Pre-Prosthetic Surgery in St. Augustine, FL

Specialized surgical preparation for comfortable, stable, and functional dentures and prosthetics

Proper preparation creates the foundation for comfortable, functional dentures. Don't compromise on fit when specialized surgical preparation can make all the difference.

What Is Pre-Prosthetic Surgery?

Pre-prosthetic surgery encompasses a variety of specialized procedures designed to prepare your mouth for the optimal placement and function of removable or fixed dental prosthetics. These surgical interventions modify the supporting tissues and bone structures to create an ideal foundation for dentures, ensuring better stability, comfort, and function of your replacement teeth.

Many patients have irregularities in their jaw anatomy that can interfere with denture fit and comfort. These may include uneven jawbone ridges, excess bone growths (tori or exostoses), excessive or poorly positioned soft tissue attachments, or inadequate bone height or width. Pre-prosthetic surgery addresses these anatomical challenges before prosthetic fabrication, significantly improving the final outcome of your tooth replacement.

As a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Johnson has advanced training in evaluating and modifying oral structures to optimize prosthetic fit.

His comprehensive approach considers both current needs and long-term outcomes, creating modifications that enhance immediate denture comfort while preserving bone and tissue for future stability.

Dr. Douglas L. Johnson, DMD

With over 25 years of specialized experience, Dr. Johnson provides exceptional care using the latest techniques and technology.

Dr. Johnson is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who completed his education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and advanced training through fellowships at prestigious institutions. His extensive training and experience allow him to perform complex procedures with precision and care.

At our state-of-the-art facility, we prioritize your comfort and results. Dr. Johnson and his specially trained staff are committed to providing you with the highest standard of care in a welcoming environment.

What are the Benefits of Pre-Prosthetic Surgery?

Pre-prosthetic surgery offers transformative benefits that significantly enhance your denture or prosthetic experience. The primary advantage is dramatically improved comfort—by eliminating pressure points, interfering tissue attachments, and irregular bone contours, these procedures create an environment where dentures can rest comfortably on supporting tissues without causing pain or irritation.

From a functional perspective, proper surgical preparation enhances denture stability and retention, reducing the embarrassing slipping, clicking, or movement that often plagues ill-fitting dentures. This improved stability translates directly to better chewing efficiency, clearer speech, and greater confidence in social situations. Many patients report being able to enjoy foods they had previously avoided and speaking without fear of denture movement following appropriate pre-prosthetic procedures.

The aesthetic benefits are equally significant—proper anatomical preparation allows for optimal denture base extension and contour, creating more natural facial support and appearance. By establishing the proper foundation for prosthetic placement, pre-prosthetic surgery enhances the ability of your dentist to create dentures that complement your facial features and restore a natural appearance.

Perhaps most importantly, appropriate pre-prosthetic preparation contributes to long-term oral health by creating an environment that minimizes tissue irritation, reducing chronic inflammation that can lead to accelerated bone loss and tissue changes. This preservation of supporting structures helps maintain denture fit longer, potentially extending the functional lifespan of your prosthetics.

Our Reviews

Why Patients Choose Us

Care and Commitment

From the front office to the exam room, our practice is made up of professionals who take your oral health very seriously. Using state-of-the-art equipment designed with safety and efficiency in mind, we are able to offer top-notch care. As you walk through our office, you will notice that everything is clean, comfortable and thoroughly sterilized. Your safety and comfort are our priority.

Honesty and Affordability

We know that the cost of care can be confusing. In addition to offering a number of in-office payment options to fit your budget, we also give you up-front cost information on your treatment ahead of time. We are in network with a variety of insurance plans, and we offer dental financing with credit available in time frames that fit your needs. We are happy to help you navigate your dental insurance and alternative payment options.

Comprehensive Oral Surgery Care in One Location

At our practice, we are qualified to handle all aspects of your oral and maxillofacial care, so you are always surrounded by people that you trust. If we must refer out, we promise to send you to carefully vetted colleagues who apply the same professional principles in their office that we do in ours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pre-Prosthetic Surgery Always Necessary Before Getting Dentures?

Not all patients require pre-prosthetic surgery, but many benefit from some degree of oral preparation for optimal denture fit. The necessity depends on your specific oral anatomy, including ridge shape, presence of excess bone or tissue, and healing patterns following tooth extraction. Some patients with favorable anatomy may achieve acceptable results without surgical preparation, while others with significant anatomical challenges will experience dramatic improvement in denture comfort and function following appropriate pre-prosthetic procedures. During your consultation, Dr. Johnson will evaluate your specific situation and recommend surgical intervention only when it would significantly enhance your prosthetic outcomes.

How Long Is Recovery After Pre-Prosthetic Surgery?

Recovery time varies based on the specific procedures performed and individual healing factors. Minor soft tissue modifications typically heal within 1-2 weeks, while bone recontouring procedures generally require 4-6 weeks for initial healing and up to 3 months for complete tissue maturation. Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort for several days following surgery, easily managed with prescribed pain medications. Dr. Johnson provides detailed post-operative instructions and pain management protocols tailored to your specific procedures, ensuring optimal healing and comfort throughout your recovery.

Can I Wear My Existing Dentures Immediately After Pre-Prosthetic Surgery?

In most cases, existing dentures require modification before they can be worn following pre-prosthetic surgery. Depending on the procedures performed, your dentures may need significant adjustment, soft reline material, or may need to be temporarily set aside during initial healing. Dr. Johnson will discuss specific recommendations for your situation, which might include modified existing dentures, temporary immediate dentures, or a period without prosthetics to allow optimal healing. This approach balances aesthetic concerns with the biological requirements for proper healing and long-term success.

Visit Us in St. Augustine

St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center is ideally situated at 1301 Plantation Island Dr. Suite #101, St. Augustine, FL 32080, making us easily accessible for patients throughout St. Augustine and surrounding communities.