Preprosthetic surgery

The objective of this branch of oral and maxillofacial surgery is to perform surgical procedures to improve the fit or integration of a dental prosthesis or to make it possible in the first place. 

Augmentation of the jaw bone and nerve relocation

A reduction of the height and width of the alveolar ridge, especially in cases of long-term toothlessness, presents a challenge for a tooth replacement treatment. Before an implant can be inserted in these cases, the supporting bone must be improved. This can be done by raising (onlay bone grafting) or widening (inlay bone grafting) the jaw with bone from the patient’s own body. In the posterior area of the upper jaw, it is possible to lift the maxillary sinus (sinus lift). The bone required for this – depending on the quantity needed – is removed from the surrounding area or from the iliac crest of the pelvis. Minor defects can also be evened out using foreign material or by filling the support bone (condensation).

The insertion of tooth implants in the posterior area of the lower jaw is possible after relocation of the sensory nerve that runs along the bone (see Procedures on nerves in the mouth/jaw/face area). The prosthetic restoration can also be improved by surgical procedures in the soft tissue. Shaping of the oral vestibule can significantly optimise the insertion of a prosthesis (vestibuloplasty).

Removal of disruptive structures

Preprosthetic surgery also includes the surgical removal of disruptive structures in the area surrounding the prosthesis. These can be the lip and tongue frenulum or fibroma, which are responsible for a continuous loosening.