow you to do precisely that. Using a small digital camera embedded in a wand, the dentist can move it around your mouth and transmit the images instantly to a chairside monitor. This allows you to clearly see everything the dentist describes, including damage to the teeth and signs that might indicate periodontal disease.
Testimonial
We both would highly recommend Oral Surgery Solutions.
"My husband and I were both patients of Dr Hollar. My procedures were done in the most professional way with a good out come and no follow up problems!! My Husband’s were more extensive, but he also had excellent care from Dr Hollar and staff! We both would highly recommend Oral Surgery Solutions to any friends and family!!"
-Sharon