Are you looking for replacement teeth but don’t want dentures? Are your current dentures causing gum pain and discomfort?
Dr. Roham Rafat is a periodontist and perio-prosthodontist near Hunt Valley, MD, specializing in replacing missing teeth. We offer several options for modern dentures.
A dentist can use natural teeth or dental implants to retain full and partial dentures. New materials and techniques can give you the most comfortable and natural-looking results.
The dawn of the digital age has arrived in dentistry, and Valley Dental Health makes every effort to stay on top of all the latest advances. Today’s dentures are more natural looking and comfortable. They can be made using high-quality acrylic or porcelain materials.
One innovation that interests both Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat is digital denture fabrication. Using CAD/CAM technology, it is now possible to make a denture base that adapts much more closely to the patient’s remaining jaw bone than previous techniques.
The result is a better fit, better retention, and less food impaction beneath the denture. We electronically store the digital record that we use to fabricate the patient’s denture. We can access it and use it to make a new denture in case of an emergency. Dr. Izadi and Dr. Rafat are both trained in fabricating digital dentures using this process.
Types of Dentures
The type of denture you receive will depend on the number and placement of missing teeth you have. It is also dependent on your lifestyle and budget. Dental implant-secured dentures offer more benefits than regular dentures. They are more stable for those who are looking for a more permanent solution.
Full Dentures
Dentists use full dentures to replace all of the upper or lower teeth. They can be either traditional or retained by dental implants. As few as two dental implants can secure the denture in place. This will increase the success rate of the restoration.
Implant-secured dentures offer a number of benefits compared to traditional removable dentures, including:
- Better retention, no chance of slippage or fear of teeth falling out
- Improved health of bone and gums
- Ability to eat without restrictions
- No need for the daily use of adhesive
- More natural look and feel
- Support integrity of the facial structure
Same-day Dentures
Many patients who need all of their remaining teeth extracted are good candidates for same-day dentures. Traditionally, the dentist will extract the teeth, and the jaw bone heals prior to the fabrication of a complete denture.
With same-day dentures, teeth can be extracted on the same day as the denture delivery. This way, the patient does not have to go without teeth. This greatly improves function as well as comfort for the patient.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are similar to a dental bridge in that they replace a series of teeth but not all teeth in the jaw. They basically fill in the blanks in your smile. Natural teeth usually retain them by using metal clasps.
This restoration is removable for cleaning and nightly storage. You can also use dental implants to increase the stability and retention of a partial denture.
Dentures & Partials: FAQs
How much do dentures cost?
The cost of dentures depends on your specific condition, the type of dentures you choose, and the materials we use. The dentist will review the denture cost and any other details before treatment. If you have dental insurance, we will submit claims on your behalf. For treatment not covered by insurance, we offer several flexible payment options.
Do you do denture repair?
If you need denture repair, please contact our office. In some cases, we may be able to repair your denture in the office or on the same day, and in other cases, we may need to send your denture to a dental lab for repair. Other times, we may suggest getting a new denture.
Can I wear my dentures at night?
You can wear your dentures at night. However, we suggest that you remove them to sleep if they are removable. Removing them at night gives your jaw and gums time to breathe. This also allows the patients time to clean them, which has to be done daily. This will extend the life of the dentures and is best for the patient’s overall health.
Can you eat normally with dentures?
Patients should be able to eat whatever they want with dentures in because they should work like natural teeth. It usually takes patients a few days to adjust to eating.
Until patients are comfortable, we recommend that they avoid hard candy or sticky foods. However, you should always avoid chewing gum or any type of very sticky food. The gum will get stuck underneath your dentures and create a mess.
Can you have a tooth extraction and get dentures on the same day?
Yes, this is entirely possible. You can get immediate dentures immediately after extraction, also known as temporary dentures. Many patients fear going into public after a dentist pulls their teeth, and they have an empty smile. Immediate dentures eliminate this fear while you wait for your final restoration.
