TREATMENTS

Most denture wearers will have several sets in their possession or will have several sets in drawers at home. It is not because they were all made incorrectly, but rather they do not not generally do an adequate job of replacing the teeth that have been lost to disease or neglect. Having said that sometimes it is a patient's only option. We can fabricate conventional dentures when needed; however, implant retained dentures are much more satisfying and functional. A well constructed conventional denture can often be retrofitted to accommodate implants.

  • A conventional denture is made after all teeth have been extracted and the tissues (gums) have healed.
  • An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted and the tissues are allowed to heal under the denture.
  • An upper denture has acrylic, usually flesh colored, that covers the palate (roof of the mouth).
  • A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue.

The teeth are made of plastic, porcelain or a combination of both. Dentures can be fabricated to fit over root canal treated teeth and a complete denture can be attached to dental implants to allow for a more secure fit of the appliance.

Over time the acrylic base in dentures will cause the jaw bones to shrink away leaving very little support for the appliance. In severe cases of lower jaw shrinking the nerve will become very superficial and create extreme pain when the denture is worn.