Dentures / Partial Dentures
Although dental implants are the recommended choice for the replacement of teeth, dentures are still an excellent solution. Conventional full dentures may be fitted to replace all teeth, or just a few teeth with a partial denture. Partial dentures are similar to dental bridges, in that they replace one or multiple teeth in an arch and are held in place by natural teeth. Unlike dental bridges, dentures are able to be removed at home for cleaning and in our office for dental check-ups.
At Dr. Parsi’s general and cosmetic dental practice, you may choose from conventional full dentures or immediate full dentures.
Conventional full dentures are placed after gum tissue has healed from any extractions. The healing process can take a few months to complete, during which time you will be without teeth. After gum tissue has healed, measurements are taken for the fabrication of your conventional denture.
Immediate dentures are placed the same day the teeth are removed, allowing you to maintain a natural appearance. Measurements are taken before teeth are removed for immediate dentures. While there is the benefit of leaving our office with your new denture appliance, there will be the necessity to return after gum tissue has fully healed, as the denture will need to be adjusted as the jawbone and gum tissue change shape.
Both conventional dentures and immediate dentures take time for the muscles of the mouth to become accustomed. Common initial complaints include the denture feeling bulky, loose, or leaving too little room for the tongue. This is not the case with an implant supported prosthesis, as they are able be made with less material since they are supported by bone.
During the time the mouth is adapting to the new denture, speaking and eating might be difficult. Starting out by eating softer foods that don’t require a lot of chewing can be very beneficial. This is certainly the case with immediate dentures, as the gums may be a bit sore the day after surgery. Once the cheeks and tongue adapt to the new dentures, they will relax and function normally. Within several weeks, eating and speaking will be more comfortable and natural.
Dentures are appliances that rest on the gums. With the consistent changes that occur to the jawbone in the absence of natural teeth, dentures will naturally need to be relined to fit securely. Though functional and very esthetic, conventional tissue-borne dentures may never feel as secure as your original teeth. To remedy the common issues that are associated with conventional dentures, we recommend implant-supported dentures, which anchors to multiple dental implants for stability. Discover your most comfortable form of tooth replacement at Dr. Parsi’s general and cosmetic dentistry practice by calling today.
If you have questions about dentures, or want to find the right denture solution for you, come visit our family and cosmetic dental office in San Antonio and we’ll gladly answer any questions you might have! Parsi General & Children Dentistry – Proudly offering dental veneers, dental implants, teeth whitening, Invisalign, and comprehensive family dentistry to the San Antonio area since 1998.