Pre-Prosthetic Surgery
Prepare For a Better Smile
Pre-prosthetic surgery prepares patients for the placement of a denture or other prosthesis. At Hill & Ioppolo Oral & Dental Implant Surgery of Lubbock, Dr. Robert B. Ioppolo can perform a range of procedures to improve the fit of a future denture or prosthesis. Dentures rest over the gums on top of the bony ridge that once held the permanent teeth. If this bone ridge is uneven or too sharp, it can be impossible for a denture to fit securely and comfortably.
Why do I need pre-prosthetic surgery?
Everyone’s mouth is a different shape. Sometimes genetic factors affect the shape of the mouth, and some people have an easier time with their dentures than others. Especially after tooth loss, the bone beneath the gums can change over time. When the bone is too uneven, creating a denture that fits securely can be impossible, which is why some patients require surgery before receiving their dentures.
A comfortable fit is crucial for a stable, functional denture. Denture slipping and other fit problems can cause sores, discomfort, and difficulty while eating and speaking. If you are referred to our office, our oral surgeon, Robert B. Ioppolo, DDS, can evaluate your situation to help you achieve the best fit. If you are interested in alternatives to dentures, he can also assess whether you are a candidate for dental implants or other restorative options.
Types of Pre-Prosthetic Surgery
One or more of the following procedures may be used to prepare your mouth for a denture:
- Bone smoothing and reshaping
- Bone ridge reduction
- Removal of excess bone or soft tissue
Most pre-prosthetic procedures are relatively minor outpatient procedures, and your surgeon can go over your specific treatment plan during your consultation appointment.
Types of Anesthesia
Depending on your procedure, you will receive one of the following forms of anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
Pre-Prosthetic Surgery in Lubbock, TX
If you are experiencing problems with denture fit, you may need pre-prosthetic surgery. To learn more about the procedure or to schedule a consultation, feel free to give our office in Lubbock, TX, a call. Dr. Ioppolo will be happy to help you determine whether pre-prosthetic surgery is right for you.
Patient Testimonials
Hear from our patients about their experiences with Pre-Prosthetic Surgery and other procedures.
"I came to see Dr. Ioppolo to have my wisdom teeth removed. The office is very friendly. There's a nice atmosphere going on, and everyone is very helpful. Dr. Ioppolo is wonderful. He has a great manner, he's very kind, and he puts you at ease."
"Everybody at this office is very sweet and very accommodating. They walk you through the whole process before it happens, so you don’t feel like you’re being hit out of left field with something. Dr. Ioppolo is very endearing. He just makes you feel comfortable with what to expect."
"This office is very welcoming. The staff is really friendly. It’s like coming home. When you hire Dr. Ioppolo as your doctor, you’re not only hiring a great doctor, you’re actually going with a friend—a trusted person. I was impressed."
"The first time I met Dr. Ioppolo, I was very impressed and fell in love with him right away. I wanted to be his grandmother forever. Yet, it was a little nerve-racking, and one of the nurses sat there and patted my hands through the whole ordeal, and I think I was as comfortable as I could have been anywhere. The staff is wonderful."
"The staff was great — very friendly, very helpful. Dr. Ioppolo was great, put my mind at ease. The procedure was actually really smooth. We had an appointment within a week of actually coming in the first time, which was fantastic."
"I came to see Dr. Ioppolo because I needed my wisdom teeth removed. Dr. Ioppolo is a great guy. He’s very meticulous in what he does, and so that’s the person you want doing your surgery when you have a surgery done like this. So, you could tell that from the moment we had our initial meeting that he was going to take care of things and make sure things were done right."
"When I came in for my procedure, it probably took longer to just get set up, having the gas and all that. As far as the procedure goes, he came in, and within five seconds, he was gone. It was super fast. I highly recommend Dr. Ioppolo and his staff because they are very wonderful and great people, and they make the process completely painless, and it was a very easy thing."
"I had a wisdom teeth extraction, and Dr. Ioppolo was my doctor, and then we put in an implant. When I first met Dr. Ioppolo, he was very soothing. He was a great guy, first off. He explained front to back what was going to happen."
"This is just a good place to come. Very comfortable setting. All the employees act like they’re your brother or your sister. Very friendly, very accommodating. Dr. Ioppolo is very congenial, very thorough with his work, very professional with his work. He’s very compassionate, and he makes you feel at ease about what’s fixing to happen."
Outstanding Oral Surgery Services Driven By Faith and Expertise
At Hill & Ioppolo Oral & Dental Implant Surgery of Lubbock, we are dedicated to restoring optimal oral health through a variety of oral surgery procedures. Through our work, we serve our God-given purpose of serving our incredible community. When you walk into our practice, you are not just a patient—you’re a welcome member of our family who will leave here with a better and more beautiful smile. We look forward to welcoming you soon.