Millions of people wear a dental prosthesis. However, a denture may be uncomfortable and cause pain, slipping, or sores if it doesn’t fit correctly. Pre-prosthetic surgery improves the look, feel, and function of a denture by reshaping the bony contours of the mouth to fit the prosthesis.

The surgeons at Whitewater Oral Surgery Group will work with you to ensure you receive a secure and comfortable fit from your prosthesis. Drs. Kempers, Nelson, and Hastings work with experienced restorative dentists to finalize the restoration and ensure healthy, beautiful results.

The right pre-prosthetic procedure for you will be based on your current condition, type of denture, and prosthetic fit goals. We will take 3D imaging of your facial structure to ensure accurate and efficient treatment planning. While some patients require the jaw bone to be smoothed or shaped, others may need excess gum or bone removed as well. Before your pre-prosthetic surgery, your oral surgeon will discuss your treatment plan in depth and cover topics such as the length of surgery, type of anesthesia used, and the results you can expect.

Types of Anesthesia

Whitewater Oral Surgery Group uses three main types of anesthesia:

Local

Local anesthesia is administered directly to the surgical site and only affects the local area. It is commonly used for minor procedures, such as simple dental extractions or small soft tissue biopsies.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is also known as laughing gas and is a mild sedative inhaled through a mask over the mouth and nose. It is often used in conjunction with local anesthesia. The effects of the gas will dissipate after breathing some oxygen for a few minutes after the procedure.

IV Sedation

IV sedation is administered into the patient’s vein. This type of sedation is most commonly used during impacted wisdom teeth extraction, extensive dental implant surgery, or any surgical procedure that may be more complex in nature.