Missing teeth impact the smile in different ways. Not only does a missing tooth result in a large gap within the smile, but it can also affect the way a patient eats and speaks. It can also lead to bone resorption, which is the shrinking of the jaw tissue due to the loss of a natural tooth. While dental implants are one of the most popular methods of repairing the smile after tooth loss, not everyone is a good candidate. Therefore, preprosthetic surgery may be performed. Beverly Hills, California area patients who are considering dental implants may require this procedure to prepare the smile for implants to ensure a successful surgery.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are small, titanium posts that work as a natural tooth root replacement. The root of a tooth goes deep within the jawbone which stabilizes and strengthens it. When a tooth is lost or extracted, a dental implant can be placed into the bone to function in the same way. The implant is then restored on the abutment over the gumline with a crown, bridge, or denture.

Why might I need preprosthetic surgery and implantation?

It is vital that patients have sufficient jawbone available for successful placement of dental implants. Preprosthetic surgery can prepare the area accordingly and increase the chances of successful implantation.

Interested in dental implants?

For many patients who visit Beverly Hills Advanced Specialties of Dentistry, dental implants are a wonderful solution to the loss of natural teeth. Drs. Frank Vidjak and Fanny Yacaman can evaluate patients to determine if they are good candidates for dental implants. If so, preparations may be made using preprosthetic surgery. If you reside in the Beverly Hills, CA area and are ready to learn more about the advantages of preprosthetic surgery to prepare the smile for the placement of implants, we strongly encourage you to book a consultation visit and initial evaluation with our team at Beverly Hills Advanced Specialties of Dentistry. We can be reached by phone at (310) 878-6455 and are conveniently located at 465 North Roxbury Dr., Ste. 703.

Frequently asked questions

How does tooth loss influence your health?

Missing teeth might make you self-conscious when you smile and make some words difficult to pronounce, but they can also make eating and swallowing difficult. This may cause indigestion and make nutrient absorption more difficult.

What is pre-prosthetic surgery?

A prosthesis is a device that replaces a lost bodily component, such as a tooth. Preparing the soft and bony tissues in the mouth for dentures or replacement teeth is known as pre-prosthetic surgery.

What are the chances that I’ll require pre-prosthetic surgery and implantation?

Patients must have enough jawbone for the effective implantation of dental implants. Pre-prosthetic surgery can prepare the area for implantation and maximize the chances of success.

What does the pre-prosthetic procedure include?

It may comprise bone removal, gum tissue removal, bone ridge reduction, bone leveling, and contouring.

Is the pre-prosthetic procedure painful?

During undergoing pre-prosthetic surgery, you have numerous anesthetic alternatives, including local anesthesia, intravenous (IV) sedation, and Nitrous Oxide Gas (laughing gas). Your prosthodontist will discuss with you the appropriate anesthetic choice for your procedure.

The skilled doctors at our practice are Frank M. A. Vidjak, DDS, MSEd and Fanny Yacaman, DDS, MSEd, MS.



Doctors Bio Image - Dr.Frank Vidjak
Dr. Vidjak has been a prosthodontist for over two decades, with his private practice in Beverly Hills from 1989. A USC School of Dentistry graduate, he completed his specialty training in prosthodontics and an MS in Medical Education at USC where he also taught the School of Dentistry. He was its Clinical Director of the Advanced Prosthodontic Program and International Student Program too.



Doctors Bio Image - Dr. Fanny Yacaman
Dr. Yacaman received her DDS from the University Technologica of Mexico and served the clinical faculty in Endodontics at Unitec. She practiced Endodontics in Mexico City for over 10 years. She has an advanced specialty certificate in Advanced Microscopic Endodontics and Microsurgery and a Master of Science in Medical Education from the USC and has been a Clinical Faculty member at the UCLA School of Dentistry Department of Endodontics for more than 15 years. She specializes in Root Resorption treatment, having researched on External Root Resorption for over 15 years for a Master’s in Craniofacial Molecular Biology at USC’s Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology. She is one of four Endodontists in United States that can treat Root Resorption. She is a local and international lecturer in Endodontics and Microsurgery and has received many awards and has published articles in the area.