Denture Preparation / Preprosthetic Surgery

Preprosthetic surgery is a minor surgical procedure performed to modify your oral anatomy prior to placing a partial or complete denture. Dentures are placed on top of a bony ridge, and in some cases the existing bone structure and gums must be reshaped in order to ensure a secure fit and comfort.  

 Preprosthetic surgery involves the:

• Removal of impacted teeth
• Removal of excess bone
• Bone ridge reduction
• Exposure of teeth for orthodontic reasons
• Removal of excess gum tissue
• Surgical  reshaping, sharpening, smoothing, and building of bone in preparation for dentures or other dental prosthesis

During preprosthetic surgery, Dr. Eklund will make a small incision in your gum tissue so that he can smooth and size the jawbone.The goal is to create an environment that more readily accepts and retains either removable or non-removal dentures or other dental prosthesis. The incision will be closed with sutures, which may be absorbed or removed one week post surgery. Healing time is approximately four weeks, after which your dentist will take impressions for partial or complete dentures.

Dentures vs. Dental Implants

In recent years, dental implants have emerged as a more effective treatment than dentures for replacing missing teeth. Rather than resting on the gum line or using adjacent teeth as anchors, dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone resulting in a long-term solution. Additionally, implants preserve your existing bone as opposed to dentures that cause some bone to be reabsorbed.

Dr. Eklund is a leading expert in dental implantology. Throughout his career he has placed over 6,000 dental implants. During your consultation, your doctor will discuss the pros and cons of dentures vs. dental implants with you and together you can determine which solution is right for you.

Preprosthetic surgery is an outpatient procedure performed in complete comfort at Southwest Oral & Implant Surgery’s sterile surgical facility.You have a choice of anesthesia options including local anesthesia, local anesthesia with nitrous (laughing gas), or intravenous (IV) sedation (twilight sleep or conscious sedation). No matter which option you choose, the trained staff at Southwest Oral & Implant Surgery will be at your side to reassure you and answer any questions you may have.

Contact Us

If you are a dentist or a physician who is interested in referring your patients to Dr. Eklund, visit the Referring Doctors section for more information. If you are a patient who would like to schedule an appointment, visit the Contact Us section for hours, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses.