Overview
Pre-prosthetic surgery prepares your gums and jaw for comfortable, secure dentures, partials, or other dental prosthetics. At Smile Studio Dentistry of Baltimore, Neena Joshi—a dentist serving Baltimore, Maryland—focuses on shaping healthy tissue and bone so your appliance fits well, feels natural, and lasts longer. Treatment plans are personalized to your bite, bone anatomy, and goals. We explain options, timing, and costs in clear language and coordinate with your lab or specialist as needed. Questions are welcome at every step. Call 410-435-8080.
Who may benefit
You might be a candidate if you have:
Bony ridges, sharp edges, or tori that cause sore spots under a denture
Loose tissue that moves under a partial or full denture
Uneven bone after extractions that prevents stable fit
Insufficient ridge height or width to support a prosthesis
A tight frenum (lip or tongue attachment) that dislodges an appliance
Common procedures
Alveoloplasty (bone smoothing)
Contours sharp or irregular bone after extractions to help a denture rest evenly and comfortably.
Tori/Exostosis reduction
Removes bony bumps on the palate or tongue side that interfere with impressions or denture seating.
Frenectomy
Releases a tight lip or tongue frenum so a denture seals properly and speech and comfort improve.
Tissue recontouring
Refines excess or mobile gum tissue to reduce denture movement and sore spots.
Socket preservation and ridge augmentation
Adds graft material after extraction or builds ridge volume to support a stable, esthetic prosthesis.
Vestibuloplasty (when indicated)
Deepens the vestibule to improve denture extension and retention in select cases.
Your evaluation and plan
We begin with a consultation, medical history review, digital imaging, and models or scans of your mouth. Neena Joshi explains findings and the least invasive approach to reach your goals. You will see sequence, healing times, and how surgery fits with impressions, try-ins, and delivery of your denture or partial. We review insurance, provide written estimates, and outline financing options.
How to prepare
Follow any lab or impression appointments before surgery.
Share all medications, supplements, and recent health changes.
Arrange a ride if sedation is planned.
Eat a light meal unless told otherwise and wear comfortable clothing.
Pick up prescriptions in advance and have soft foods ready at home.
Bring your current denture or partial for assessment and planning.
Recovery: what to expect
Mild bleeding and swelling are common for one to three days. Use cold packs the first 24–48 hours and sleep with your head elevated. Eat soft, cool foods at first and avoid straws and smoking. Keep the area clean per your written instructions. Call 410-435-8080 for heavy bleeding, fever, increasing swelling after day two, severe pain not relieved by medication, or concerns. See our Post-Op Instructions page for detailed guidance. Â
Risks and safeguards
All surgery carries some risk, including bleeding, infection, delayed healing, temporary numbness, or denture fit changes as tissues settle. Careful planning, sterile technique, and follow-ups help reduce these risks. We schedule adjustments and coordinate any relines or remakes if tissues change during healing.
Timing with your denture or partial
Your sequence may include: extractions (if needed), bone and tissue shaping, healing, impressions, try-in, and delivery. Some cases use immediate dentures with planned relines as you heal; others wait for full healing before fabrication. We will recommend the path that best balances comfort, appearance, and function.
Costs, insurance, and financing
Many pre-prosthetic procedures have benefits under dental plans. We verify coverage, outline copays, and discuss phased care to fit your budget. Flexible financing is available. You receive written estimates before treatment begins.
Frequently asked questions
Will I be without teeth during healing?
Often, an immediate denture is placed the same day. If not ideal, we discuss temporary options so you can smile and speak comfortably.
How long is recovery?
Most tenderness improves in a few days; full tissue maturity may take several weeks. We time impressions and adjustments to your healing.
Can pre-prosthetic surgery improve denture stability?
Yes. Smoothing sharp bone, removing tori, and refining soft tissue can improve comfort and retention. In some cases, implants further enhance stability.
What if I already have a denture that hurts?
We evaluate pressure spots, check bite, and assess the ridge. Conservative adjustments may help; surgery is considered only when needed.
Ready to get started?
Schedule a consultation to review your options and timeline with Neena Joshi at Smile Studio Dentistry of Baltimore. Bring your current appliance and questions—we will map a clear path to a comfortable fit. Contact us at 410-435-8080 to book your consultation and discover the difference we can make.