Preprosthetic Surgery: Review of Literature

Following the loss of natural teeth after extraction, the bone begins to resorb. Th e results of this resorption are accelerated by wearing dentures and tend to aff ect the mandible more severely than the maxilla. Besides, general factors include the presence of nutritional abnormalities and systemic bone disease such as osteoporosis; endocrine dysfunction may aff ect bone metabolism. Preprosthetic surgical treatment must begin with a thorough history and physical examination of the patient. Sometimes, there are contraindications to surgery because the patient suff ers from serious general disease. Specifi c attention should also be given to laboratory tests which could inform us as to a degree of bone resorption. Successful treatment with removable prosthesis is dependent on many factors. One component that can profoundly aff ect treatment success is the condition of the denture-bearing tissues. Every eff ort should be made to ensure that both the hard and soft tissues are developed in a form that will enhance the patient’s ability to wear a denture. It is the responsibility of the practitioner to carefully evaluate and identify the need for any alteration of the denture-bearing areas and to educate the patient as to the importance of accomplishing this vital procedure.