A pre-prosthetic procedure restores the oral function and shape of the face as part of oral and maxillofacial surgery. This is concerned with the surgical modification of the alveolar process and its surrounding structures to enable the fabrication of a well-fitting, comfortable, and esthetic dental prosthesis.

The ultimate goal of pre-prosthetic surgery is to prepare a mouth to receive a dental prosthesis by redesigning and smoothening bony edges. Pre-prosthetic surgery is performed to provide a better anatomic environment and to create proper supporting structures for denture construction. An ultimate goal should be to provide patients with the best possible dental and facial esthetics, as well as the restoration or improvement of masticatory function.
To achieve this goal, maximum preservation of hard and soft tissues of the denture base is of utmost importance. Wearing dentures for a prolonged period manifests adverse changes in the denture-bearing areas due to changes in the size of the jaw bones resulting in ill-fitting and painful dentures.

Pre-prosthetic surgery is an integral part of oral and maxillofacial surgery and prosthodontics. It comprises both basic procedures and sophisticated techniques for reconstructions and rehabilitation of the oral and maxillofacial region.

The treatment planning, therefore, should involve coordination between the prosthodontist and oral maxillofacial surgeon. As the goal of prosthetic appliance construction is to improve functions and esthetics, the requirements to achieve these goals should be discussed before the operation.