It is common for patients to utilize a partial or complete denture as a replacement for a missing tooth or teeth. When preparing to receive any removable prosthetic, the doctor must first ensure that the mouth is fully prepared to support the prosthesis comfortably in order to avoid any discomfort or afflictions that may arise from an improper fit. For some patients, the shape of the mouth or the ridge may not be ideal for the prosthesis, and a surgical procedure is necessary to ensure proper fit and maximum comfort.

Many patients ask, “Why doesn’t my mouth support the prosthesis as is?” Just as our genetics give us different physical attributes such as hair color, height, and face shape, we are given different shaped jaws and gum tissue growth as well. Sometimes, the development of our jaw bone is not perfectly shaped to accommodate tooth replacements comfortably or in a stable manner. This can make daily activities such as chewing your food extremely difficult or even painful. Because the denture rests on the bone ridge, it is critical to ensure that the mouth maintains the proper shape and size necessary in order for the dentures to fit properly. With pre-prosthetic surgery, Drs. Kelling and Condry can reshape your mouth in order to make your prosthesis feel as though you have not lost your natural teeth.

There are a variety of procedures that might be performed to prepare your mouth for a denture, and the procedure you receive will be dependent on your mouth’s individual needs. Common pre-prosthetic procedures include:

• Smoothing or reshaping of the jaw bone

• Removal of excess gum tissue or bone

• Reduction in the size of the alveolar ridge

• Exposure of impacted teeth

At Northeast Surgical Specialists, we want to ensure that you feel as informed and comfortable as possible prior to your procedure. Our skilled surgical and office staff, as well as our doctors, will fully discuss treatment options with you and present the best alternatives for tooth replacement. Many patients elect to receive long-term solutions, such as dental implants, in order to restore the best function and aesthetic possible to their mouths.

Northeast Surgical Specialists maintains two office locations in Saratoga Springs & Queensbury, NY, and offers various oral surgical procedures and treatments, including pre-prosthetic surgery. Drs. Condry and Kelling service all of Warren and Saratoga Counties including Burnt Hills, Hoosick Falls, Greenwich, Clifton Park, Warrensbury, Greenfield Center, Wilton, Gansevoort, Fort Ann, Cambridge, Saranac Lake, Mechanicville, Malta, Hudson Falls, Granville, Queensbury, Ticonderoga, Milton, Ballston Spa, Lake Placid, Glens Falls, Corinth, Gloversville, Ballston Lake, Galway, Saratoga, Schroon Lake, Lake George, and South Glens Falls.

If you just want to ask a few questions, give us a call. You can find all the ways to contact us here. We look forward to hearing from you.