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.
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.
For many years, partial dentures have been used to replace groups of teeth or a few teeth scattered across the lower or upper jaw. There are a variety of removable partial dentures available to patients and each one comes with its own set of benefits and disadvantages. All partial dentures attach to remaining teeth and have a gum–colored portion meant to blend into the existing gum, with prosthetic teeth to replace the missing teeth.
The fabrication of a set of complete dentures is a challenge for any dentist/denturist. There are many axioms in the production of dentures that must be understood; ignorance of one axiom can lead to failure of the denture. In the vast majority of cases, complete dentures should be comfortable soon after insertion, although almost always at least two adjustment visits are necessary to remove the cause of sore spots. One of the most critical aspects of dentures is that the impression of the denture must be perfectly made and used with perfect technique to make an accurate model of the patient's edentulous (toothless) gums. The dentist or denturist must use a process called border molding to ensure that the denture flanges are properly extended. An array of problems may occur if the final impression of the denture is not made properly. It takes considerable patience and experience for a dentist to know how to make a denture, and for this reason it may be in the patient's best interest to seek a specialist, either a prosthodontist or denturist, to make the denture. A denturist is a trained and licensed professional who sees patients in need of dentures, partials, relines or repairs. A denturist not only takes the impression, but makes the entire denture in his or her own laboratory. The denturist then schedules a date for the delivery of the finished dentures to the patient. A general dentist may do a good job making dentures, but only if he or she is meticulous and experienced. Many dentists no longer make dentures themselves. but instead take an impression of the patients' mouth and then either send the impressions to a dental laboratory, which could be anywhere in the world, or send the patient to a denturist. Once the laboratory receives dental impressions of the patient's mouth, the laboratory creates plaster molds from them. The laboratory uses the molds to create the wax rims used to register the patient's bite. These wax rims are returned to the dentist, who uses them to register the patient's bite. The dentist may assist the patient in choosing the correct size of teeth for the dentures, or simply make the selection himself. Once bite registration is completed and the teeth are selected for the dentures, the wax rim is usually returned to the dental laboratory in order to have the denture teeth set into the wax. Once the teeth are set into the wax rim, the result is a prefinished denture that looks almost like the finished product. This prefinished denture is usually returned to the dentist's office and the patient usually has a chance to approve the setup (for immediate or standard dentures) or to try the denture before it is finished. After approval by the patient, the dentist returns the pre-denture to the laboratory for final processing. The finished denture is then returned to the dentist's office for delivery to the patient.
A mid-priced (and better quality) heat cured denture typically costs $500–$1,500 per denture or $1,000-$3,000 for a complete set. The teeth look much more natural and are much longer lasting than cold cured or temporary dentures. In many cases, they may be tried out before they are finished to ensure that all the teeth occlude (meet) properly and look esthetically pleasing. These usually come with a 90-day to two-year warranty and in some cases a money-back guarantee if the customer is not satisfied. In some cases, the cost of subsequent adjustments to the dentures is included.
Extractions were the main cost saver ($30 each) but you have to pay for the dentures first ($500). Don't think they would have accepted me if I only wanted extractions. TOOK 5 MONTHS and 6 or 7 visits to get these "immediate" dentures. Look good out of my mouth but when I smile u see all the bottom teeth and hardly any top ones. LOTS of overbite make biting PB&J sandwich impossible.
Patients may consider partial or full removable dentures to replace any missing teeth and help them eat, speak, and look better. Full or complete dentures replace all of the teeth and connective gum tissue on the upper and/or lower jaw. Partial dentures, also called a removable bridge, can be used to replace gaps in the natural teeth. Removable dentures at Dallas Laser Dentistry are made with advanced techniques by Dr. Mary Swift and Dr. Terrel Myers for a comfortable fit and to match the shade and color of the natural teeth in partial dentures. At Dallas Laser Dentistry, all restorative dentistry, like removal dentures, are made to suit the patient’s face and look natural, but dazzling.
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.
Bridges: A bridge replaces missing teeth by placing crowns on the teeth next to the space and attaching a fake tooth to both of the crowns. Bridges are made from gold, porcelain fused to gold, all porcelain, or zirconium. Bridges can only replace about two to three missing teeth in a row, depending on the location. Since bridges are cemented in place, they are considered a "fixed, or permanent denture."
Before I close, I'd like to add a word on fees as well. I almost hesitate to call this an affordable dental office, simply because they obviously put care first. All dental offices should do what this office does and provide options, but few do. It's that commitment to patient care and letting you choose what's right for you that makes them more affordable, versus the offices that cut corners to save you a buck. That's a major difference worth noting. They also have an on-site lab, which saves costs as well.
BEWARE: I have purchased the most expensive denture offered called the "Ultimate Fit Package". Upper denture only at $1200.00. This is my experience in this office. I went in for my first visit at Affordable Dentures in Shelbyville, with Dr. Marvo **, in October 2017. My upper teeth had already been extracted 2 months earlier at a local dentist office in Lewisburg. I spent a lot of time researching all of the available options online at Affordable Dentures in Shelbyville, TN., before contacting them to set up an appointment. I purposely chose the "Ultimate Fit Denture" because it was supposed to fit every contour of my mouth, the oral topography was touted as being "second-to-none" plus it comes with a 7 year warranty.
Denture adhesives, also called denture adherents, are creams, powders, wafers or strips that are used to hold dentures firmly in place. The adhesive also helps form a seal that keeps food particles from sticking between the dentures and gums. Adhesive is applied to clean dentures, which are then positioned in the mouth and held in place for a few seconds, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
This plan is NOT insurance. This is not a qualified health plan under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This plan does not meet the minimum creditable coverage requirements under M.G.L. c. 111M and 956 CMR 5.00. This is not a Medicare prescription drug plan. The plan provides discounts at participating providers for services. The plan does not make payments directly to providers. The plan member is obligated to pay for all services but will receive a discount from participating providers. The range of discounts will vary depending on the type of provider and services. The licensed Discount Plan Organization is Coverdell & Company, Inc., at 8770 W. Bryn Mawr, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60631, 1-800-240-2973. Plan not available in Alaska, Louisiana, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. To view a listing of participating providers visit Find a Provider. You have the right to cancel this plan within 30 days after the effective date for a full refund. Such refund will be issued within 30 days of request.
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.
Paste application. Apply this denture adhesive to a dry or preferably wet denture. Avoid placing adhesive close to the denture borders. If the adhesive oozes, use less of the product. For dentures on the upper jaw, apply three short strips of adhesive -- or a series of small dots -- along the ridge area and one down the center. For dentures on the lower jaw, apply three short strips of adhesive -- or a series of small dots -- in the center of the ridge area.
Extractions were the main cost saver ($30 each) but you have to pay for the dentures first ($500). Don't think they would have accepted me if I only wanted extractions. TOOK 5 MONTHS and 6 or 7 visits to get these "immediate" dentures. Look good out of my mouth but when I smile u see all the bottom teeth and hardly any top ones. LOTS of overbite make biting PB&J sandwich impossible.
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.
Other denture cleaning methods include enzymes, ultrasonic cleansers and microwave exposure.[32] A Cochrane Review found that there is weak evidence to support soaking dentures in effervescent tablets or in enzymatic solutions and while the most effective method for eliminating plaque is not clear, the review shows that brushing with paste eliminates microbial plaque better than inactive methods. There is a need for studies to provide reports about the cost of materials and the negative effects that may be associated with their use as these factors could affect the acceptability of such materials by patients which will in turn affect their effectiveness in a daily setting in the long term. Additionally putting dentures into a dishwasher overnight can be a hndy short cut when away from home. Additionally, further studies comparing the different methods of cleaning dentures are needed.[39]
Extractions were the main cost saver ($30 each) but you have to pay for the dentures first ($500). Don't think they would have accepted me if I only wanted extractions. TOOK 5 MONTHS and 6 or 7 visits to get these "immediate" dentures. Look good out of my mouth but when I smile u see all the bottom teeth and hardly any top ones. LOTS of overbite make biting PB&J sandwich impossible.
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.
The term oral cancer includes cancer of the mouth (oral cavity) and the back of the mouth (oropharynx). Red and white patches inside the mouth, bleeding, loose teeth, pain upon swallowing, a lump in the neck, earache, and a sore on your lip or in your mouth that won't heal are all symptoms of oral cancer. Treatment for oral cancer depends upon the staging of the disease and usually involves surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
In 1820, Samuel Stockton, a goldsmith by trade, began manufacturing high-quality porcelain dentures mounted on 18-carat gold plates. Later dentures from the 1850s on were made of Vulcanite, a form of hardened rubber into which porcelain teeth were set. In the 20th century, acrylic resin and other plastics were used.[12] In Britain, sequential Adult Dental Health Surveys revealed that in 1968 79% of those aged 65–74 had no natural teeth; by 1998, this proportion had fallen to 36%.[13]
Patients should combine the brushing of their dentures with soaking them in an immersion cleaner from time to time as this combined cleaning strategy has been shown to control denture plaque.[33] Due to microbial invasion, the lack of use of immersion cleaners and inadequate denture plaque control will cause rapid deterioration of the soft linings of the denture.[34]
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.
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!
Dentures must be handled with great care and placed in a container of water or denture cleaner when not being worn. They should never be placed in hot water, for they can be damaged or warped. They must be cleaned daily using a soft toothbrush with soap and water. The mouth should be rinsed daily without the dentures in place to clean off any plaque and reduce the risk of infection like candidiasis.
Dentures are mainly made from acrylic due to the ease of material manipulation and likeness to intra-oral tissues, ie. gums. Most dentures made are fabricated from heat-cured acrylic polymethyl methacrylate and rubber-reinforced polymethyl methacrylate.[3] Coloring agents and synthetic fibers are added to obtain the tissue-like shade, and to mimic the small capillaries of the oral mucosa, respectively.[4] However, dentures made from acrylic can be fragile and fracture easily if the patient has trouble adapting neuromuscular control. This can be overcome by reinforcing the denture base with cobalt chromium (Co-Cr). They are often thinner (therefore more comfortable) and stronger (to prevent repeating fractures).
I went back anyway. When looking into my mouth, ** told me, "Nothing is wrong with the partial. It's you." You have a lip like Elvis. You snarl like Elvis and that's why you think the teeth look funny." I am 61 years old and never in my life have I been told I look like Elvis. I have never had elevated teeth on one side, either. I asked to speak to the dentist and in came Dr. **, owner of the practice. She looked at my mouth and told me I shouldn't criticize her work and I should leave. I asked her to take the partial and make the teeth the same length.
Factors that influence the cost of dentures may include the area in which you live, your dentist, the type of dentures you require, and the quality of dentures you select. Full dentures are designed to replace an entire set of teeth, either the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or the entire mouth. Partial dentures, on the other hand, are for those who have lost only a few teeth and are often an affordable alternative to dental bridges.
Later that afternoon I came back to have 16 teeth extracted. I got to the office and waited about 30 minutes before I was seen. I got to the back and began injections. After this I went to a full blown panic attack and came close to passing out. The one positive is the dentist who was working on me took it in stride. I wasn't treated disrespectfully and after about 30 minutes the panic subsided and she was able to finish my injections and begin pulling teeth.
