Premium heat cured dentures can cost $2,000-$4,000 per denture, or $4,000-$8,000 or more for a set. Dentures in this price range are usually completely customized and personalized, use high-end materials to simulate the lifelike look of gums and teeth as closely as possible, last a long time and are warranted against chipping and cracking for 5–10 years or longer. Often the price includes several follow-up visits to fine-tune the fit.
After graduating from the University of Connecticut Dental School in 2014, Dr. Secola underwent a general practice residency before relocating to Dallas. She enjoys providing high-quality dental care to all patients. Dr. Secola's residency training was at the same facility where Dr. Damon and Dr. Blankenship were residents as well. This program is through the VA hospital system and only allows for 2 residents per year.
The reason the cost for either "new" (conventional, non-immediate) or "replacement" full dentures is the same is that for the most part all of the steps that the dentist must take, and the number of appointments needed, are essentially the same in both cases. Also, all of the costs they encounter (like the price they pay a dental laboratory to fabricate the appliance) are the same too.
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
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.
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.
Like a bridge, partial dentures rest on surrounding teeth to fill in the gaps where one or more teeth are missing. But unlike a bridge, partial dentures are fully removable by the wearer. Partials are affordable alternatives to other types of dental prosthetics and are custom-made to blend in with each patient’s natural teeth. It takes a little time to adapt to new partials, but many people find that they reclaim much of their original function and aesthetics with partial dentures in place.
You may need new dentures if they are discolored, severely deteriorated or uncomfortable. Yellow or brown stains are the most common types of discoloration. Meanwhile, deteriorating dentures won't tear or grind food properly when you bite into something or chew. Dentures that don't fit properly can cause pain. If you're unsure how dentures should fit or feel, talk to your dentist.
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.
I informed the front desk of needing to get to work. I let the young woman in back know as well. I understood having to wait an hour for the test fitting of the impression. Well without any concern for my time the mold apparently was not handled properly and was broken. Now I have to wait until 2 pm? I was to be at work by noon after informing them I'd be late. Never at Mesquite location again! We have used three other locations without any issues now this and my son had similar treatment!
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.
A number of vital tasks carried out during sleep help maintain good health and enable people to function at their best. Sleep needs vary from individual to individual and change throughout your life. The National Institutes of Health recommend about 7-9 hours of sleep each night for older, school-aged children, teens, and most average adults; 10-12 for preschool-aged children; and 16-18 hours for newborns. There are two stages of sleep; 1) REM sleep (rapid-eye movement), and 2) NREM sleep (non-rapid-eye movement). The side effects of lack of sleep or insomnia include:
It can be all too easy to forget the important role that your teeth play in your quality of life. However, when teeth are lost or severely compromised due to trauma or decay, it becomes painfully clear that a complete and healthy smile is absolutely essential in order to enjoy your favorite foods, make positive impressions on others, and speak with clarity and confidence. Read Full Article
Once the relative position of each arch to the other is known, the wax rim can be used as a base to place the selected denture teeth in correct position. This arrangement of teeth is tested in the mouth so that adjustments can be made to the occlusion. After the occlusion has been verified by the dentist or denturist and the patient, and all phonetic requirements are met, the denture is processed.
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.
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.
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!!!
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.
On my 3rd visit back to readjust my partial...I was going to a wedding and the Dr. wanted me to come back in to make sure it fit. The girl who took care of me (short curly auburn/reddish hair said the partial could not be adjust. I told her the Dr. adjusted it last week for me. Then she said: "well, you are just going to have to learn to adjust it yourself at home in a mean, stern voice.
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.
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!!..
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.
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 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.
Getting dentures can take several appointments over the course of a few weeks. The dentist will take impressions of your jaw and take measurements to help create a try-on model. It may take several try-on models before the correct fit, shape, and color and perfected. Finally, the dentures will be made and fitted. Dr. Swift or Dr. Myers will make any minor adjustments to help the patient feel more comfortable with their new dentures.
Dr. Athari has an amazing sense of calm about him. He walked us through everything and talked to us throughout the procedure. My mom needed frequent breaks during the surgery and he always gave her the time she needed to regroup. He was very gentle and mindful with her throughout the procedure, and I'm certain that's what got my mom through it without issue.
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.
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.
I went for a consultation and it took about 2 hours before seeing the dentist. I was taken in and a full lower x-ray was done, then the dentist came in and looked at it and we discussed my options. My teeth (only 7 left in my mouth) were so bad, that he decided I should go ahead and get a lower plate. He does not recommend a full lower, as there is always trouble with them. A full lower plate is a life changing event. You will not be able to eat any crunchy or hard foods. That's the truth. You will have to eat ground meats and soft foods the rest of your life. They will not tell you that, but I am telling you that.
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.
I also am so afraid that my heart doctor may be upset because I was so desperate to have my tooth pulled that I put the dental assistant on my cellphone with my doctor's nurse and she talked really nasty to her. She told my doctor "No dentist worth his weight would accept that fax". Then the dentist told me that he has never had a problem with a heart doctor giving him the note he needed and that they were just after money because they said I would have to have a cardiac evaluation. I told him that I really liked my heart doctor.
Went in today for some x-rays and a cleaning and Dr Athari & the staff were great! Dr Athari did a great job & I left feeling my teeth were cleaner & healthier! Also, glad that he motivated me to start flossing more so I can maintain my healthy teeth and gums! I knew that flossing was important but did you know that increased your life by 6 years!!It helped that he was very outgoing and had a great personality, I will definitely be back and I will be referring people to come here! Very honest, very fast and efficient!!
Extra care must be taken when handling dentures or partials because they are delicate and could break when dropped. It is also important to prevent dentures or partials from drying out so place them in the specified soaking solution or plain water when not in use. Avoid hot water because this will cause the denture to lose its shape. Brush dentures daily to dislodge food deposits and prevent them from becoming stained.
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.
For patients with multiple missing teeth – Having multiple missing teeth would mean that speech could be impaired and chewing would be much more difficult. Also, a patient could experience low-self confidence and consciousness over their appearance. Full and partial dentures can help ease those burdens and give the patients a new smile and a new outlook in life.
As far as back office goes, Carlos the assistant has the patience of a saint. Seriously. We had to do a full series of x-rays because my mom couldn't stand up for the pano. My mom had trouble holding still and repeatedly failed to follow instructions. Carlos never stopped smiling and encouraging her. He had a lot of positive energy and kept joking with her throughout, which I know went a long way to making her feel good about the office. He did the same during the other visits, but the x-rays I'm sure were the biggest challenge.
George Washington (1732–1799) suffered from problems with his teeth throughout his life, and historians have tracked his experiences in great detail.[14] He lost his first adult tooth when he was twenty-two and had only one left by the time he became president.[15] John Adams says he lost them because he used them to crack Brazil nuts but modern historians suggest the mercury oxide, which he was given to treat illnesses such as smallpox and malaria, probably contributed to the loss. He had several sets of false teeth made, four of them by a dentist named John Greenwood. None of the sets, contrary to popular belief, was made from wood or contained any wood.[16] The set made when he became president was carved from hippopotamus and elephant ivory, held together with gold springs.[17] Prior to these, he had a set made with real human teeth,[18] likely ones he purchased from "several unnamed Negroes, presumably Mount Vernon slaves" in 1784.[19] Washington's dental problems left him in constant pain, for which he took laudanum.[20] This distress may be apparent in many of the portraits painted while he was still in office,[20] including the one still used on the $1 bill.[21][a]
Tooth extraction and restoration: If tooth decay or gum disease is so severe that a tooth can't be saved, it will need to be extracted. Your dentist will examine the remaining teeth in your mouth and determine if they should be removed or restored with tooth-colored fillings, inlays, onlays, or dental crowns. After the teeth have been extracted, the gums need at least two to three months to heal before an implant can be placed or an impression taken.
When are Dentures Necessary?What are Temporary Partial Dentures?If you’ve had teeth removed due to decay or gum disease and will be receiving permanent dentures, your dentist may suggest temporary or “immediate” dentures. These are dentures you can wear for the first two to three months immediately after tooth removal. They can be especially helpful for someone with a history of sensitive teeth and gums, since the patient does not have to be without teeth while the area heals, and any remaining sensitive teeth are subject to less pressure from chewing food.The creation of temporary dentures may require four to five dental visits prior to tooth extraction. Temporary dentures are made using basically the same technique as a permanent denture, but because they are made in advance of any surgery, you can’t tell exactly how your mouth will look after teeth are removed. By contrast, the molds for conventional dentures are made once the gum tissues have healed following any tooth extractions, which takes about six to eight weeks. During this time, the gum tissues will shrink and so the fit of temporary dentures will change.Temporary Dentures CostThere is an added cost associated with immediate dentures, but when you’re trying to determine what dentures cost and how to pay for them, remember that you have several options.Most dentists take major credit cards and some offer financing plans that let patients pay for major procedures, such as tooth removal and dentures, over time with low monthly payments. Ask your dentist about financing. Also, if you know in advance that you want to get dentures, you may be able to set aside money in a flexible spending account or health care savings account to help cover the cost of dentures.Immediate dentures cost more than conventional dentures because more time goes into preparing them. There are several advantages that may make them worth the cost. The main advantage of immediate dentures is that you don’t have to go out in public without teeth following tooth removal. An immediate denture is placed at the same visit as your tooth removal, so they serve as a bandage to control bleeding and protect gum tissue. Also, if you have immediate dentures you can start adjusting your speech to wearing the denture immediately.Not everyone is a good candidate for immediate dentures. Cost can be a prohibiting factor, or your dentist may advise against immediate dentures depending on your general health and oral health.What are Permanent Dentures?Dentists will work with you to preserve your natural teeth if at all possible, rather than extract them, but sometimes permanent dentures are the only way to provide the appearance of teeth and facilitate eating and speaking.Permanent Dentures ProcedureGetting permanent, full dentures takes about three to six weeks. The denture-making process involves several dental appointments and follows these steps:Impressions: Your dentist takes several impressions of your jaw and measures the space in your mouth.Models: Your dentist makes a mold of wax or plastic in the exact shape of the denture so you can try it and make any adjustments to the color, shape, and fit before the permanent dentures are made.Cast: The final dentures are cast, and then adjusted as necessary.When you first receive your permanent dentures, your dentist may recommend that you wear them 24 hours a day, even while sleeping, because this is the easiest and quickest way to determine whether there are any spots that need adjustment. It’s important to ensure a good fit right away, because poorly fitting dentures can be irritating to the gums.Once you have adjusted to the dentures, you can remove them at night to allow normal stimulation of the gum tissues by the tongue and saliva, which helps keep your gum tissue healthy.Temporary Dentures vs. Permanent Dentures Pros and ConsOne main disadvantage of temporary dentures is that, because they’re made in advance and placed as soon as the damaged or decayed teeth are removed, the fit will not be exact. So they may require more frequent adjustments to get a good fit. Consequently, they should only be considered a temporary solution until the permanent dentures are ready.You may find that both temporary and permanent dentures take some getting used to. Don’t worry if the dentures feel loose at first—your cheek and tongue muscles will need to adjust to them. And don’t worry if you notice more saliva in your mouth than usual, or if you notice minor soreness or irritation. These problems usually resolve on their own. But if you experience major discomfort that doesn’t seem to improve, see your dentist to have the dentures adjusted.You may also opt to have your temporary dentures realigned for a better fit so you can use them as permanent dentures. Or, you can keep them as a spare set so you won’t find yourself without teeth if your permanent dentures should get lost or become damaged. If your dentures need repair or realignment, they will have to be sent to a laboratory and probably kept overnight.When are Dentures Necessary?Not everyone needs a full set of permanent dentures. A dental bridge fills a gap created by one or more missing teeth. Removable partial dentures are another option for replacing missing teeth. There are several reasons to consider removable partial dentures. Not only can partial dentures improve your appearance, they can improve your oral health by keeping your remaining teeth in place. If you opt for a dental bridge, your dentist will fit customized crowns to the teeth on either side of the gap to be bridged. A false tooth (or teeth) called a pontic is attached to the crowns and replaces your missing tooth (or teeth).Depending on your oral health care needs, you can choose partial dentures that are removable, but bridges are permanently cemented into place. There are three main types of bridges to suit a variety of dental restoration situations:Traditional: This style involves placing crowns on the teeth that border the missing teeth.Cantilever: This style is used if you only have teeth on one side of the missing tooth or teeth.Maryland bonded: This type of bridge consists of a porcelain tooth (or teeth) in a metal framework, with wings to attach it to existing teeth.Keeping the surrounding, supporting teeth healthy is essential to get the maximum benefit from a dental bridge, so be sure to follow a regular oral care routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. If you practice good oral hygiene and see a dentist regularly, partial dentures can last from 5 to 15 years.
I bought a full upper denture and within months, they were way too loose. I was told by my dentist they would need relining after several months. My dentist now wants $475 to reline and fit these very thin dentures, but she never mentioned I would be charged to have these refitted. After paying $2,500 total (and unexpectedly), I was just wondering Is this the norm? Or was I just unlucky?Answer: Whenever teeth are extracted, the jawbone and gums in the areas where the teeth used to be start to shrink. This shrinkage can continue for the rest of your life, and this is part of the reason that most dentures need to be refit periodically. Because the most rapid jaw shrinkage occurs during the first six months after extractions, it would be quite normal for your dentures to be loose after six months and require relining. Because the need for this additional and continual treatment (refitting) can vary greatly from patient to patient and time to time, it is most often considered as a separate part of your treatment plan, and the time necessary to accomplish this service is billed accordingly.Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists. Back to top
Tooth extraction and restoration: If tooth decay or gum disease is so severe that a tooth can't be saved, it will need to be extracted. Your dentist will examine the remaining teeth in your mouth and determine if they should be removed or restored with tooth-colored fillings, inlays, onlays, or dental crowns. After the teeth have been extracted, the gums need at least two to three months to heal before an implant can be placed or an impression taken.
More modern dentures can be fitted immediately after removal of the last tooth. They are made prior to the operation and allow the user full faculty of their mouth straight after their insertion. However, immediate dentures may lose their fit as the bones and gum shrink during the healing process. Immediate dentures are often used as a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be fitted at a later date.
Partial dentures are a removable appliance that consists of artificial or prosthetic teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic-acrylic base. Partial dentures can be secured more and held in place by a metal framework or tooth-colored attachments. Partial dentures are used for patients who are missing one or more natural teeth, but not all of their teeth. These dentures work with both the upper and lower jaw, remaining secure in either location during use.
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.
Retention is the principle that describes how well the denture is prevented from moving vertically in the opposite direction of insertion. The better the topographical mimicry of the intaglio (interior) surface of the denture base to the surface of the underlying mucosa, the better the retention will be (in removable partial dentures, the clasps are a major provider of retention), as surface tension, suction and friction will aid in keeping the denture base from breaking intimate contact with the mucosal surface. It is important to note that the most critical element in the retentive design of a maxillary complete denture is a complete and total border seal (complete peripheral seal) in order to achieve 'suction'. The border seal is composed of the edges of the anterior and lateral aspects and the posterior palatal seal. The posterior palatal seal design is accomplished by covering the entire hard palate and extending not beyond the soft palate and ending 1–2 mm from the vibrating line.
Conventional full dentures are used to replace a full set of teeth either on the upper or lower jaw. When all of the patient’s natural teeth have been removed and the gum tissues have healed, conventional full dentures may be placed in the mouth. In between, the patient may be fitted with an immediate denture that can be inserted on the same day the teeth are extracted. Using immediate full dentures is beneficial for the patient because this means that he does not have to go without teeth for a certain period. Readjustment of the dentures will have to be made after several months because the supporting bone will reshape as it heals and this will cause the denture to loosen.
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.
