Dentures - Complete and Partial
Monroe, LA
 Tooth loss affects millions of Americans and can happen for many reasons. While it is more common among older adults, even younger adults can lose several teeth. If you have lost teeth, it is highly recommended that you have them replaced right away. Today, you have several options. At Tim Perry, DDS one of these options is dentures.
How Do Dentures Work?
Complete and partial dentures are both removable dental restorations. This means that you can take them out and put them back in at any time. They both are made up of a base that looks like your actual gums. The base supports your replacement teeth, which are made to look exactly like real teeth. The base uses your gum tissue, as well as the ridge underneath, to support the restoration. Typically, the base can be held in place just by suction, but some get extra comfort and confidence with the use of denture adhesive. The biggest difference between a complete and partial denture is the number of teeth each restoration replaces. A complete denture replaces all teeth in either arch. A partial denture replaces several, and leaves the healthy teeth intact.
How Long will it Take to Get My New Denture?
The process for getting a denture, either complete or partial, is a gradual one. As your denture is made, you try it on periodically. This allows us to ensure that your final restoration will fit your mouth properly after your gum tissue and jawbone have changed. Even once the final denture has been made, some last adjustments may be necessary. It can take up to 12 weeks for your final restoration to be completed.
Will How I Eat and Speak be Affected?
At first, you might find it strange to eat and speak. After all, you have a strange new object in your mouth. While your denture may look like your real teeth, it does not exactly feel like real teeth. The longer you use your denture, however, the easier eating and speaking will become. Eventually, you will be able to easily eat many of your favorite foods again and speak normally.
Can I Sleep in My Denture?
It is not recommended to sleep in your denture. Your denture is removable and should be taken out each night. Your replacement teeth use your gums for support. This tissue is not exactly designed to support the pressure that your restoration exerts on it. The blood flow to your gums can be affected, which can deprive them of oxygen and essential nutrients. Too much use can also irritate the tissue, leaving it feeling sore. Taking your denture out at night is crucial for giving your gum tissue a chance to rest and heal so that it can support the restoration during the daytime.
What Happens if I Develop a Sore?
Denture sores can sometimes develop as a result of the base rubbing the tissue. These sores can be painful. There are some things that you can do to help alleviate the pain and encourage the sore to heal, including using a salt water rinse or using a cream designed for denture sores. If you have concerns over the fit of your dentures, it is important that you schedule an appointment right away. Sores can result from ill-fitting dentures. In such a case, a new denture may be needed.
What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
There may be other options for a full arch replacement that are more stable and permanent than removable dentures. These treatments include bar-retained implant-supported dentures and the All-on-4® Treatment Concept. Bar-retained dentures involve the use of a titanium bar that is attached to dental implants. Your clip onto this bar and are removable. With the All-on-4® Treatment Concept, your teeth are fixed into place using four titanium screws, just like a regular implant-supported denture.
If you are interested in learning more about complete or partial dentures for replacing your missing teeth, call Tim Perry, DDS at (318) 322-0576 to schedule your appointment today. |
