Town Center Family Dentistry has as many ways of restoring and replacing teeth, but the method people are probably most familiar with are dentures. When multiple teeth need to be replaced and implants are impractical or otherwise inappropriate, dentures or removable partial dentures may be the best way for patients to regain some of their abilities to chew and speak.
Full conventional dentures replace all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw, while removable partial dentures can replace a missing segment of teeth. This can be one tooth or a few teeth on one or both sides of the patient’s jaw arch. At Town Center Family Dentistry our aim is to help our patients maintain the best oral health by preserving both form and function of the teeth and supporting bones and gums. Removable Partial dentures are held in place by clasps around the natural teeth remaining on either side, which may have to be reshaped to accommodate the clasp. The clasp is easy for most patients to operate as partial dentures, unlike fixed bridges, are removable.
When treatment requires the removal of all the teeth in the patient’s upper or lower jaw, an immediate denture, made using an impression of the patient’s mouth, is placed following the extractions. The immediate denture roughly fits the patient’s mouth at the time of extractions and the patient’s gum ridge will shrink and change shape for several months without tooth roots to keep it stable. When the extraction sockets are fully healed, another impression can be made, which is used to construct the full conventional denture.
Alternatively, the denture may be relined by filling the gaps between the underside of the denture and the patient’s jaw ridge. Multiple adjustments of the denture may be required for comfort. Adjustments will continue throughout the patient’s life but should be less frequent than when the patient was wearing the immediate denture. Our hygienist will teach patients to clean both the denture and their gum ridge. Top dentures are kept in place by suctioning to the patient’s palate, though both they and lower dentures may require an adhesive or other means of securement. We’re happy to provide patients with the continuing care they need to keep their smiles strong and beautiful. Placing dentures is a means of maintaining oral health and a high quality of life, but not the end of the doctor-patient relationship.
For more information please visit us at www.dentistintowson.com or call us at 410-828-8000.
