Whether patients already have dentures and feel they need a new set, or if it is in the best interest for patients to have several or all of their teeth removed and replaced with dentures, Damrow Dental can help. We are proud to offer comprehensive dental care. Dr. Mike has extensive experience working with patients in either situation, and the entire process can be decided and completed in our office.
The decision to extract teeth and to fabricate dentures should not be taken lightly. Dr. Mike understands that adjusting to dentures is more challenging than most patients realize. He has in-depth conversations with his patients, advising on the viable options and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of each. He wants his patients to feel comfortable and confident that they are making the best decision.
COMPLETE DENTURES are made when all of a patient’s natural teeth are missing. There are two most common types of complete dentures.
Traditional Dentures: These dentures are made after full healing of the extraction sites (typically 8-10 weeks). This option allows the patient to have more control in determining the look of the dentures and there are typically fewer adjustments for fit needed. However, it does mean that patients will be without teeth for a bit of time.
Immediate Dentures: With this type of denture, impressions (or molds) are made prior to any dental extractions. Impressions are made over existing teeth, and these molds are then used to fabricate the dentures. Therefore, on the same day that teeth are removed, patients leave with their new dentures. However, once gum tissues heal and shrink, the fit of the dentures will change. Thus, future adjustments to the dentures will need to be made.
PARTIAL DENTURES are made when some of the patient’s natural teeth remain. Remaining teeth are used as supports for partial dentures. Just like complete dentures, there are two most common types of partial dentures.
Metal Framework Partial Dentures: These are typically the strongest type of partial dentures, as they have a metal framework embedded within the actual denture material. They also tend to be the most stable type of partial denture. However, these partial dentures cannot be made until after full healing of extraction sites has occurred.
Acrylic Partial Dentures: This type of partial denture is fabricated completely from the material that is used to make complete dentures. This denture is made prior to the extraction of teeth, and patients leave with these partials the same day the extractions are completed. This option tends to be selected by patients who do not want to live with empty spaces in their mouth while waiting for the dentures to be made.