Complete Dentures
When you have missing teeth, it’s a hassle. The missing teeth can affect your appearance and make it embarrassing when you smile. We will help you with any questions about complete dentures and what they can do for you. Keep reading to learn more about everything you need to know about this kind of restorative dentistry service.
UNDERSTANDING COMPLETE DENTURES
When most teeth in your jaw are missing, dentures can be used to replace them. However, when a few natural teeth are left, removing them is crucial so that there is enough space for the dental prosthesis (artificial or false teeth). These are a set of 14 or other artificial teeth placed on a gum-colored base. The base will allow proper covering of the palate and the gums, so they must fit snugly into the gums. Without a good fit, the dentures will irritate the gums and won’t remain in place.
PREPARING FOR A SET OF COMPLETE DENTURES
Dentists need to prepare dentures for patients who have had teeth extracted. Impressions of the teeth are made before any extraction is performed. The laboratory receives impressions of the teeth along with specifications for the color and shape of the dentures. When everything is complete, dentists try these on patients and make adjustments if needed to ensure a proper fit. You may need additional procedures if your bone quality does not meet the standards. These are:
Alveoloplasty: The procedure adjusts the contour of the jawbone so that the fixtures fit securely. It also provides more surface area for retention.
Bone Grafting: If a patient’s jawbone density is low, or the quality of their jawbone is not strong enough to support dentures, a bone graft may be used to improve the overall quality of the jawbone.
AFTER THE TREATMENT | CARING FOR YOUR FULL DENTURES IN AZ
Complete sets of dentures can be removed and cleaned for easy reinsertion. Dentures should be soaked in a unique solution or water at bedtime to prevent them from drying out. Dentures can become warped over time because they are not rooted in the jawbone like natural teeth. The bone shrinks away from the dentures, which is called resorption. When the bones shrink, the gums shrink too—you’ll need a new set of dentures to make it fit again. Dentures need to be replaced every seven years or so.
LIMITATIONS OF COMPLETE DENTURES
Removable dentures have their drawbacks. One of the most annoying is the need for frequent relining. But there are many other disadvantages, too, including the fact that they don’t fit snugly, and sometimes you need to remove them from your mouth in public.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT COMPLETE DENTURES IN AZ
At Dobson and Frye Family Dentistry, Implants, and Braces in Arizona, you can confidently get high-quality complete dentures every time. Let’s take a look at the types available:
Removable partials: Partial dentures are excellent for replacing one or a few teeth. They come with clasps that help secure dentures and are designed to attach to neighboring teeth for added support.
Flexible: Partial removable dentures are the most common type and can be made of acrylic. They’re flexible, so they’ll stay in place better and cause minor irritation to the gum tissue.
Fixed bridges: These options are excellent if you prefer not to use clasps. The dentures will be permanently attached to the crowns, and the crowns will be used for support.
Full sets: Dentures are necessary for people who have no more teeth. Their suction-like qualities help them stick to the gums.
ASCERTAINING NECESSITY FOR EXTRACTION
People don’t generally like the idea of having their teeth removed. It’s possible to get dentures without pulling out healthy teeth, though: a root canal treatment can help prevent tooth decay. If you don’t want to have your teeth extracted, an overdenture may be a good option. With an overdenture, you can keep the rest of your natural tooth, so bone resorption (loss of bone) will not occur.
MORE ABOUT FIXED IMPLANTS & DENTURE SNAP-ONS
Full dental implant sets are often referred to as All-on-4. If you want to get the most out of your implants, you should consider this. In addition, you can go for dentures that come with snaps, which allow you to remove and replace your dentures whenever you need to.
Patients who want to replace their natural teeth permanently with a full set of dentures can use implant-supported dentures. These dentures snap into four or five implants that have been surgically placed in a patient’s jawbone. Each implant is like a screw that has been inserted into the jaw. The false teeth are then snapped onto these implants, and patients can take them in and out whenever they prefer. Instead of being placed on top of the gum, these dentures rest on the metal plate inside them, which snaps into the implants to keep them securely.
ARIZONA, COMPLETE/FULL DENTURES
At Dobson and Frye Family Dentistry, Implants, and Braces in Arizona, our trusted dentists will offer you a new set of comfortable dentures. Don’t hesitate to contact us today if you have any questions, concerns, treatment options, or costs.
