Procedures

Removable dentures

Possible additional procedures

Related procedures commonly include surgically re-contouring the edentulous ridges to remove bony undercuts, and surface irregularities ("alveoloplasty"), so that the dentures can be inserted, removed, and worn comfortably. Alveoloplasty is sometimes done at the time of tooth removal.
Learn more: Glossary › Alveoloplasty

In the case of partial dentures, the contours of the "abutment" teeth are nearly always modified to allow the partial denture framework to nest snugly on the teeth. The following modifications are the most frequently performed, and they are not considered separate, billable procedures in addition to making the denture(s):

• Rest preparations—Using a dental handpiece, shallow "divots" are milled into the biting surface enamel of the teeth onto which metal "rests" from the denture's framework will nest. Normally this is not a painful procedure, and no anesthetic needs to be used. Insetting the rests prevents the patient from biting on the framework with the opposing teeth.
  Learn more: Glossary › Rest
• Guide planes—The bulbous contours of the abutment teeth are flattened to allow a more intimate adaptation of the partial's framework to the teeth, and establish a plane for the insertion and removal of the denture. This reduces food accumulation between the framework and the abutment teeth.

This photograph shows a stone cast of the patient's teeth, being used to make a metal framework. The framework will form the structural backbone of a removable partial denture for the patient's lower dental arch ("mandible"). The pink acrylic base and denture teeth have not been added yet. Metal "rests" engage "rest preps" that have been milled into the teeth (see arrows). The teeth on the ends (abutments) have had their bulbous contours flattened on the side facing backward (toward the top of the photograph) to allow intimate adaptation of the metal framework to those teeth.

Other procedures that are related to the denture fabrication process include the following (you may or may not require them, but it's good to know in advance so that there are no surprise fees):

• Local anesthetic—If you require any survey crowns, or surgical procedures to prepare your dental arches for dentures, local anesthetic will most likely be used. It is normally not billed separately from procedures that would normally require it.
• Vestibuloplasty—This procedure is prescribed when the edentulous ridges are too short to allow adequate extension of the denture flanges for good denture stability. Vestibuloplasty is a surgical procedure in which the point of attachment from the lips/cheeks to the gums of the edentulous ridge is moved to allow longer, more retentive denture flanges. Vestibuloplasty is considered a separate billable procedure from the denture(s), and can add considerably to the overall cost of having dentures made.
• Bone grafting—Bone grafting is a surgical method of adding bone volume in areas where it is deficient. Bone grafting isn't a typical preparatory procedure for dentures, unless the denture(s) will be stabilized by dental implants, and there isn't enough bone present to place dental implants into. Bone grafting is considered a separate billable procedure from the denture(s), and can add considerably to the overall cost of having dentures made.
• Dental implants—Your dentist may recommend stabilizing your denture(s) with one or more dental implants. Essentially, these consist of titanium screws placed into the jaw bone to which denture retaining anchors can be attached. Dental implants are considered separate billable procedures from the denture(s), and can add considerably to the overall cost of having dentures made. Moreover, the attachment fittings that connect the denture to the implants are typically billed separately, so to avoid billing surprises, ask your dentist to itemize the costs for you.