Olalekan Okunuga, DDS, FICOI, FAAIP, is a general dentist and the practice owner of this South Hill location. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at University of Pacific in San Francisco and completed his post-graduate residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Based on many years of valuable dental experience, Dr. Okunuga and his staff are proud to offer professional, compassionate care to patients that visit this practice.
It is important to inquire about the dentist’s training and experience when investigating the denture procedure. Although many general dentists offer the treatment, prosthodontists receive three years of advanced training in restorative dentistry. As a result they may be a better or more experienced option for you to consider when it comes to dentures or an alternative like implants or bridges. The American College of Prosthodontists offers additional resource information about the training of prosthodontists in the U.S.
Typically, a removable partial denture is made of a metal framework with pink plastic to replace the gum tissue and plastic or resin denture teeth. The number of missing teeth and their location will affect the comfort and stability of the removable partial denture. The use of dental implants may increase the stability of a removable partial denture, or dental implants may be the best solution for replacing the missing teeth.
Whether you are considering getting dentures, already have them, or know someone with them, it’s very likely that you may have some questions about them. What follows is information on what dentures really are, what kind of care they require, and how dentures can improve your oral health. We hope to help you find the answers to all your denture queries and to find out, if necessary, whether dentures might be right for you.
Since then, the affiliated network of Affordable Dentures & Implants affiliated practices has steadily grown from coast to coast - delivering "A Smile For Everyone" through consistent, knowledgeable care in extractions, dentures and implants at competitive prices. We continue to support people in need of dental treatment through Mission of Mercy events and other charitable efforts.
The front office staff does not greet you or ask how they can help you when you come it they look at you and watch you stand at an empty desk until a patient sitting in the lobby advises the customer where to go. The staff in the back are excellent they keep you informed and will try to assist any way they can. The Dr was great helping me as a patient however the patient does not need to hear or see him reprimand the assistant when they mess up or do something wrong. I don't need to know something is incorrectly done. Now as for as my service I had a horrible experience I arrived on time but because they didnt have my paper work told me I would have to wait an hour and half til the office who had the info open I told them I can go home and get my copy before the office opens. My upper denture was fitted a nice fit but when I returned my upper were crooked and the left side looked like baby teeth ere used then adult teeth on the right side ...and angle is very obvious. The whole process time it took to make it was something that could not be correct the same day because a whole new denture need to be made. In the meantime I can wear the crooked one until my next appointment woke up this morning my more is so sore from eating and the rubbing of the new denture on my gum line A very unpleasant experience
Our dentist may recommend complete or partial dentures to restore your smile if you are missing multiple teeth; dentures can improve your ability to properly speak and eat, restore your natural facial volume, and enhance the overall beauty of your smile. Your dentures will be custom made to fit your smile comfortably, aesthetically, and securely. We invite you to call or visit us soon to learn more about how dentures can improve your smile!
Although traditional dentures will provide more biting force than a mouthful of missing teeth, it is still far less than can be achieved with real teeth - or implant-supported dentures. Dentures that are anchored by dental implants will triple the patient's biting force, when compared to traditional dentures, making it easier to eat crunchy, tough, and chewy foods. In addition, implant-supported dentures will not move out of place, even when pressure is applied to the prosthetic when eating.
The process of receiving your customized partial dentures is relatively easy when compared to more invasive replacement procedures that take a long time, like dental implants. The creation and fitting of your partial dentures will take a few weeks at most. We will first make impressions and molds of your remaining teeth, gums, and jaw that will help us create partial dentures that fit you perfectly.
Multiple "attempts" to correct issues, everyone has failed. Told to do one-thing by corp. Then does what they want. Never gets any better. Only worse. I have been trying for years now to get my dentures to fit and sit properly. I have no idea why they keep fixing broken dentures time and time again. When I first transferred my account from Fresno CA to Tulsa OK for my implants that was a whole ordeal itself with one Dr not wanting to release the funds to the new office, not helping by talking to the Fresno Dr directly only through email. But eventually it was done and started all the issues.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Complete dentures are made when gums are restored to a healthy condition and sufficient time has passed for healing. Complete dentures replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaws of the mouth. Gums will naturally shrink through the healing process of tooth loss, which normally takes from six to 12 months. During this period the immediate dentures may require adjustments to accommodate the changes in the gums and underlying bone structure. This could include soft and hard relining procedures.
Dentures that fit well during the first few years after creation will not necessarily fit well for the rest of the wearer's lifetime. This is because the bone and mucosa of the mouth are living tissues, which are dynamic over decades. Bone remodeling never stops in living bone. Edentulous jaw ridges tend to resorb progressively over the years, especially the alveolar ridge of the lower jaw. Mucosa reacts to being chronically rubbed by the dentures. Poorly fitting dentures hasten both of those processes compared to the rates with well-fitting dentures. Poor fitting dentures may also lead to the development of conditions such as epulis fissuratum. In addition, the occlusion (chewing surfaces of the teeth) tends to wear away over time, which reduces chewing efficacy and decreases the vertical dimension of occlusion, (the "open-ness" of the jaws and mouth).
well it's been over a year now. and iam still a very happy smiling!! patient of dr. atari. affordable dentures & implants. i have refferd several people. each person that has gone can't thank aaffordable dentures/implants or dr .atari and the wonderful staff !!!enough. and me too. for recommending , referring ,them. the best and great for your wallet as well..should be 10 stars !and the ladys at the front are also 10 stars! without them what would they do ? we do ???? thank you again. so much for my beautiful beautiful smile and giving me the ability to smile big and beautiful again.. sincerely toni barajas.
There are several types of partial and full dentures. Complete dentures, also called full dentures, may be recommended when all teeth in the upper or lower jaw are missing. There are two options for complete dentures: immediate and conventional. Immediate dentures are made before the patient's teeth are removed and can be inserted as soon as the tooth removal surgery is complete.
My mom got the xxxxxx xxx xxxx denture, a full set, about 4 years ago. They were less than half the price of regular dentures and are the most comfortable she ever wore. they still look great and she can eat most foods. They talk about economy dentures being bad but these are great. They fit better than any of her others and were done in 1 visit. we are thrilled
You always have a choice when it comes to your health. If you are missing teeth and wondering what your options are, talk to your dentist about Ultaire™ AKP removable partial dentures. Metal partials can be uncomfortable and can wreak havoc on the oral environment. Plus, who wants metal ruining their smile? The shiny metal clasps can be distracting and have been known to cause damage to remaining teeth, and possibly further tooth loss. Now you have another option: Ultaire™ AKP.
I have both upper and lower dentures, but the uppers, which are newer, are very white compared to the bottoms. It will cost me a lot (like $500) to replace them, but I want them to match. Can I whiten my dentures?Answer: It is not possible to whiten dentures like natural teeth because dentures are made of plastic. To minimize staining, properly clean your dentures daily to remove food and plaque bacteria. Brushing with a denture brush or soft toothbrush will prevent dentures from becoming permanently stained and will keep your mouth healthy. Moisten the brush and apply a nonabrasive denture paste (regular toothpaste is too abrasive) or use liquid soap. Brush every surface, inside and out, scrubbing gently. A variety of over-the-counter denture-cleanser products may be safely used (by following the manufacturer’s instructions) to remove some stains. You may also consider soaking your dentures in a cup of water with a teaspoon of household bleach, but be sure to rinse them off well before putting them back in your mouth. When cleaning your dentures, be careful not to drop them as they can break. You should clean your dentures over a sink that is filled with water or has a washcloth in place to prevent the dentures from breaking should you drop them while cleaning. More stubborn stains may require removal by your dentist or prosthodontist, a specialist in denture care and maintenance. To locate a prosthodontist near you, visit www.gotoapro.org. Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists. Back to top
There are some other kinds of full and partial dentures that differ from traditional permanent dentures including a type called immediate dentures. These dentures are created before the teeth that are being replaced with dentures have been removed and are used immediately after tooth extraction and during the healing process, which can be up to six months long. These dentures can be more easily refitted than permanent dentures to accommodate for mouth changes as the swelling in the gums and jaw subsides while healing. The immediate dentures will be disposed of once the healing process is complete and your mouth is ready for permanent dentures.
This is my third time taking my grandpa to this establishment. Every time our “appointment” is never when we go back. We have to wait almost 3 hours to even get to the back. When I asked someone at the desk how long it would be they said “you are next to go back” that was almost an hour ago, and more than 7 people have went in before us. If you make an appointment you should not have to wait 3 hours for someone who has not made an appointment.
Dr. Athari's dental center has an on-site dental lab that fabricates new dentures and provides repairs and relines, often with same-day service. Being able to provide dentures in a day is a significant advantage, especially for patients who have traveled far distances to visit the practice. The on-site lab also eliminates the need to use outside commercial labs, which helps keep our fees low.
LAKEWOOD, COLORADO -- I needed a full set of dentures and, like most people didn't have almost $30k that I was quoted by one dentist. Found AD& I. My first 2 visits I had with them were favorable. I will say that Dr. Dan ** is phenomenal!!! They initially pulled 4 teeth, then I went back for my full uppers. Dr. ** was very receptive to any pain and would remedy it immediately. His chairside, Trina, was very attentive and compassionate.
Extractions -- If this is your first set of dentures, you may need to see an oral surgeon to have your teeth extracted before your denture dentist can fit you for dentures. If you choose to see a prosthodontist - a dental specialist who has undergone three years of additional training in replacing missing teeth and restoring damaged teeth – you will likely pay more money to get your dentures than you would working with a general or cosmetic dentist.
The process of fabricating a denture usually begins with an initial dental impression of the maxillary and mandibular ridges. Standard impression materials are used during the process. The initial impression is used to create a simple stone model that represents the maxillary and mandibular arches of the patient's mouth. This is not a detailed impression at this stage. Once the initial impression is taken, the stone model is used to create a 'Custom Impression Tray' which is used to take a second and much more detailed and accurate impression of the patient's maxillary and mandibular ridges. Polyvinylsiloxane impression material is one of several very accurate impression materials used when the final impression is taken of the maxillary and mandibular ridges. A wax rim is fabricated to assist the dentist or denturist in establishing the vertical dimension of occlusion. After this, a bite registration is created to marry the position of one arch to the other.
Walked in without an appointment Saturday at 650am for denture repairs. Only one other person before me. So they did see me. You get A star for that They did the repair but the denture had residue left on the teeth really messy I couldn't believe they gave it to me like that. I had to send it back for them to clean it up. My thought was is this suppose to be professionally repaired for almost $200 . To replace a tooth. I could believe they brought it to me like that. I had to send it back again after trying the denture on because it hurt . They corrected the problems eventually and for that I give 2 more stars...
When I arrived for my appointment, they said I did not have an appointment and they had no fax from a doctor. They did tell me that they would fit me in but later they acted as though I was telling them a lie, or that I called a different office which according to my cellphone, I had the correct place. The dentist talked to me like I was dirt. I was just trying to tell him that I had this conversation with the lady at that office and then I heard the woman's voice and recognized it as the lady that I spoke with on the phone. I did point at her and say that it was her that I had talked to and she yelled at me not to point at her.
Dentures are generally worn during the day and taken out at night to give the oral tissues time to relax. During the first few days after receiving the denture, however, it needs to remain in the mouth even when sleeping to best identify areas that need to be adjusted. This is especially important after receiving an immediate denture, for the gum tissues will swell after the teeth are extracted or lost and then may not permit the denture to be reinserted if taken out.
I at age 16 was in car accident went through the windshield and lost 4 on top and 4 lower so have had partials the last 30 years. Now I have one tooth left on top so I at least need the upper denture implant as for the bottoms well they are not great but can make due a few more years before I will have to get them. I have very lil income as I have just started my cleaning business last year. That being said I am very willing to trade services so long as it a denture implant or something very similar. Right now business is pretty slow always is during the summer. I am OCD and a perfectionist most likely the reason I love cleaning and do it better than most anyone with lil to no chemicals except the normal items you already have at home that care not harmful to the environment people/pets. You give me a beautiful smile back so I can also eat more than soups/foods that require lil to no chewing. I will give u the cleanest office & home 5 days a week for 6-8 months promise
I have also had three teeth crack and break because of the uneven pressure exerted on them. I went along thinking this was just my destiny and the results of getting older until I recently had another tooth pulled and a real dentist evaluated my partials and explained this all to me. I am having a new set made next week by real professionals and throwing away the junk Affordable Dentures made for me. And by the way, I have never been treated so rudely in such a condescending manner as I was. Don't be stupid, naive, and complacent like I was. Go to a real dentist and get real dentures even if you have to work out a payment plan.
After deciding on having the extractions and the full plate, I decided on the "Premium" denture. You can see 3 different types of dentures. Economy, Good and Premium. It's pretty easy, if you want the longest lasting, then get the premium. Economy dentures often break after a couple years... I had to pay the full amount right then, before they would go any further. They want all the money in advance or they don't do the dentures. Be prepared to pay up front in full, before you go, or don't go.
Dental bridges, sometimes called fixed partial dentures, act as a restorative bridge across a gap made by missing teeth. They are made to be permanent by cementing or bonding an artificial tooth (called a pontic) to natural teeth, teeth prepared with crowns, or implants next to the space. The teeth prepared on either side will act as supports for the false teeth between them. Depending on what your dentist suggests, the artificial teeth can be created using gold, alloys, or porcelain.
The main alternatives are a fixed bridge or a dental implant. A dental bridge is made by putting crowns on the teeth at either side of the gap, and then joining these two crowns together by placing a false tooth in the space. This is all made in the laboratory and then the pieces are cemented into place with special adhesives. The bridge can't be removed.
In addition to the complications that are specific to the implant, abutments, and dentures, there are various oral health problems that can occur in patients with dentures. Patients should keep their teeth and gums clean, and visit the dentist every six months so problems, if they exist, can be identified and treated. The types of oral health problems that commonly affect patients with dentures include:
Daily cleaning of dentures is recommended. Plaque and tartar can build up on false teeth, just as they do on natural teeth.[24] Cleaning can be done using chemical or mechanical denture cleaners. Dentures should not be worn continuously, but rather left out of the mouth during sleep.[25] This is to give the tissues a chance to recover, and wearing dentures at night is likened to sleeping in shoes. The main risk is development of fungal infection, especially denture-related stomatitis. Dentures should also be removed while smoking, as the heat can damage the denture acrylic and overheated acrylic can burn the soft tissues.
Made from high-quality materials that can mimic the shade and translucency of real teeth enamel, modern dentures offer a much more superior option to their predecessors. Not only that, modern dentures can also be customised to precisely fit your individual mouth and teeth structure. Besides enhancing the natural appearance of your smile, a well-fitted denture will significantly reduce the likelihood of the denture slipping and sliding in your mouth, causing discomfort and potential embarrassment – if they move or fall off in front of others.
Olalekan Okunuga, DDS, FICOI, FAAIP, is a general dentist and the practice owner of this South Hill location. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at University of Pacific in San Francisco and completed his post-graduate residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Based on many years of valuable dental experience, Dr. Okunuga and his staff are proud to offer professional, compassionate care to patients that visit this practice.
Regardless of the type of dentures you get, it will take some time to get used to them. Don’t be surprised if it takes you a few weeks to get accustomed to the feel of your new dentures. Most people experience some level of discomfort or soreness in the beginning. If you experience pain as well, speak to your dentures dentist about what you can do to minimize the discomfort.
well it's been over a year now. and iam still a very happy smiling!! patient of dr. atari. affordable dentures & implants. i have refferd several people. each person that has gone can't thank aaffordable dentures/implants or dr .atari and the wonderful staff !!!enough. and me too. for recommending , referring ,them. the best and great for your wallet as well..should be 10 stars !and the ladys at the front are also 10 stars! without them what would they do ? we do ???? thank you again. so much for my beautiful beautiful smile and giving me the ability to smile big and beautiful again.. sincerely toni barajas.
Teeth can fall out for a number of reasons, ranging from genetics to drug abuse. Most commonly, teeth are removed or fall out on their own due to severe tooth decay. Neglect to upkeep oral hygiene or not seeking proper treatment for damaged teeth, can lead to the onset of decay which in turn leads to loss of teeth. Visiting you dentist in 6 month intervals is a good preventive measure to spot any early signs of decay.
Patients that want a more stable and comfortable denture alternative may be interested in talking to their dentists about dental implants and dental bridges. Although both of these treatments tend to be more expensive than dentures, they generally offer a more precise fit and better chewing ability than dentures. Patients can also have a tooth-colored ceramic or porcelain bridge or implant restoration placed for a more natural looking appearance.
She then said, "You come when I tell you to, or you won't get an adjustment or repair." So I haven't been back. I live with the worst excuse for a set of partials ever made. The chewing surfaces are almost non-existent. The lowers cannot be worn. The uppers continue to chip. These substandard, inferior teeth are causing pain and suffering as well as embarrassment by not being wearable.
First and Foremost, this is the nicest and cleanest dental office I have ever been in !! I am always very nervous to go to the dentist and Dr Athari and his staff made me feel very comfortable. I would highly recommend going to this office and ONLY this office. My tooth ache is finally gone, and Dr Athari gave me my smile back :) I could not thank Affordable Dentures Mesa enough !!!!
I wasted 4 hours of my time today to be denied service I requested. Apparently the dentist is too worried about being sued (a statement she made to me about her not wanting to be sued if I changed my mind after the fact - you'd think they'd have some kind of legal waiver for patients like me) to consider the fact that I'm in extreme pain, have limited resources, have spent 30 years and tens of thousands of dollars to fix the teeth that she wants kept in my mouth and I want removed. The impact of my current condition is both physical and emotional. However, to her credit she said it was in my best interest not to get dentures and was not charged for the visit. I'm irritated that my opinion didn't count at all and was flat out denied service I wanted.
It was our impression from viewing the video that this technique is very dependent on the dentist's skill in performing the needed steps (more so than with conventional construction, primarily due to time constraints needed to accomplish certain steps, and accomplish them the first time, properly, before the denture materials set). So in that regard, likely the dentist who fabricated your mother's denture is due as much credit as the system itself.
Problems with dentures may arise because patients are not used to having something in their mouth that is not food. The brain senses the appliance and interprets it as 'food', sending messages to the salivary glands to produce more saliva and to secrete it at a higher rate. This usually only happens in the first 12 to 24 hours, after which the salivary glands return to their normal output. New dentures can also be the cause of sore spots as they compress the denture-bearing soft tissues (mucosa). A few denture adjustments in the days following insertion of the dentures can take care of this problem. Gagging is another problem encountered by a minority of patients. At times, this may be due to a denture that is too loose, too thick or extended too far posteriorly onto the soft palate. At times, gagging may also be attributed to psychological denial of the denture. Psychological gagging is the most difficult to treat since it is out of the dentist's control. In such cases, an implant-supported palateless denture may have to be constructed. Sometimes there could be a gingivitis infection under the completed dentures, caused by the accumulation of dental plaque. One of the most common problems for wearers of new upper complete denture is a loss of taste sensations.
Unlike conventional dentures, immediate dentures are made in advance and can be positioned as soon as the teeth are removed. As a result, the wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period. However, bones and gums shrink over time, especially during the healing period following tooth removal. Therefore a disadvantage of immediate dentures compared with conventional dentures is that they require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process and generally should only be considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made.
