Dentures

Complete Denture:

Dentures may be the best solution when complete extractions of your remaining teeth are unavoidable. This procedure can even begin before your teeth are extracted! In most cases, we have no way of checking the fit of the denture in your mouth prior to extraction, so the immediate denture or “healing denture” is your first stop.

The first step is taking impressions of your existing teeth and gums to create accurate duplicates for placement after tooth removal. Your immediate dentures are inserted at your extraction appointment, creating a natural smile you can be proud of!

After extraction, great care should be taken to follow all postoperative instructions. Your gums and bone will recede or shrink after extraction, and regular check-ups and maintenance will monitor healing and reduce problems. Temporary linings or tissue conditioners will be required to create an optimal fit and may need to be adjusted or replaced several times during the healing period. A permanent denture reline will be necessary to ensure a comfortable and exact fit after you have completed the healing process.

As time goes on, your gum tissues will change, and the fit of the denture will become looser and, thus, more prone to movement inside your mouth. Having the denture professionally relined every one to two years will keep it secure and functional!

Partial Dentures:

A removable partial denture is designed specifically to meet the patient’s needs and can replace one or more missing teeth. It restores a natural appearance, speech clarity, and the ability to eat more efficiently.

Partial dentures are made of metal and acrylic or completely out of acrylic. A patient’s specific needs and anatomy dictate the design of the partial denture, and every effort is made to construct a partial denture that preserves the remaining teeth and oral tissues.

Drs. Rydel, Archung or Stager will design your partial denture so that the chewing forces are evenly distributed over the entire surface of the remaining teeth and soft tissues. Changes to your remaining teeth may be recommended to help equalize these forces.

Metal partials are generally preferred as they are structurally superior. They are thinner and more hygienic than acrylic partials, which are typically used as transitional or temporary partials. Drs. Rydel, Archung, or Stager will consult with you to determine the appropriate partial for your situation.

Denture or Partial Denture repair:

A variety of circumstances can lead to a damaged denture, which should be addressed immediately. Repairs restore a fractured or damaged denture close to its original condition. Often, our labs used for removable dentures can Add to your existing partial or repair broken Dentures within a day!

Your dentures are an investment that requires care and attention to maintain optimum performance. The fit of your dentures will profoundly affect your oral tissues and health.

An ill-fitting denture can cause bite problems, speech impediments, and tissue irritations and should be remedied. Leaving this condition unchecked can lead to complicated situations in the future. Drs. Rydel, Archung & Stager can assess your dentures for cracks, chips, and broken or loose teeth and suggest solutions.

Advice and tips on caring for your removable prosthesis:

• Only your dental professional can diagnose your oral health and adjust your denture or partial.
• Dentures should be brushed inside and outside daily with a soft, large nylon denture toothbrush with round-ended bristles. Use denture creams instead of toothpaste, which are too abrasive and will scratch your denture.
• Rinse with cold water.
• Dentures warp if placed in hot water.
• Inspect your denture regularly for worn teeth.
• Worn and stained dentures can make you look older and cause your dentures to function poorly.
• Discuss all your current medications with your doctor and dental professional.
• Be sure to visit your dental professional regularly.
• Have loose dentures checked immediately, as they can cause friction and pressure on the gum tissues and bones.
• When not in use, cover dentures with water or a denture-cleaning solution to prevent them from drying out.