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.
After six months you receive the final denture, which locks into place, making it a long-lasting smile solution that will restore not just your smile, but a higher quality of life. From there, you’ll worry no more about smiling, eating or speaking, meaning you can focus on simply maintaining good oral hygiene to ensure the dentures last for many years to come.
If you decide to get a partial denture, you’ll need to visit your dentist to have metal clasps attached to your surrounding teeth and an impression made of the area your partial will fill. The impression will be sent to a dental lab, where a technician will fabricate a custom denture that includes a gum-colored base that will fit securely over your gums. A metal framework will be used to attach your new partial to the clasps on your natural teeth to ensure a secure fit.
Minor fractures in the teeth or acrylic base can usually be repaired by a dental lab in 1 to 2 days. Denture repair kits are even sold at most drugstores and online to fix minor cracks or replace loose teeth. Repairing the denture properly can be complicated, however, so if denture problems are noticed, it is best to contact a general dentist as soon as possible to arrange the denture repair.
I will be having Dr. Athari do my 7th dental implant. I have had 6 implants done at various locations ... family dentist, oral surgeon, and local dental school over the past 7 years. I was impressed with the clean modern office, friendly professional staff, and the price. Dr. Athari and his assistant made me feel relaxed and comfortable. They presented and explained to me a couple of treatment plans along with the pros and cons of each ... I chose to have another implant. I am confident that Dr. Athari and his staff will make my tooth beautiful and functional again.

My wife started her denture procedure at the Bethany Home office. On November 14th she had three implants installed. Had an appoint to get the stiches out in 3 weeks. Got a call the day before our appointment and they cancelled because they did not have  doctor. Since starting in June we have been thru three doctors. There is currently no doctor at that office. When I called there corporate office they referred me to the Sun City Office. Sun City gave an appointment for Wednesday at 11 and called back within the hour to cancel and said they were not taking Bethany Home patients till after the 1st of the year. Adele at corporate worked hard to get us set up with the Mesa office. Said they would call within the hour and they did. Darb called (supper nice lady) and gave us an appoint for the very next day. When we got to the office all of the people were amazing. They made us feel very welcomed and we are excited about having them finish the procedure. I recommend Affordable Dentures. Save yourself the time and go right to the Mesa office.
The lower partial was three times the size it needed to be. It wouldn't fit into my jaw, particularly the right side. Dr. ** continued to tell me my mouth would "€œadjust"€ to a denture so big that my tongue wouldn't lay flat. I could not chew, couldn't talk, and couldn't get the partial into my jaw. The week after this bizarre act of dental malpractice, I called for an appointment to have the lowers decreased. I was told that no one could come back until two weeks post-op; even those of us who had no gum swelling, and who had paid for The Package.
Regardless of whether a patient gets partial or full dentures, the transition may feel uncomfortable and awkward at first. It may take a little while for the patient to get used to eating and speaking with the dentures and it takes roughly the same amount of time for the cheeks and the tongue to learn how to naturally hold your dentures in place. During the initial period, it is not uncommon for the patient to experience an excessive production of saliva, irritations stemming from feeling like the space inside the mouth has become cramped and like the lips are being pushed forward, and some level of soreness. If the irritation escalates to an unbearable level, do not hesitate to visit your dentist for a check up.
In addition to directing the fabrication of the denture, dentists provide information to patients on the proper care and use of the appliance.  Dentures must be cared for properly. For example, placing removable dentures in water or a denture cleanser solution, when they are not being worn, helps the denture retain its shape, remain pliable and keeps it from drying out.  Dentures should never be placed in hot water as it could cause them to warp.
I had a wonderful experience at the location at 23rd and Bethany Home in Phoenix. My new dentures are incredible. I only got the economy and they are so much nicer than the ones from the AZ Top Dentistry and only paid $265 out the door. They even give 60 days of free adjustments and a 1 year guarantee. I would definitely recommend to anyone in need of dentures.
If you are considering dentures as a solution to missing teeth, the first step is to consult your dentist to determine the type of dentures you need and how much they will cost. Next, you may wish to ask your dentist what financing options he or she offers. In addition to offering financing plans specific to his or her office, your dentist may be affiliated with Compassionate Finance®. Compassionate Finance® operates much like a credit card. Once your application is approved, you may receive a credit line to help pay for the cost of your dental treatment. A Compassionate Finance® card offers you the freedom to select the type of dentures that suit your individual needs, and you don't have to feel restricted by what your insurance plan does and does not cover. Visit the Compassionate Finance® form or your dentist's office to learn more about Compassionate Finance® or to fill out an application.
Implant technology can vastly improve the patient's denture-wearing experience by increasing stability and preventing bone from wearing away. Implants can also aid retention. Instead of merely placing the implants to serve as blocking mechanism against the denture's pushing on the alveolar bone, small retentive appliances can be attached to the implants that can then snap into a modified denture base to allow for tremendously increased retention. Available options include a metal "Hader bar" or precision balls attachments.
Should I Get Dental Implants?According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, statistics show that nearly 70% of adults aged 35 to 44 years in the United States have at least one missing tooth due to an accident, tooth decay, gum disease, or dental fractures.Dental Implants or Dentures?But there’s no need to go through life with missing teeth. These days, many good alternatives are available. Dental implants and dentures are the most common options. Dentures are false teeth, and although their quality has improved, they’re not ideal for everyone. If not secured with denture adhesive, dentures might slip out of place while eating or speaking, which could be embarrassing, and partial dentures might promote infection and decay in other teeth if they aren’t fitted properly, which may increase the risk that you would need a tooth filling on the abutment (adjoining) tooth. That said, dentures may be the best choice for people whose gums and jaw are weak or unhealthy.Should I Get Dental Implants?If you are missing teeth and your gums and jaw are healthy, you may benefit from dental implants, which are replacement teeth that are implanted surgically into the jawbone. With good oral hygiene, dental implants can last for 20 years or more without the need for replacement. Dental implants are often a popular choice for people who have only one or two teeth missing, but they can be an alternative to dentures if you have several missing teeth. As long as your gums and jaw are healthy, two or more implants can serve as a base of support for several replacement teeth.
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA -- I had a great experience there, and I'd recommend them to anyone. I had 22 teeth extracted and immediate dentures placed all in the same day. The dentist there is a fireball and I really liked her. I liked all the staff really. In the morning they took the impressions and then sent me out to lunch with prescriptions to fill. A mild sedative, pain pills, and antibiotics. They told me to come back at 2 pm, take the sedative in the waiting room, and wait to be called. When I went back there, they had me take the first pain pill and then numbed me up and began the process. Wow.
Review: My first trip to natural dentures was a visit just short of panic. I had worked with another place before and had my estimate from them, but wasn’t really looking forward to going back. They made me feel just like a paycheck. The people at natural dentures made me feel very comfortable. They were friendly, informative, and welcoming. I was running out of insurance Tim so I had a rather close schedule. And they went out of their way to make it happen. Nels worked very hard at making me happy and doing a outstanding job. I will indeed go back there when I need to and recommend them to anyone that is looking.

Most new denture issues are caused by gums adjusting to extractions and the placing of artificial teeth. These are not problems particular to me. My gums were ready for permanent partials, yet Affordable Dentures refused to provide them. At one point, Dr. **, in an effort to deflect responsibility for her inferior work, pointed to my natural tooth #22, and said, "€œIt'€™s this one that'€™s causing all the trouble. This tooth gave us FITS!"€ Tooth #22 had nothing to do with the creation or placement of her shoddy partials. My #22 is perfectly normal and was not in the way of anything. Dr.** simply had to divert attention from her fraud by projecting away from herself.


I worked here for six years with the same doctor who was amazing. We got one weeks notice that he was leaving and they brought in a new dentist. The new guy was great too. Everything was fine until I came in to work and found out (from someone coming in to apply for a job, NOT MY BOSS) that both my job and our front desk lady’s job was posted online. We had been denied raises for 6 years because corporate said we were hired on at a rate higher than we should have been. I called my regional manager to ask if I was being fired and was told that they were going to be interviewing to see what kind of talent was out there. Basically they were going to fire people who had worked there for SIX YEARS to hire someone to work for less money. Do not think that you or your family matter to those people! All they care about is the bottom line and you are just a number. Six years I worked there, and I even ran the front and the back when our front desk was out for almost 6 months with open heart surgery.... and that’s how I got treated.


Can be made for either partial but mainly complete denture patients. These dentures require less visits to make and usually are made for older patients, patients who would have difficulty adjusting to new dentures, would like a spare pair of dentures or like the aesthetics of their dentures already. This requires taking an impression of the patients current denture and remaking them.[2]
Review: My mother’s health isn’t the best so I make all her appointments and take her to them as well. I called all over town getting information on dentures and the process. Afterall, I don’t know anything about it and from the first phone to Natural Dentures, I felt comfortable. They didnt try and sell me anything AND they answered every question I asked and even offered more. \r I ended up taking my mother there for services and I was very impressed. The entire staff treated us with respect and dignity. I expected from any business to try and be sold on the best quality dentures available and be told my mother HAS to have implants, like a few other local places told me and Natural Dentures didn’t do that. In fact, we were told, in my mother’s case, we would benefit just fine with the middle of the road quality of denture. \r We saw both Todd and Nels on different appointments and we enjoyed them both. We felt like we were visiting with friends. Many times we found ourselves looking forward to our next “”dental”” appointment!! Where else??\r The outcome is important too and it was outstanding! They held our hands along the way with explaining the process and when the dentures were finished, not only did they look beautiful, but after a few adjustment appointments, (which we were told to expect and is normal for new dentures) my mother is smiling and eating great again. It’s been over 8 months now and still very, very happy with Natural Dentures. \r Frankly, it surprises me very much at some of the other reviews because it’s such a drastic contrast to our experience and seemingly anyone else I witnessed in the waiting room.\r I would suggest go meet them yourself and make your mind up then. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Often, the process of getting beautiful, custom dentures begins with one or more tooth extractions. Next, your dentist will begin the process of creating your new dentures. A conventional denture is fitted after a full-mouth extraction (removal of all teeth) once your gums have healed. In most cases, immediate dentures are created and placed immediately after your extractions, allowing the gums to heal underneath the appliance.

It takes practice to put in and take out a removable partial denture. It may feel a bit odd or tight for the first few weeks. But in time, you should get used to it. Never force the denture into place by biting down. This could bend or break the clasps or damage your teeth. If you have a problem with your new partial denture, talk with your dentist.
In need of a professional dentist.I live in Northwest Ohio. Had my left leg amputated some years back. Then I came down with mrsa., so now I'm in need of dental help. After the Drs removed my leg then after year, they had come back and take off 2 more inches. I was fitted with a prosthetic and it never fit. Then I spend 2 1/2 years in a nursing home that sucks. I'm afraid of getting ripped off with getting false teeth.If anyone can recommend a dentist that does this kind of work in Northwest Ohio please email me. THANKS IN ADVANCE I just want to smile again.

High-end dentures usually involve a great measure of dental artistry and utilize materials which simulate the natural look and color of teeth and gums to the highest degree possible. The teeth, normally made from composite acrylic resins, are designed to last a long time and often include a warranty against wear and tear, such as chipping and cracking. These life-like dentures can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 for a full set (upper and lower jaw).


Denture cleanser tablets are dropped into warm water to create an effervescent solution. Dentures are removed from the mouth and placed in the solution.  Soaking dentures in the cleaning solution helps kill germs that can cause odor. The amount of time dentures should be soaked—from a few minutes to overnight—depends on the manufacturer’s instructions.
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.
Dentures are removable dental appliances that replace missing teeth. Unlike dental implants and dental bridges, which are more or less permanently affixed to the bone, dentures are prosthetic teeth attached to a supporting structure. Dentures can be removed at night, for cleaning, or whenever desired. The most affordable dentures are those made with traditional plastic prosthetic teeth, but even more expensive porcelain cosmetic dentures usually cost less than implants.
Recently, I have been breaking and losing my teeth. I had partials, but I have never had dentures, and my husband is encouraging me to finally get them. What is the cost if I have no insurance, and how long does it take for the teeth to be removed and replaced with dentures?Answer: Denture fees vary widely based on location. The best way to determine fees for service is to visit with your dentist or prosthodontist and discuss the care you may need. You may also contact your state or local dental society to find out if the organization has any resources for the public related to the cost of dental services. You may want to seek the care of a prosthodontist, a dentist with three years of training beyond dental school who specializes in the care and maintenance of dentures. To locate a prosthodontist near you, visit www.gotoapro.org. Temporary dentures can be placed the same day as your teeth are removed. Remember that once the teeth are gone, the jaws begin to shrink. Although this shrinkage is dramatic for the first six months and then slows down, you must remember that it is an ongoing, long-term concern for denture wearers and affects the fit of the dentures during the years. Temporary dentures will help your mouth look normal, but after wearing the temporary dentures for six months, they will need to be remade or relined. It is important that you continue to have the fit of your dentures evaluated on a regular basis and remade as needed to maintain their function and appearance.Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists. Back to top
Implants: An implant is a metal post that is inserted into the bone of the upper or lower jaw. This post is then used to replace a single tooth by attaching a crown to it, or multiple teeth by attaching a bridge to multiple implants. Implants are the most expensive option for tooth replacement, but implants simulate natural teeth better than any of the other options.
A denturist or prosthodontist should be able to fit you with comfortable and affordable dentures to match your needs and budget. Prosthodontists receive three to four years of additional training after dental school, and specialize in cosmetic restoration and teeth replacement. Denturists, meanwhile, can take impressions of oral tissue, construct prosthetics and deliver them to patients.
I went to Affordable Dentures & Implants on 1/4/17 to get a full set of dentures.  Before I went I, I had watched youtube videos to see the issues and complaints that people had about wearing dentures.  I was surprised that Dr. Athari immediately addressed the same issues.  The first thing he said to me was, " Dentures are not fun".  I appreciated the honesty but still wanted them.  So he suggested that I get dentures on the top and then wait and or save up to get implants on the bottom.  This was to avoid the problem that most people have with the dentures on the bottom moving so much.  I was curious about how much that would be so the administrative assistant typed up and printed out a detailed treatment plan.  After she informed me that the total cost wasn't due up front, I realized that it was doable.  I just got my upper dentures done today and I am really pleased.  I can't wait to get my implants.  Thank you Dr. Athari.

Implant-supported dentures offer a number of benefits over traditional dentures. Patients with implant-supported dentures can eat, speak, and smile with confidence, knowing that their dentures are securely in place. Further, implant-supported dentures can actually improve a patient's oral health. Read on to learn more about the benefits of implant-supported dentures.
Dentures provide several cosmetic benefits. They fill in gaps left by missing teeth so a person can feel more confident about his or her appearance. Dentures also prevent further shifting of the remaining teeth and improve facial structure. They offer a range of functional benefits, which include helping the patients chew food more easily and improving speech.
I told him that if I hurt someone's feelings that I did not intend for that to be and while I was telling him that, he told me that I was not listening to him and he did not have to service me. I tried to tell him that I was saying sorry. When everyone walked away but one of the receptionist, that person told me that she hated working there because the women there were very mean.
Making quality dentures is a blend of science and art. First, an accurate impression (mold) is made of the alveolar ridges on the top and bottom of your mouth. The base of the denture is made from this mold in a dental laboratory. Working together, the dentist and lab technician choose from among many different sizes and shapes of prosthetic teeth to re-create a natural-looking smile. When everyone is satisfied with the result, the temporary dentures are made in permanent form.
My teeth are never secure and have to reapply adhesive several times a day. Is this normal?? Think I'll find somewhere else for my lowers... get what you pay for. I was having severe pain in some of my lower teeth on that last visit, also. I asked for a Rx for antibiotics but Renee told me I did not need them. I now have an abscess and look like a squirrel. Thanks, Renee!! By the way, Renee, the mouth does NOT exaggerate!! Thanks for your great patient care!!!
If you are suffering from loss of teeth, there is no reason not to talk to your dentist about the installation of dentures. They offer clear benefits and modern dentures are very natural looking and leave you with a smile even a dentist would struggle to tell apart from the real thing. Whether you or someone in your household is in need of complete upper dentures, Carefree Dental can save you money on the procedure, as well as on most dental procedures!
WORST PLACE IN THE WORLD TO GO TO BELIEVE ME. 1 YEAR AGO 04/09/2017 THEY PULLED 8 TEETH. That's where everything started to go south. I purchased the ultimate dentures. So first you start off with economy set. 5 plates later nothing fit, Some bizarre looking teeth. One set the mid-line was very crooked. What a joke. (It looked as I was walking sideways.) I kept hearing different excuses on why they did not fit. Some blamed my jaw bone (which is not unique). Some blamed the lab. One of the dentists said on plated number 3 before it came out of the cup, "Oh good JR made them," so of course I asked, he said "when things come out of the lab with the initials JR on them I can breathe easier." I'm thinking, "Great only 1 guy in the lab who does a good job."
Throughout your lifetime, dentures will need to be replaced and adjusted which can become time consuming and expensive. It is a simple fact that dentures start to become loose and can break through normal activities such as talking, eating, etc. If a denture arch breaks, it may be possible to repair but in some cases it will need to be replaced entirely.
Gum disease is caused by plaque and may result in tooth loss without proper treatment. Symptoms and signs of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontal disease) include receding gums, bad breath and pocket formation between the teeth and gums. Treatment depends upon the stage of the gum disease, how you responded to earlier treatments, and your overall health.
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.
Resin-bonded bridge. Also called Maryland Bridge, this is sometimes considered for replacing front teeth that don't endure the biting and chewing demands of back teeth. It has wings on each side to attach to healthy, adjacent teeth but usually doesn't involve preparing, or grinding down, other teeth. A resin-bonded bridge looks and functions better than a removable denture but isn't as strong as fixed bridgework and typically doesn’t function or last nearly as long as dental implants.
Having a Dallas dentist who understands the special needs of those with tooth loss and the need for synthetic replacement is important. At Dallas Dentures & Implants, we are able to work with patients whether they have recently lost teeth, have an impending tooth loss, or have been wearing prostheses for years. For many people, we offer a solution to oral pain and uncomfortable, extensive procedures. Instead, we will work to create realistic and comfortable replacements that create a beautiful smile. If you are interested in finding out more or want to come in for a consultation, call us today.

Dr. Steve Horne began his career at Brigham Young University obtaining his BA in English. He earned his doctorate of dental surgery in 2007 from the University of Southern California where his pursuit for academic excellence landed him on the dean's list. He was recognized for his superior clinical skills and invited to help teach other dental students in courses on restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, and tooth anatomy. During dental school, he provided dental care for underserved populations of Los Angeles and Orange County, Mexico, and Costa Rica with the international volunteer organization AYUDA. After graduation from USC, Dr. Horne entered active duty with the U.S. Army and practiced dentistry at Fort Knox, Kentucky, for four years. During this time, in 2010, he was deployed as part of a medical unit to Baghdad, Iraq, to provide dental and triage support to military and civilian workers who were involved in the effort there. During his military service, he received multiple Army Achievement Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, and served as company commander. After leaving the Army in 2011, Dr. Horne joined a private practice in La Jolla, Calif., and became credentialed with Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla as a dental consultant. Health and education are of paramount importance to Dr. Horne, and since 2012, he has been writing dental articles for MedicineNet and WebMD to provide accurate information about oral health to the public. He is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), California Dental Association (CDA), and the San Diego County Dental Society and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). He is a preferred provider with Invisalign and spends countless hours each year pursuing continuing education in order to maintain a standard of excellence in dentistry. Dr. Horne has been married for 15 years to his wife, Christy. They have 3-year-old twins, Camille and Trent, and very recently welcomed their third child, Colette Elise, on July 6! The heart and soul of the family is Roscoe, their chocolate Labrador.
×