Following advanced tooth loss, it’s important to begin the tooth replacement process immediately. After all, when you’re missing numerous teeth, your oral and overall health are at risk. Plus, the simplest daily tasks, like eating or smiling, are suddenly difficult or impossible. At Dentistry by Design, our dedicated team is here to help you with all of your restorative dentistry needs, including the creation and placement of partial or full dentures. If you’ve lost several teeth or a full row, please call to schedule a consultation at our Bartlesville dental office. We look forward to helping you put the smile back on your face.
Patients who are struggling with moderate to severe tooth loss are often candidates for dentures. If you are interested in learning more about this tooth-replacement solution, then come visit Dr. Luke Lumpkin! He’ll learn a little bit about you, your dental history, and your smile goals before conducting a thorough oral exam. Then, he’ll determine the best option for you. If it’s dentures, then he will begin the process of creating your custom treatment plan as well as your custom restoration!
Since no two patients are the same, it doesn’t make sense to only offer one type of denture. That’s why we provide partial, full, and implant dentures at our Bartlesville dental office! Here’s a little more information about each:
Partial dentures, often referred to simply as partials, are used to fill in the gaps left by extensive tooth loss. A partial can be used to replace any number of consecutive and nonconsecutive missing teeth. A gum-colored base material is molded to fit snuggly between any remaining teeth. Then, replacement teeth are attached to the base. The entire partial is held in place by metal clasps attached to the remaining teeth.
Full dentures are crafted, like partials, using a gum-colored base material to support a full row of replacement teeth. Because there are no remaining teeth to support the denture, these prosthetics rely on natural suction between the gums and base material to hold them in place. When properly fitted, full dentures should remain firmly in place, but some patients find it reassuring to use a small amount of denture adhesive to improve the stability of their denture.
For maximum security, you may want to consider a dental implant-supported partial or full denture. These restorations look, feel, and function more like your healthy, natural smile, and can restore 70% or more natural chewing ability compared with just about 20% with traditional dentures. Want to find out if you’re a candidate? Then schedule a consultation with us today!
Decade after decade, patients continue to choose dentures because:
Are you thinking about getting dentures in Bartlesville to replace your missing teeth? These long-lasting prosthetic teeth offer patients a plethora of benefits, such as reliability and affordability. However, they also come with a lot of questions, especially if you’ve never worn them before. Whether you’re a first-time denture patient or you’re simply curious about how they work, we’ve decided to answer some of our most frequently asked questions about dentures down below.
Even with the numerous advancements made in dental technology in recent years, no pair of dentures is designed to last forever. On average, your dentures will have to be replaced every 5-10 years. This is because when you’re missing teeth, the shape of your jawbone will change shape over the years, causing dentures to lose their snug fit. You can get your prosthetic adjusted a few times, but eventually you’ll have to replace it entirely.
There’s a common misconception that once you’ve received dentures, you don’t need to see your dentist for checkups anymore. However, this is certainly not true. You’ll still need to see Dr. Lumpkin on a regular basis of at least twice a year, or every six months, just like you did when you still had all of your natural pearly whites. These visits will ensure your dentures are still in good condition and aren’t causing sores or irritation. Dr. Lumpkin can also catch early warning signs of infection or oral cancer while treatment is still relatively easy.
As long as you attend your regular checkups with Dr. Lumpkin, he should be able to determine when your dentures need to be adjusted. In between appointments, if you notice a shift in your jaw that makes your dentures not feel quite right in your mouth, it may be time to bring them to our office and have us refit the base. This will create a snugger fit, minimizing the risk of accidental slippage and maximizing their comfort.
The price of dentures will vary based on your individual needs. Every patient differs. For example, some patients only need dentures on the top or bottom, while others are missing teeth on both arches. Some of the factors that may influence the cost of your dentures include:
Our team is more than happy to take a look at your insurance policy to make the most out of your benefits and reduce your out-of-pocket costs as much as possible.