Get Your Smile Back
Untreated tooth loss doesn't just affect your self-image—it can also increase the risk of developing nutritional problems and other systemic health disorders.
Fortunately, there's a reliable and trustworthy method for treating this condition at Lakewood Dental: full or partial dentures.
All About Dentures
A denture is a removable dental appliance and replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue. They closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.
There are two types of dentures—complete and partial dentures. At Lakewood Dental, we use complete dentures when all teeth are missing and partial dentures when some natural teeth remain. A partial denture fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from shifting.
A complete denture can be either "conventional" or "immediate." Conventional dentures are made after the teeth have been removed, and the gum tissue has healed.
Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, eliminating any time without teeth during the healing process. Once the tissues shrink and heal, we'll adjust for the best fit.
Dentures are durable appliances that will last many years but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear.
Reasons for Dentures
- Complete Denture - Loss of all teeth in an arch
- Partial Denture - Loss of several teeth in an arch
- Enhancing smile and facial tissues
- Improving chewing, speech, and digestion
The Process of Getting Dentures
The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over several weeks. We'll take highly accurate impressions and measurements to create your custom denture.
Several "try-in" appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. Our doctors will adjust and place the completed denture at the final appointment, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.
It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty, but this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures.
You will get care instructions for your new dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures.