Dental implants are a permanent alternative to partial dentures and bring additional benefits that dentures cannot provide and will outlast normal dentures even under optimal conditions. Dental implants will actually replace the entire tooth (the tooth root as well as the crown) which eliminates bone deterioration and brings the same strength and durability as your original tooth.
At the time of my visit, I had eight teeth remaining, with only the two upper teeth to be extracted. I had been wearing partials and bridges for 17 years. The price schedule the assistant put in my lap showed extractions at $75 each. I was charged $105 for each one, and not told of the inflated price until after surgery. Dr. ** made the dollar amount out of whole cloth. This is bait and switch.
At first, wearing dentures may require some getting used to in terms of talking and eating, as the dentures become “balanced” in the space formerly occupied by the teeth. But over time, the muscles, nerves and ligaments of the mouth learn to work in new ways, which allows these functions to occur normally. Dentures also help support the facial skeleton and the soft tissues of the lips and cheeks, which can help create a more youthful appearance.
The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over a period of several weeks. Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture. Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.
She stormed out of the room shouting at me, "I'M NOT GOING TO DO IT. I DON'T HAVE TO DO IT." I told ** that Dr. ** had better do it. ** grabbed my arm (I was still sitting in the exam chair) and shook me, saying, "You don't talk to US like that." In a few minutes, Dr. ** returned and added length to my teeth, so that miraculously, after 61 years, I no longer looked like Elvis! And then she said, "We added lots and lots to your teeth!" The same teeth that minutes before didn't have anything wrong with them, according to her. One month later, her crummy addition to the partial is now crumbling off, and I again have lopsided teeth.
Full or partial dentures consist of a gum-colored base made of plastic resin, which fits over the remaining alveolar (bone) ridge that formerly held the teeth. The prosthetic teeth projecting from the base are designed to look and function just like your natural teeth. Dentures are held in place primarily by the suctioning effect of their close fit against the alveolar ridges — that's why it's so important that they are fitted properly. The upper denture also gets extra support from the large surface area of the roof of the mouth (palate), which generally makes it extremely stable.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation report, Oral Health in the US: Key Facts, 15% of the US population lives in dental Health Professional Shortage Areas. Forty percent of Americans have no dental insurance, according to US News and World Report, even though enrollment in a dental plan is the primary indicator of a patient’s ability (and likelihood) to get proper dental care.
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.
