Complete (Full) Dentures
Full dentures are also known as complete dentures and are a total replacement of all of your upper or lower teeth with a removable set of teeth. Dentures are usually prescribed by dentists when decay or tooth damage becomes so severe that saving existing teeth has become too difficult.
Dentures may be considered immediate or conventional depending on when the denture is actually made. Immediate dentures are usually made before any remaining teeth are extracted and are available for use as soon as the extractions occur. Immediate dentures usually take a series of adjustments to achieve the correct fit as the gum and jaw line usually shrink during healing. The alternate to immediate dentures is conventional dentures. In the case of conventional dentures, the patient will normally wait a period of 8 to 12 weeks after extractions are completed to be fit for a set of dentures. This waiting period will give the patient's gums and jaw a chance to heal and settle into its final shape. This allows the dentist the ability to create a wonderful fit while only having to make minor adjustments from that point on. In many cases, a patient will be fitted with an immediate denture during this waiting period to avoid having to go without teeth.
Partial Dentures become necessary if permanent teeth remain intact, but missing teeth need to be replaced. It is possible to fill in the void of one or more missing teeth with a removable partial denture. A partial denture is made of a gum colored plastic base with the replacement teeth attached.
If you would like a denture consultation or have additional questions regarding dentures, call us today to set up an appointment.