Pre-Prosthetic Surgery & Alveoloplasty

Pre-prosthetic surgery is a set of surgical procedures performed to prepare a patient’s mouth for the placement of prosthetics, such as dentures. The goal of this surgery is to ensure the mouth is properly shaped and healthy to support the prosthetic, providing a comfortable and secure fit. At Elite Oral Surgery in Tulsa, OK, we specialize in pre-prosthetic procedures to ensure our patients can wear their dentures with ease and comfort.

Alveoloplasty is a type of pre-prosthetic surgery that involves reshaping and smoothing the alveolar ridges in the mouth. The alveolar ridge is the bony structure that supports your teeth, and it may need contouring after tooth extractions to ensure a comfortable and secure fit for dentures or other prosthetics. This procedure is crucial for improving the stability and comfort of dental prosthetics.

You may require pre-prosthetic surgery or alveoloplasty if you have:

• Bony ridges or sharp areas in your mouth following a tooth extraction.
• Undercuts or other irregularities in the jawbone that make wearing prosthetics uncomfortable or painful.

Correcting these issues through surgery ensures that the prosthetics fit well and do not cause irritation or discomfort, helping you maintain better oral function and comfort.

The alveoloplasty procedure is typically performed by an experienced oral surgeon under local anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision to expose the jawbone, then uses specialized tools like a bone file or drill to smooth and reshape the bone. Once the bone is contoured, the area is closed with sutures to promote healing.

Most patients report minimal discomfort during alveoloplasty as the area is numbed with local anesthesia. After the procedure, some discomfort may occur as the anesthesia wears off, but this can be effectively managed with pain medications prescribed by your oral surgeon.

After the surgery, you may experience swelling and mild to moderate pain, which typically subsides within a few days to a week. Complete healing may take several weeks, during which it's important to:

• Eat soft foods.
• Maintain good oral hygiene.
• Follow your oral surgeon’s post-operative care instructions.

While pre-prosthetic surgery and alveoloplasty are generally safe, potential risks include:

• Infection.
• Bleeding.
• Delayed healing, especially if you smoke or have underlying health conditions. Our experienced team at Elite Oral Surgery of Tulsa takes all necessary precautions to minimize these risks and ensure a smooth recovery.

Post-operative care is essential for a successful recovery. After alveoloplasty, follow these guidelines:

• Stick to a soft diet to avoid irritating the surgery site.
• Avoid smoking, which can delay healing.
• Use antiseptic mouth rinses as recommended.
• Refrain from disturbing the sutures with your tongue or fingers.

The waiting period before wearing dentures varies based on the extent of your surgery and your healing process. Typically, your oral surgeon will recommend waiting until the site has fully healed to ensure the best fit and comfort of your dentures. Your Tulsa oral surgeon will guide you through the appropriate timeline for your individual case.

Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of pre-prosthetic surgery or alveoloplasty, especially if it is necessary for the placement of dentures, which are considered a standard part of dental treatment. We recommend checking with your insurance provider, and our team at Elite Oral Surgery of Tulsa can assist you in understanding your coverage options.

Most patients can resume normal activities within a day or two after alveoloplasty, but it's advised to avoid strenuous physical activities for a short period following surgery. Your oral surgeon will provide personalized advice based on your procedure and recovery.

The cost of pre-prosthetic surgery, including alveoloplasty, can vary widely depending on:

• The complexity of the procedure.
• Your geographic location.
• Individual provider rates. At Elite Oral Surgery in Tulsa, we offer detailed cost estimates and flexible payment options to help you plan your treatment.

Whether pre-prosthetic surgery is necessary depends on your unique dental anatomy. In some cases, alternative or additional treatments such as bone grafting or specialized types of dentures may be considered. Consulting with your oral surgeon in Tulsa will help determine the best course of action for your individual needs.