Dentures

Tooth loss can occur for many reasons (periodontal disease, decay or trauma). Dentures are used to replace missing teeth. Complete dentures are used to replace missing teeth for people with no remaining teeth. Dentures may also be used for people who have lost several teeth. In this case, the appliance is called a partial denture or an overdenture.

 

During the first dental visit to evaluate the need for dentures, your dentist will examine your gums and supporting bone structure to identify the appropriate dental treatment plan.

 

In some cases, oral surgery is performed to rectify bony ridges that may interfere with the stability of the denture. In other cases, the remaining teeth may need to be extracted before dentures can be placed. Once your dentist has confirmed that dentures are suitable for you, he will make an impression of the gums to identify every ridge and crevice to ensure the best denture fit possible.

 

In cases where teeth need to be removed, an immediate denture is typically placed to enable proper healing of the extraction sites and serve as an aesthetic replacement for natural teeth. The immediate dentures can be easily modified for changing ridge contours during healing until final dentures can be made. In constructing the immediate dentures, dentists will use a shade and mold chart to choose replacement teeth that will most closely match your natural teeth, minimizing any changes in appearance.

 

Complete dentures are made when gums are healed completely. Complete dentures replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaws of the mouth. Gums will naturally shrink through the healing process of tooth loss, which normally takes from six to 12 months. During this period the immediate dentures may require adjustments to accommodate the changes in the gums and underlying bone structure. This could include soft and hard relining procedures made to the immediate denture.

 

 

To know more about dentures, call us or use our online form.