Dentures in Oklahoma City
When someone has severe tooth loss or is told they need a full-mouth extraction, it can be an uneasy feeling for a patient as they don’t know what to expect. Oklahoma City dentist, Dr. Grace, understands this can be a delicate time and works intimately with each patient so they understand all of their options in tooth replacement. One of the best and most common ways to rebuild a natural smile after tooth loss is with a set of custom dentures.
Why Should I Get Dentures?
There is both health and cosmetic value in replacing missing teeth with dentures. Missing teeth can cause facial muscles to sag, spur existing teeth to shift, and lead to difficulty speaking clearly and eating normally. Dentures can correct all of that, giving you back the natural look and feel of your teeth and mouth. Also, no more hiding your smile. With dentures from Pragma Dental OKC, you can chat away as much as you like.
How Do Dentures Work?
When it’s time for a set of dentures, Dr. Grace will take an image of your mouth and form your replacement teeth based on that model so that the dentures fit your mouth perfectly. The dentures are then fabricated and affixed directly to your remaining teeth or gums unless you decide to go with implant-supported dentures (see below).
The two types of dentures available are – complete dentures and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all teeth have been removed and/or are missing. Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth still remain. Both can be removable or supported by implants like mentioned above.
Complete Dentures
There are two types of complete dentures that attach to the gums – immediate and conventional. Immediate dentures are placed as soon as the existing teeth are extracted, meaning you’ll leave the office with a new set of teeth, but you’ll probably have to come back for a re-fitting in a few months. During this time swelling will go down and the jaw bone will naturally readjust.
Conventional dentures won’t be put in place until the tissue where the teeth were before extraction has healed, a process that can take several months.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures can be used when one or more healthy natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. Partial dentures fill in space where teeth are missing and help prevent shifting of the natural teeth still in place. The denture typically consists of a gum-colored base which has replacement teeth attached to it where the mouth is missing teeth. Partial dentures come in many different types from a metal cast frame to valplast (no metal).
Implant-Supported Dentures
Another alternative option is implant-supported dentures. These dentures are connected to dental implants that hold the teeth in place, unlike traditional dentures that sit on the gums. Implant-supported dentures are also not removable by the patient.
The right candidate for implant-supported dentures is a patient with few teeth but healthy bone structure. Creating implant-supported dentures normally takes several visits and months to fully complete. Once the implant-supported dentures are in place, however, they are often more stable and comfortable than traditional dentures. Patient satisfaction tends to be very high with implant-supported dentures.
Not All Dentures Are Created Equal
It is very important to note when looking for denture options… NOT ALL DENTURES ARE CREATED EQUAL. A good quality set of dentures take multiple fittings and fit to the contours and dynamics of your mouth. While seeing an advertisement for cheap dentures may be enticing, over time you will ultimately pay the cost. Cheap dentures tend to fit very poorly which can lead to mouth sores, swollen and tender gums, embarrassment from them slipping while talking, poor speech and not being able to chew food properly.
Caring For Dentures
Even with dentures, daily care for your mouth is still a must. Patients with dentures are recommended to brush their gums, tongue, and palate daily to remove plaque in those areas. It is important to keep up with your regular dental exams as well so Dr. Grace can keep an eye on your mouth for any changes.
If looking to replace missing teeth with dentures in OKC, call Pragma Dental OKC for a consultation so you can learn all your options before moving forward.