If you are planning dentures - fixed or removable - this topic may be crucial for you. Pre-prosthetic plastic surgery is often the first step to making your new teeth not only look natural, but also comfortable and durable. And what exactly is it and what treatments does it involve?

What is pre-prosthetic plastic surgery?

In the simplest terms, pre-prosthetic plastic surgery is a surgical procedure that aims to prepare the mouth for the fitting of a prosthesis. The aim is to ensure that the prosthetic base - i.e. the gums, alveolar processes, mucous membrane and sometimes the tongue or frenulum - are in optimal condition and shape. This will ensure that the denture does not shift, does not cause chafing and is able to transmit chewing forces evenly.

Without this step, even the most carefully crafted prosthesis can prove to be uncomfortable, unsightly and even - useless.

And if you want to learn about the types of prostheses we recommend our text "Dentures in the UK - types and prices".

Who needs to undergo pre-prosthetic plastic surgery?

Not every patient will need such a procedure. However, pre-prosthetic plastic surgery proves necessary in many people, especially when there are lesions in the mouth that make it difficult for the denture to fit properly. 

This applies, for example, to people who have worn old dentures for many years. In such cases, there are often changes in the mucosa or significant bone atrophy. Also, patients after tooth extractions with bone spurs or unhealed root fragments remaining may require surgical preparation before a new denture is made.

Sometimes, too much frenulum of the lip or tongue is the cause of discomfort or instability of the prosthesis. In such cases, they also need to be corrected. An irregular, asymmetrical prosthetic base that does not allow for an even distribution of chewing forces and causes pressure or movement of the prosthesis can also be a problem.

In short - pre-prosthetic plasticity is needed everywherewhere the natural conditions in the mouth do not allow the fabrication of a stable and comfortable prosthetic restoration. It is the dentist who, during the initial consultation and diagnosis, assesses whether such a procedure will be necessary.

What procedures does pre-prosthetic plastic surgery include?

The range of treatments depends on your situation and the type of prosthetic restoration planned. Pre-prosthetic plastic surgery may include, but is not limited to:

• removal of excess mucosa (hyperplasia),
• Alignment of the alveolar processes (so-called smoothing of the base),
• undercutting or correction of the frenulum of the lip or tongue,
• removal of supragingival bony prominences (exostoses),
• plasticity of the floor of the mouth,
• removal of extraction residues, e.g. tooth roots.

All these procedures have one goal - to ensure comfortable, stable and long-lasting use of the prosthesis.

And if you want your prosthesis to serve you for years to come, we recommend reading our text "How to care for dentures".

Does pre-prosthetic plastic surgery hurt? What does the procedure look like?

There is no single answer here because it all depends on the procedure being performed and also individually on the patient and the state of his or her mouth. But rest assured - all procedures are performed under local anaesthetic. 

Afterwards, as after any treatment, you may experience slight discomfort, Swelling or tightness of the tissues - this is completely normal and usually subsides within a few days. If necessary, your doctor will prescribe painkillers or an antibiotic.

It is important to strictly adhere to the recommendations after the procedure - maintain oral hygiene, avoid biting hard foods, do not smoke and give the tissues time to heal. Only then can you proceed to the actual stage - the fabrication of the prosthesis.

Pre-prosthetic plastic surgery - why is it worth it?

You may be wondering whether such a procedure is really necessary. The answer is simple: pre-prosthetic plastic surgery is an investment in your comfort and health. A well-fitting prosthesis is not only a matter of aesthetics, but above all a matter of convenience in everyday life - eating, speaking, smiling without embarrassment.

Without proper tissue preparation, even the most expensive prosthesis can cause problems. And after all, you don't decide to get new teeth to suffer because of them.

And if you are worried about the cost of the treatment and the denture itself - rest assured, we have a solution for that. At our practice, you can take advantage of the instalment system. Importantly, the first 12 months are zero interest, so you pay back as much as you spend. If you want to find out more, we recommend our text "Instalment scheme for dental treatment in the UK".

Our instalment system is governed by Financial Conduct Authority (FCA number 619628).