People receive dentures for several reasons, but most commonly, people need them because their natural dentition is no longer functional. Dentition is a term that refers to the development and arrangement of the teeth, and in particular, it pertains to those features at a certain age. As we grow older, our teeth become more worn, fragile and non-functional. Then, of course, there are accidents--as well as age--that can result in lost or damaged teeth.

Luckily, there are solutions to restore the mouth to its full function, making eating, smiling and going about normal, daily activity a possibility. However, the natural shape of the mouth isn't always appropriate for the artificial shape of the dentures. Of course, your doctor will craft your dentures especially for you, but there is still the possibility that pre-prosthetic surgery will be needed. Since a denture will rest directly against the ridge of your bone, it is important that it is the right shape to ensure your complete comfort during long-term use.

Pre-prosthetic surgery for dentures can involve several procedures, so here we'll take a look at just a few components so you'll know what to expect.

Tooth extraction may be necessary prior to your receiving dentures. Following this, it is common for the bone to have an uneven or uncomfortable surface that would be ill fitting to the denture. For this reason, bone reshaping and smoothing is a common aspect of pre-prosthetic surgery. This procedure is called alveoloplasty, and many doctors can perform it in conjunction with your extractions. If you already wear dentures but you're experiencing pain or discomfort, alveoloplasty may be what you need to correct this.

Bone removal is another common component of pre-prosthetic operations for dentures. Exostosis occurs when there is excess bone on the outside of the ridge, either butting up to the cheeks or lip. This type of excess bone almost always necessitates removal prior to the proper fitting of the denture. Unlike lingual toru--the same condition but on the inside of the ridge, butting up to the tongue--exostoses are fairly simple to extract. Many dental surgeons can do this during the same appointment as your dental extractions.

Occasionally, there is excess bone on the roof of the mouth. It is rare that this will need to be removed unless it will compromise the denture's seal. It is the most difficult of the excess bone to remove, so if at all possible, your dental surgeon will avoid this.

If you have worn dentures for some time, it's possible that they have created abnormalities of the gums--extra creases or folds in the tissue of the gum, lip and cheek are not uncommon. They're called epulis fissuratum, and in some cases they will need to be removed before new dentures are crafted for proper fitting.

If you and your family dentist have determined that it is time for you to be fitted for dentures, you may have to visit a specialized dental surgeon who can evaluate your bone and tissue to ensure that your dentures will fit tightly and comfortably.