Are you missing multiple permanent teeth? Do you have an old denture that requires replacement? We offer partial and complete dentures for patients with missing teeth at Lochwood Family Dental in Dallas, TX.
Dentures are restorative dental treatments that restore the appearance and function of rows and arches of missing teeth. Whether you have a row of missing teeth or all your teeth missing, we can restore your teeth with dentures.
Dentures and Partial Dentures in Dallas, TX
A complete denture restores full tooth arches, and partial dentures restore rows of missing teeth in different areas of the mouth. If you want a traditional removable denture, we will take dental impressions. We send these impressions to a dental lab, where technicians create dentures from porcelain and metal materials. Once the dentures are complete, we will ensure that it fits properly.
Traditional dentures sit on your gums and use adhesive to stay in place, but they may still move around at times. While traditional dentures improve the smile’s aesthetics, they are often not enough to restore the full function of the smile.
Implant Dentures
Dental implants are a great alternative that support dentures in our Dallas, TX office. Implants use titanium anchors that an oral surgeon places in the jaw bone. Multiple dental implants can restore a full arch of teeth and hold a denture comfortably in place. Unlike traditional dentures, implants will not slip around your mouth because they anchor dentures in place.
Implant Dentures vs Removable Dentures
Implant dentures offer these benefits:
- Stability: Implant dentures are fixed to dental implants surgically placed in your jawbone. This means they won’t shift or slip out of place while you eat or talk, giving you more confidence and comfort. You don’t have to worry about slipping dentures when you bite, chew, and speak.
- Bone Health: Implants support jawbone health by stimulating the jawbone like natural teeth. This can prevent bone loss, which often happens with missing teeth.
- Comfort: Because implant dentures are securely attached, they feel more like natural teeth. There’s less chance of sore spots or discomfort that can happen with removable dentures.
- Better Function: Implant dentures allow you to eat a wider variety of foods because they stay in place firmly. This means you can enjoy your favorite foods without worry. Dental implants also do not require restrictions against hard or crunchy foods. You can eat more foods when you receive an implant denture than with removable dentures.
Natural Look: Implants and dentures are custom-made to match your natural teeth. They look very natural and can improve your smile and confidence.
Traditional removable dentures provide these benefits:
- Ease of Use: Removable dentures are easy to take out and clean. This can be helpful if you have limited mobility or want a simpler option. You can clean your remaining teeth and dentures if needed.
- Cost: Removable dentures usually cost less than implant dentures. Because they are cheaper, they can be a better choice for people who are looking for a more affordable solution.
- No Surgery Required: Unlike implant dentures, removable dentures do not require surgery. This can be a less invasive option if surgery is not suitable for you.
How We Make Implant-Supported Dentures in Dallas, TX
Getting dentures involves a few steps to ensure a perfect fit:
Consultation
The first step is to visit our office for an initial consultation. During this visit, we’ll talk about your goals, preferences, and any concerns you have. Then, we will check your oral health, including your gums and bone structure. We will review your options and explain the types of implant dentures available to decide on the best option for you.
Treatment Planning
Once we know your needs, we’ll create a detailed treatment plan. We will take X-rays and impressions of your mouth to evaluate bone density and design the implants and dentures. From these images, we will develop a plan for placing the implants and fitting the dentures.
Implant Placement
The next step is placing the dental implants into your jawbone. We’ll use local anesthesia to numb the area, so you’re comfortable during the procedure. Then, we surgically place small metal posts into your jawbone. These posts act as the roots for your new teeth.
Healing
We allow time for the implants to fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration. This usually takes a few months. As the jaw bone grows around the titanium implant posts, it ensures the posts act like new tooth roots.
At this time, we will give you temporary dentures so you will not be without teeth as your implants heal. We will also schedule follow-up appointments to check on your healing progress and make sure everything is going well.
Abutment Placement
Once the implants have fully integrated with your bone, we will place the abutments or small connectors on the implants. These will hold the final dentures in place. We’ll take impressions to ensure your final dentures fit perfectly over the abutments.
Fitting the Final Dentures
Your gums will need more time to heal around the abutments. Once you fully heal and your custom dentures are complete, you will return to our office. Before placing your dentures, we make adjustments to ensure a comfortable fit.
How to Care for Your Dentures
Clean your implant dentures daily. Brush your dentures every day with a soft-bristled brush and denture cleaner. This helps remove food particles and prevent plaque buildup. Avoid using regular toothpaste because it can be too abrasive.
Traditional dentures require more care. Because they are removable, you have to soak them overnight in a denture-cleaning solution or water. This helps keep them moist and prevents warping. Rinse your dentures after each meal to remove food particles and prevent stains and odors.
Whether you get implant-supported dentures or removable dentures, you should visit our office regularly for check-ups. At these visits, we ensure your dentures fit properly and stay clean.
Dentures FAQs
Read answers to commonly asked questions we get about dentures in our Dallas, TX, dentist office:
How many teeth do partial dentures replace?
There is no set number of teeth you can replace with partials.
Partials can replace:
- Just 1 to 2 teeth (like when molars are missing)
- Several teeth in different areas (like missing front and back teeth)
- Most teeth, while keeping some natural ones
The exact number depends on the type of partial, your jaw bone health, and where the gaps are.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Yes, but you can eat more foods with implant dentures. Many people say implant dentures let them enjoy food like they did with their natural teeth. You can eat crunchy apples, chewy bread, and even corn once you’re used to your dentures.
How long does it take to get dentures?
The time it takes to get dentures depends on the denture type. You can get a removable denture within several weeks. Implant dentures can take months to get.
While implant dentures have a longer treatment time, these dentures last longer. We also ensure you have enough healthy jaw bone and healthy gum tissue so your new teeth last.
Do dentures look natural?
Yes, modern dentures can look very natural when made properly. We match your dentures to your face shape and desired tooth color so they blend in. Our high-quality dentures also have translucent edges like natural teeth. Our office will take digital scans of your mouth for precision and adjust the appearance of your dentures before we place them.
Can I get implants if I already have dentures?
Yes, you can get dental implants even if you already have dentures. Many people switch from traditional dentures to implant-supported dentures for better stability and comfort.
Dr. Nguyen will take X-rays to see if you have enough jaw bone and healthy gums before treatment. She can also recommend treatments so you can be a good candidate for implant dentures in her Dallas, TX, office.
Will dentures affect the way I speak?
Yes, dentures might temporarily affect how you talk, but most people adjust. At first, certain words may sound different because your tongue is learning to work around the dentures. Your mouth might also produce extra saliva as it gets used to the new fit. We recommend that you practice reading aloud daily to get used to your new teeth.
Can I sleep with my dentures in?
We recommend that you remove traditional dentures before sleep to prevent these problems:
- Sore spots
- Gum infections
- Denture warping
However, you can keep implant-supported dentures in your mouth. These dentures are fixed and non-removable.
How long do dentures last?
Traditional removable dentures can last 5 to 10 years. They often need relines every 1 to 2 years to improve fit.
Implant-supported dentures last 10 to 15 or more years. Dental implants keep them stable and reduce the risk of uneven wear. You will also only need to replace your dentures, not the implant posts.
Restore Your Full Smile
If you need replacement dentures, are interested in implant dentures, or need dentures for the first time, schedule a dental appointment with us online. You can also call our Dallas office to get affordable dentures at 214-343-9115.
Please contact us if you have questions about dentures or other restorations. We’re here to help you find the right restoration for your missing teeth.