What is Preprosthetic Surgery?

Prosthetic surgery is a term commonly used in dentistry and refers to surgical procedures that are usually performed before dentures are applied. These surgical interventions aim to improve the fit and durability of the prosthesis and improve the overall oral health of the patient.

Pre-prosthetic surgery involves structural adjustments to the mouth as well as aesthetic and functional improvements. This allows patients to maximize the benefit of prosthodontics and achieve long-term comfort.

What are the Types of Prosthetic Surgery?

Pre-prosthetic surgery can improve the patient's long-term comfort and the chances of success of prosthetic procedures. Some basic types of preprosthetic surgery include:

Alveoplasty: Alveoplasty is a procedure to correct irregular areas following tooth extraction. This prevents pain and instability during prosthetic applications.

Removal of Excess Bone (Removal of Torus): Removal of excessively large bone formations, called torus, can eliminate factors that prevent the fit of prostheses. Removing toruses provides better retention in prosthetic applications.

Removal of Excess Gum Tissue: A procedure called gingivectomy can be performed to remove excess gum tissue that prevents dentures from fitting properly. This procedure provides a quick recovery with minimal bleeding and swelling.

Vestibuloplasty: In cases where the distance between the teeth and the lip of the lower jaw teeth is small, the depth can be increased with a minimal surgical procedure to reduce gingival mobility and increase the stability of the dentures. 

Frenectomy: Frenectomy occurs when the frenulum, the muscle attachment that connects the lips and gums in the upper jaw and the tongue to the gums in the lower jaw, is attached higher than the ideal position in certain situations. This can lead to gum recession or restriction of tongue movement. In this case, a procedure called frenectomy is used to cut the high frenulum and return it to its ideal position.

Removal of Impacted Teeth: Removing misaligned or impacted teeth that affect denture fitting is an important step for correct denture fitting.

In Which Situations Is Prosthetic Surgery Applied?

Prosthetic surgery is planned specifically for each individual's oral structure and needs. After assessing the patient's condition, the dentist determines the most appropriate surgical methods and creates the treatment plan. Preprosthetic surgery can be considered in the following cases:

Dentlessness or Too Much Tooth Loss: Preprosthetic surgery can be used to prepare the oral structure prior to the application of dentures in individuals who are edentulous or have lost too many teeth. Various adjustments can be made to increase the durability and fit of the prosthesis.

Irregular Tooth Alignment: Preprosthetic surgery can be performed to improve the alignment of teeth in individuals with irregular tooth alignment prior to prosthesis application. This can ensure a better fit of the prosthesis.

Jawbone Problems: Preprosthetic surgery can be performed on people with insufficient jawbone density or various anatomical problems. Correction or strengthening of the jawbone can improve the success of the prosthesis application.

Tissue Damage or Skeletal Deformities: Damage, scarring or skeletal deformities in the tissues of the oral region may be corrected by preprosthetic surgery. These conditions may need correction to ensure a better fit of the prosthesis and improve oral function.

Prosthesis Fit Problems: In individuals who have problems with the fit of previously applied prostheses, necessary corrections can be made with preprosthetic surgery. This can improve prosthesis fit and patient comfort.

The Need for Jaw Bone Grafts: Jaw bone grafts can be performed in patients with insufficient jaw bone density. This can be accomplished through preprosthetic surgery to support implant placement and improve the durability of prostheses.

What are the Risks of Prosthetic Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with preprosthetic surgery. However, these risks may vary depending on the general health status of the person, the type of surgical intervention and the techniques used. Here are the possible risks that may be encountered during preprosthetic surgery:

Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection during preprosthetic surgery. Therefore, hygiene rules and sterilization methods should be observed.

Bleeding: Bleeding may occur during surgery. It is therefore important that the surgical field is handled appropriately to control bleeding.

Pain and Swelling: Pain and swelling may occur after surgery. This is usually temporary and can be alleviated with appropriate treatment and rest.

Wound Healing Problems: Wound healing problems may occur after surgery. This usually depends on the surgical techniques, the patient's health status and the quality of post-surgical care.

Complications: In rare cases, more serious complications may occur, depending on the complexity of the surgical interventions. These complications may include nerve damage, bone-related problems or reactions to anesthesia.

What to Consider Before Prosthetic Surgery?

Preprosthetic surgery should be preceded by a detailed evaluation of the patient, analysis of general health status, taking anamnesis, performing imaging studies, reviewing the patient's general health status, assessing smoking and alcohol use, paying attention to oral hygiene, anesthesia assessment, and preparing a postoperative care plan. These factors are important for effective planning and patient preparation prior to surgery.