Overview
Oral prosthetics, such as full and partial dentures, are a common solution for replacing missing teeth. But since these appliances rest on the bony ridge of the dental arch, they can be challenging to wear if the underlying jawbone tissue is rough, uneven, or has deteriorated. Pre-prosthetic surgery is a procedure performed by our board-certified oral surgeons in Albany, NY to reshape the upper or lower bony ridge or smooth uneven areas following tooth extractions. This treatment prepares the mouth for a denture fitting and placement and serves to improve the comfort, fit, and function of denture appliances. To learn more about the benefit of pre-prosthetic surgery before receiving dentures, please contact Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons to schedule a consultation with Drs. Stephen DeMarco, Diego Miron, and Luis Delgado.
Best Candidates
Patients all throughout the Albany, NY area who are considering dentures for tooth replacement are often referred to our oral and maxillofacial surgeons for pre-prosthetic surgery. If there is an abnormal shape to the gum tissues, underlying bone, or jaw, denture prosthetics may fit loosely or feel uncomfortable to wear. As a denture preparatory procedure, pre-prosthetic surgery may be performed to:
- Rebuild areas of bone loss
- Remove overgrown gum tissue
- Excise excess bone tissue (tori or exostoses)
- Smooth rough or uneven areas of bone
- Reshape the bony arch
- Extract impacted teeth
- Lower muscle attachments in your lips and cheeks to create space (vestibuloplasty)
What to Expect
Pre-prosthetic surgery at Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons will vary according to your individual needs. Our team will evaluate your jaw and take advanced 3D images of your mouth to assist in the treatment planning and procedure stages. Sedation dentistry and anesthesia options will be discussed ahead of time to help ensure you remain relaxed and comfortable when in our care. The treatment process may include bone and gum reduction, bone grafting techniques, tooth extractions, or other minor oral surgery procedures. If necessary, sutures may be placed to protect the areas as they heal.
Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Reviews
Everyone at the office was friendly, kind and instantly made me feel safe/not worried about the procedure. I was able to make an appointment with ease in a very timely fashion. My issue was treated in less than 24 hours. I highly recommend this practice! Every part of my experience was wonderful
Yesterday I visited the office for the final procedure of my implant, "journey." I arrived early, took a seat in the waiting area and my name was called almost immediately. I was escorted to the procedure room by a bright, cheerful nurse, who explained what would be happening this visit. I mentioned that I am an anxious person and I was calmed by their understanding of my anxiety, Their confidence assured me that this procedure would get done, that day. As a person who has struggled with anxiety and suffered from crippling panic attacks for decades, it was significant to feel that confidence from them. I had a very real concern that I would have a panic attack which would prevent the completion of the procedure that visit. As I reclined in the procedure room a second nurse, just as warm and upbeat as the first, entered the room, as well as the Doctor, and the procedure commenced. I can only estimate, heaven knows I'm no oral surgeon, that roughly 90% through the procedure, I felt my anxiety take hold and take over my body. Panic attacks are pretty paralyzing by nature and mine happen to be extremely physical. First I feel light headed, then all color leaves my face, then I break out in a full body sweat, followed by visible chills. The instant the color left my face, the doctor and nurses took action. The procedure was stopped. I was feeling helpless, scared, embarrassed, and guilty that I was taking time from these individuals and waiting patients. Then the swift, expert caregiving began. An ice pack was applied to the back of my neck, then another was applied to my forehead. (it's worth mentioning, an ice pack without a hand to hold it rarely stays. So I was single handedly monopolizing one nurse, who was kind enough to hold the ice pack against my head) I was given constant compassionate reassurance by the nurses and doctor that everything was alright. I was gently instructed to breathe slowly through my nose. My condition was not improving significantly, so a nurse handed me a cup of apple juice and encouraged me to sip. Slowly I sat up and not long after I felt my physically symptomatic panic take over, again. I gave only the slightest indication I was going down-hill and one of the two nurses reclined the chair I was in again. An I.V. was quickly and skillfully placed and fluids were administered. At this point I had two ice packs (one nurses' hand), oxygen and an I.V. A precarious position to be in for an individual deep into a panic attack. Some time passed and I was soothed by the cool collected casual conversation of the two attending nurses. The doctor said that he only had one quick thing to do before my procedure was completed, and I was happy to get that quick step over and done right then. The doctor took maybe 30 seconds to complete that last step and then that was done. Unfortunately, my anxiety was not. There was nothing more that could be done for my body to improve my condition. I needed something that cannot be packaged or sterilized, something that brings comfort to the soul... and that something was being in the presence of two of the most warm, caring, down to earth, hilarious, professional women I've ever had the pleasure of almost losing consciousness around. Brittany and Kaylee were a dream. Their lighthearted conversation distracted my anxious brain and their attentiveness to my condition made me feel safe. At no point did I feel rushed or that I was an inconvenience of any kind, something that, sadly, is incredibly rare in a medical practice. These two women are incredible, compassionate caregivers. They are a joy to be around. True treasures. I cannot possibly express my gratitude for the care and reassurance that I received from Brittany and Kaylee, but I thought I'd do my best to try.
Absolutely 100% ! A plus. 4.0. On every level. Dr. Diego Miron and associate professionals and complete Staff! And a big thank you for my Dentist Dr Walsh #1 for the referral!
The entire experience was excellent, all staff and Dr Delgado were the most professional I've ever met. They are the best!
Very friendly staff. Strongly recommended 👍👍👍
242
Total Reviews
4.9
Average Rating
Recovery
Aftercare instructions on how to care for your mouth and jaw during the recovery process will be provided by our team once your pre-prosthetic surgery is complete. Prescription or over-the-counter medications may be recommended to manage any tenderness or swelling as your mouth heals. A follow-up visit with our Albany, NY oral surgeons may be scheduled so that we can assess your healing progress. We will then coordinate with you and your referring dentist as to when you can move forward with the denture process.
Insurance Coverage
A portion of certain pre-prosthetic surgery procedures may be covered under some dental insurance plans. Before beginning your treatment, a member of our administrative team will review your individual plan and estimate any potential uncovered expenses. At Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, we accept a selection of flexible payment options, including CareCredit®, to help make your care affordable and convenient.
Pre-Prosthetic Surgery
If you are contemplating dentures to replace missing or severely damaged teeth, your dentist may recommend pre-prosthetic surgery to help improve how your appliances fit, feel, and function. We work closely with referring dentists and other specialists in the Albany, NY area to provide high-quality surgical solutions customized for your needs. Contact Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons to schedule a pre-prosthetic surgery consultation and learn about your treatment options.