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.
Remember: You can do serious harm to your denture and to your health by trying to adjust or repair your denture. Using a do-it-yourself kit can damage the appliance beyond repair. Glues sold over-the-counter often contain harmful chemicals and should not be used on a denture. If your denture breaks, cracks or chips, or if one of the teeth becomes loose, call your dentist immediately. In many cases, dentists can make necessary adjustments or repairs, often on the same day. Complicated repairs may require that the denture be sent to a special dental laboratory. 
While wearing removable dentures, patients should not chew gum or use toothpicks. In addition, patients need to be careful when eating food that is hot or hard, as well as anything with bones or shells. It may take a while to get used to chewing with dentures, so Dallas Laser Dentistry suggests patients start with softer foods that are cut into small pieces. Chewing slowly and using both sides of the mouth may also help some patients.

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 just one option for replacing missing teeth; some of the others include fixed bridgework and dental implants. Each method has its particular pluses and minuses, which should be carefully considered. There are also several varieties of dentures available to address specific issues, from partial dentures to implant-supported overdentures. The best option for you will depend on your individual situation.
Stability is the principle that describes how well the denture base is prevented from moving in a horizontal plane, and thus sliding from side to side or front to back. The more the denture base (pink material) is in smooth and continuous contact with the edentulous ridge (the hill upon which the teeth used to reside, but now only residual alveolar bone with overlying mucosa), the better the stability. Of course, the higher and broader the ridge, the better the stability will be, but this is usually a result of patient anatomy, barring surgical intervention (bone grafts, etc.).
Getting 16 teeth pulled is about as pleasant as it sounds. I have had many teeth extracted in the past and this was by far the most unpleasant experience I have had. The most curious thing about this visit was there was NO assistant involved in the actual dental work. The dentist was working alone for the entire time. Maybe this is standard procedure at some places but it felt odd to me. The dentist was VERY rough and borderline careless during the extractions. She had to yank especially hard to remove some of the teeth at the bottom of my mouth. I immediately felt pain despite being numb.
Christopher Athari, DMD, FICOI, FAAIP, is a general dentist and is the practice owner of this Affordable Dentures & Implants-affiliated practice in Mesa, AZ. Dr. Athari and his staff look forward to fulfilling the denture and dental implant needs of patients who travel from Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert, Chandler, Scottsdale, Maricopa, Sun Lakes, Apache Junction, Fountain Hills, Florence, Superior and surrounding communities.
What does this mean for me? Dental patients looking for a full-mouth restoration are wise to shop around and, ask the important questions of each prospective dental clinic: questions such as costs for extractions, costs for full-mouth restoration, what materials are used, and what can I expect during my “free” consultation. Without these answers, it’s impossible to make an informed decision about your dental future. Renew also suggests you get a second opinion. Just like you’d want a second opinion if you were going to make a large medical decision, it is important to go to multiple appointments and see where you feel comfortable. We are more than happy to be a resource in your journey so please feel free to email us or call us and we can walk you through our option and other options out there. Knowledge is power!
When you are missing one or more teeth, the bite pressures shift in your mouth. Other teeth may begin to move to compensate for the “gap” in your bite, and you may experience shrinking of both the soft tissues and the supporting bone near your missing teeth. This can alter your physical appearance and can lead to subsequent problems with your other teeth. A partial denture keeps the underlying structures of your mouth – your gums, jawbone, facial muscles, etc. – active and engaged. It helps prevent further shifting of the other teeth in your mouth, while giving you the confidence of having a beautiful, complete smile.
Although dentures have helped millions of people around the world in regaining the ability to eat the foods they want, there are several disadvantages associated with the dental appliance. Some of the drawbacks of dentures disappear once the patients get used to wearing the device. Other problems with dentures may become an issue for the patient and lead them to seek alternative treatments for missing teeth.

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA -- I read the hundreds of negative reviews. I knew the risks and still went anyway. Why? The simple truth is I was broke like I imagine most people who use Affordable Dentures are. The total cost to save my teeth was looking to be upwards of 10,000 dollars. I wanted my teeth pulled and Affordable Dentures was my only option due to financial issues.


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.

PORT SAINT LUCIE, FLORIDA -- I called my heart doctor to see how long I needed to stay off my blood thinner to be able to have a tooth pulled. My heart doctor said that I could not go off meds but could get tooth pulled. I called Affordable Dentures in Port Saint Lucie, FL and spoke to lady on phone and told her my condition which she said that they needed a letter from my heart doctor. I asked what was the fax number and doctor name to have my letter faxed to and she gave me that information. Later this woman called and told me that they had received fax and gave me an appointment for April 13th at 9:30.
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]
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.
This is long,but I writting this to hopefully save someone else from going through this,self pay people are at the mercy of blood sucking dentist.Well,I carefully compared several NC Affordable Dentures,I read reviews from many sources.The one near me is pretty bad,went many years ago and the currant reviews are down right scary,couple with a serious fear of dentist,did not want to put myself through that again. Soooo the search was on,after being quoted 632.00$??? at DentalWorks!! Who the he'll can afford that out of pocket,so after reading the reviews for this location I called asked questions,asked what I needed to bring along with time to be there.Then I read website to make sure everything was a go.Had x-rays sent over along with bringing a copy myself incase something went wrong.Website&Receptionist both confirmed needing to arrive by 7:30am.Okay,I cancelled one of my accounts (means I lost money),woke up at 4:30am then drove hour n half to A.D. Apex Highway Location.Stood in line,filled out forms,handed over X-Rays,took a seat.After watching people come in at 10 am be seen before me,denture customers get teeth pulled come back sit down in lobby again,then be called back for fittings or whatever of course started to get anxious.I just needed one extraction.There was a very loud girl there who had to have one tooth pulled as well.At the four hour mark,she asked them what was going on.Receptionist tells her denture people should all be done being treated by 3pm.So she may or may not be treated sooner.What?????Been waiting 4hours,drove almost two to get there with less then 5 hours sleep to make sure I'd be on time and it's going to be another 4hour wait??? and then that's not guaranteed.So I asked receptionist if this was the case,told her my issue,she just looked at me blankly"yep"..This information is no where on website,I told her on phone what I needed asked if there was anything I needed to know.She even said for treatments had to be there at 7:30am.NO WHERE DOES IT STATE JUST EXTRACTIONS WILL BE DONE AFTER EVERYTHING ELSE.The whole ordeal was just inexcusable.I got my x-rays and left,I am now sitting with a abscessed tooth waiting to make an appointment on Monday at one of them blood sucking offices,got small loan because the price of extractions is inexcusable too.You know what though,I Will expect it,I will also be treated better,will not automatically assume I have no other options but them so they can treat me however an if they mess up oh well.How would these ppl like to be treated this way,this issue may sound insufficient but the fact is I lost a day of my personal time along with a days work and still need to see a dentist because of thier mistake not mine. You slap the word affordable on a business,make em line up,play by your rules or else,because you know they cannot afford it anywhere else,its borderline cruel.I'm positive there has got to be a hundred other poor souls that will go through something similar to me,I if I can help one person avoid it,good!!..
Our doctors and friendly staff are ready to help you enhance your smile or completely restore a smile affected by decay or missing teeth. In order to keep your smile beautiful, we also offer free teeth whitening for life services. We have 3 confident dentist - all of whom have had additional residency training. Owned and operated by Dr. Damon, he cares about your care! Our staff cares and we Listen to our patients! Our dental services range from porcelain veneers, crowns, dental bridges, single implants, multiple implants, permanent "Teeth in a Day", and dentures. Our practice is an exclusive provider of Nobel Biocare® products, which are renowned for their quality and durability. Nobel Biocare led the way in advancing the All on Four Dental Implant Concept, developed Immediate Implant placement protocols, Immediate Load protocols, and developed the newest Trefoil Implant Concept. Dr. Damon is a lecturer for Nobel Biocare on the All on Four and Trefoil Implant Concepts. 

Lab management needs better education on how to speak to employees when they make mistakes and to not put so much pressure on trying to make everything perfect. I felt as after my 90 days were up the lab manager started treating me differently in a negative way. I know I was struggling and my performance may have been slightly off towards the end due to personal issues but management could have handled it differently instead of being more demanding.


An overdenture is a removable dental prosthesis that covers and rests on one or more remaining tooth roots. A removable partial denture is a dental prosthesis that replaces some teeth and is built around existing natural teeth. Both the overdenture and the removable partial denture may be connected to the remaining tooth roots or remaining natural teeth with anchors made of metal or plastic. These connections improve stability and the retention of both prostheses.


They deserve ten stars. Took my elderly blind neighbor to Bright Now dental and waited over an hour and a half past our appt time. Was so angry we walked out and didn't know what to do so we found Dental Works in the same mall. We had no appt but they fit us right in. They were wonderful. Had to have 12 teeth pulled and now onto dentures. All the women that work there are very friendly and caring. Dr Chi was great and very gentle on a poor lady who was scared to death. Would highly recommend them and their price was the best too!!!!! More
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I had 16 teeth pulled and plates made for under $1,000. I went in in the morning and had new teeth the early the next morning with the main cost being $40 a tooth for pulling which took about a half hour. The upper fits well and I have been getting by with lower, need it refitted but do not have the doe re me at present. It is just crazy what dentists and doctors charge for routine proceedures here in the US.
Acrylic partial dentures are more affordable, but they tend to feel more bulky. This partial has an acrylic base into which the denture teeth are set and is attached to your natural teeth with small metal clasps. The acrylic partial may be available with more durable, natural-looking teeth. The practice staff can inform you of availability in each office.
Cosmetic Benefits: The cosmetic benefits of dentures are obvious. They fill in gaps left by missing teeth so patients feel more confident about their appearance. Dentures can replace missing teeth or teeth that were in poor condition, prevent further shifting of remaining teeth, support facial structure and integrity, and increase patients' self confidence.

Stability is the principle that describes how well the denture base is prevented from moving in a horizontal plane, and thus sliding from side to side or front to back. The more the denture base (pink material) is in smooth and continuous contact with the edentulous ridge (the hill upon which the teeth used to reside, but now only residual alveolar bone with overlying mucosa), the better the stability. Of course, the higher and broader the ridge, the better the stability will be, but this is usually a result of patient anatomy, barring surgical intervention (bone grafts, etc.).


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.

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.


The denture itself is not very good. Again, I fault this due to a low paid lab worker, who is probably texting while he makes the denture. It clearly did not fit properly, too much in one area, too little in another. I am glad that I have had a partial for years and an upper for years, as I know what can be done to alleviate the pressure points. I had to remove material in several spots on the lower edges of the denture, to keep it from bruising my gums.

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.


Another consideration is to travel overseas to countries where the cost of professional treatments like this are a lot lower.  Often known as health tourism, India, Turkey, Poland, Costa Rica and Mexico are all options.  However, there are risks attached to this and you should complete detailed research before taking such trips.  In many circumstances thousands can be saved on the most complex dental treatments.
Removable complete denture. This denture sits on top of the gums where the missing teeth were. It can be uncomfortable, affect your ability to experience the full taste of food, cause sore gums, and shift and click in your mouth when you speak, eat, smile, yawn or cough. While the initial costs are low, they only last an average of 7 to 15 years, and the replacement costs can be significant over the long term. They need to be removed regularly for cleaning, which can be a time-consuming hassle. Also, as with a partial denture, the natural bone underneath a complete denture may deteriorate over time, permanently changing the appearance of your smile and face. 
Although dentures have helped millions of people around the world in regaining the ability to eat the foods they want, there are several disadvantages associated with the dental appliance. Some of the drawbacks of dentures disappear once the patients get used to wearing the device. Other problems with dentures may become an issue for the patient and lead them to seek alternative treatments for missing teeth.
Friendly Dental Group accepts mosts dental insurances and provides a VIP Dental Discount Plan which  for those who aren’t insured and cannot pay for high premiums. It is $275 a year for the primary member and $175 for family members, covering all dental procedures including dentures which would cost around $75-$950. It is much less compared to the thousands being charged for dentures without insurance. Care credit flexible payments are accepted by the VIP Dental Discounts with no annual fee, available for the entire family, and confidential credit decisions.
If it was possible I would give them an absolute minus 10 Stars. First off I go in the office. The staff that greeted me was polite that I will give them. Had X-rays done. Was waiting to see what the doctor would say. When he came in he had no bedside manner. I was leaning back in a chair and shook his hand and he said he would try to save a couple of teeth whatever. Was talking for a little bit and then walked out of the room. I don't know if it was an assistant I assume was telling me options I had. Then the doctor Vick walked in and I thought he was joking at first. He asked me why I squeeze his hand so hard when I shook it. Mind you the hand I shook with has been broken and operated on before and still has issues.
Temporary or interim appliances serve many useful purposes and are often an integral part of a prosthetic treatment plan. These appliances can be designed to be either fixed or removable. This simple appliance is excellent for temporary replacement of front teeth while the patient is waiting for a permanent bridge, a partial, or implants. This removable interim bridge is made of a clear vacuum-formed material. The appliance simply snaps into place.
An immediate denture can often be made so that the patient has something to wear the same day the teeth are removed. This type of denture is made before the teeth are extracted and is put in place the day the teeth are removed. Sometimes the back teeth are taken out first and the front teeth are left in place until the day the denture is delivered. This type of denture doesn't fit the bone and gum tissue as intimately as a conventional denture, so it requires more adjustments during the healing stage. An immediate denture is best used as a temporary appliance until a conventional denture can be made after all of the gum and bone healing is complete.
The safe, healthy choice is to not sleep with your partial denture in place. Sleeping with partial dentures is not recommended for a number of reasons. Partial dentures are designed to be cleaned outside the mouth – which also provides the opportunity to ensure no food particles are lodged under or around the partial. Proper oral care and keeping you partial denture clean is vital for the overall health of your gums. From a physical standpoint, your gums will benefit from the opportunity to rest and recover. Also, some patients may clench their teeth in their sleep. This pressure can cause damage to both natural teeth as well as dentures.
Conventional dentures are installed after the last teeth are removed, to allow for healing (typically six to eight weeks). There are typically separate appointments for impressions and measurements; checking a "try-in" model for fit; inserting and adjusting the final denture; and follow-up appointments to check comfort and function. Immediate (same-day) dentures are made in advance and inserted when the teeth are pulled. The University of Iowa provides an overview of immediate dentures[2] and a California dentist has a immediate denture video[3] .
They deserve ten stars. Took my elderly blind neighbor to Bright Now dental and waited over an hour and a half past our appt time. Was so angry we walked out and didn't know what to do so we found Dental Works in the same mall. We had no appt but they fit us right in. They were wonderful. Had to have 12 teeth pulled and now onto dentures. All the women that work there are very friendly and caring. Dr Chi was great and very gentle on a poor lady who was scared to death. Would highly recommend them and their price was the best too!!!!! More
An overdenture is a removable dental prosthesis that covers and rests on one or more remaining tooth roots. A removable partial denture is a dental prosthesis that replaces some teeth and is built around existing natural teeth. Both the overdenture and the removable partial denture may be connected to the remaining tooth roots or remaining natural teeth with anchors made of metal or plastic. These connections improve stability and the retention of both prostheses.
Wooden full dentures were invented in Japan around the early 16th century.[6] Softened bees wax was inserted into the patient's mouth to create an impression, which was then filled with harder bees wax. Wooden dentures were then meticulously carved based on that model. The earliest of these dentures were entirely wooden, but later versions used natural human teeth or sculpted pagodite, ivory, or animal horn for the teeth. These dentures were built with a broad base, exploiting the principles of adhesion to stay in place. This was an advanced technique for the era; it would not be replicated in the West until the late 18th century. Wooden dentures continued to be used in Japan until the Opening of Japan to the West in the 19th century.[6]
Terrible place.  Had to go back several times because the denture they made tore up my gum.  This is after I filed the rough spots off the denture myself at home.  They said they could not adjust it anymore and would not make one that fit properly.  Now they are even lying about that.  Most of the people I talked to while waiting forever also were having problems with their painful dentures made there.  Go to a quality dentist even if the cost is a little more, you will save time and pain in the long run.  This place doesn't take appointments so expect to waste a day.
Partial dentures, or partials, are dentures that replace only a few missing teeth in the patient’s mouth. Partials rest on a metal framework that will be latched onto the patient’s natural teeth for support. If the patient’s existing teeth are insufficient, dental crowns are usually used to augment the natural teeth and serve as more stable anchors for the partial dentures.
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 /injects>
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