Kevin Patel, DMD

What is a Denture?

Dentures are removable, custom-made prosthetic appliances used to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues, restoring oral function and appearance. A complete denture replaces all teeth in the upper or lower jaw. A partial denture replace one or more missing teeth, that have clasps that hook around your remaining natural teeth, providing additional stability

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The Denture Procedure

 

1. Examination and Treatment Planning

A thorough examination (including x-rays) and consultation are necessary before the procedure to determine the patient's oral health and suitability for a complete or partial denture. This includes assessing the health of your teeth, gums and jawbone. Several factors will influence your denture options, including the number of healthy teeth you have, whether you need complete dentures or partial dentures.

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2. Preparation

Tooth removal isn’t always required, but it becomes necessary when decayed or non restorable teeth are present. After any extractions are completed and the appropriate healing timeframe is met then the next step is taking impressions. Preliminary impressions are taken along with bite registrations and jaw relation records and sent to the lab. The lab will then send us a wax-try in that allows us to make adjustments and assess the fit, comfort and overall appearance.

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3. Denture Delivery

The final denture case will arrive from the lab, and a final fitting is completed. During this visit, your dentist will carefully evaluate the dentures for any areas causing excessive pressure or irritation on your gums. It is very common for several adjustment appointments to be needed to achieve the best fit. After receiving your new denture, you’ll return for follow-up to ensure they fit properly.

 

Consistent dental care also extends the life of your dentures, ensuring they continue to fit well and support your oral health over time.