DENTURES
A denture or a complete denture as it is often called, is an appliance that is inserted in the mouth, replaces natural teeth and provides support for the cheeks and lips.
Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated two different ways.
- A conventional denture is made after all teeth have been extracted and the tissues (gums) have healed. An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted and the tissues are allowed to heal under the denture.
- An upper denture has acrylic, usually flesh colored, that covers the palate (roof of the mouth).
- A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue.
The teeth are made of plastic, porcelain or a combination thereof. Dentures can be fabricated to fit over endodontically treated teeth and a complete denture can be attached to dental implants to allow for a more secure fit of the appliance.
Dentures over a normal course of time will wear and need to be replaced or relined in order to keep the jaw alignment normal. The alignment will slowly change as the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink due to the extraction of the teeth. Regular dental examinations are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change.
IMPLANT RETAINED DENTURES
REPLACING MISSING TEETH WITH IMPLANT RETAINED DENTURES
Usually, when you lose a tooth, it is best for your oral health to have it replaced. Missing teeth can affect your “bite” as well as your ability to speak and chew. Their loss can increase the burden on your remaining teeth and can cause muscle pain in your jaws and headaches. And of course, losing a tooth can affect your appearance. The following information reviews replacing missing teeth with an implant retained denture.
Although many patients have no problem wearing an upper denture, some people find it difficult to wear and eat with lower dentures. Several implant-supported replacement options are available if you are missing all of your lower teeth.
One option is to have two implants placed in your lower jaw and a denture made that snaps onto these implants. This option allows your lower denture to be more stable while chewing than without implants. However, there will still be movement of your lower denture, and sore spots will occur if any food particles, especially seeds, are caught under it. As with all removable replacement teeth, you still will need periodic appointments for denture adjustment.
Bar Attachment Denture
Another option involves placing four to six implants, depending on your jaw size or shape, into your lower jaw. After healing is complete, the implants are connected with a custom-made support bar. Your denture will be made with special internal retention clips that attach onto the support bar, enabling the denture to snap firmly into place. This is called an “overdenture.” The advantage of this option is that it is much more stable than the first option and allows very little denture movement. Your denture is still removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Screw Retained Denture
A third option involves placing five or more implants in your jaw and attaching a permanent denture. Your denture is held in place by screws or clasps that secure it to the support posts or bar. It doesn’t touch the gum tissue, which allows you to clean under the denture without removing it. This denture will replace all your missing lower teeth and will not be removed except at maintenance visits. Although cleaning under your denture without removing it is more time consuming and requires more dexterity, many patients who want a permanent denture prefer this option.
A similar range of treatment options is also available for your upper jaw. However, because the bone is not as hard as that in the lower jaw, people often need more implants to support their new replacement teeth. Depending upon the number of implants to be placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need for covering the roof of your mouth with a complete denture. This option allows you to fully taste your food and gives you a better sense of its temperature. Your denture will feel more natural. You will still have a removable denture, which makes cleaning the support bar and denture much easier.
Implant Retained Upper Denture
Depending upon the number of implants to be placed, it may be possible to eliminate the need for covering the roof of your mouth with a complete denture. This option allows you to fully taste your food and gives you a better sense of its temperature. Your denture will feel more natural. You will still have a removable denture, which makes cleaning the support bar and denture much easier.
IMPLANT BENEFITS
- Improved confidence
- Stability during eating
- Bone and gum preservation
- Improved dental hygiene
- Superior esthetics
- Nutritional benefits
PARTIAL DENTURES
A removable partial denture is designed specifically to meet the needs of the patient and can replace one or more missing teeth. A natural appearance and speech clarity is restored along with the ability to eat more efficiently.
Partial dentures are created out of a metal and acrylic composition or completely out of acrylic. A patient’s specific needs and anatomy dictate the design of the partial denture and every effort is made to construct a self-cleansing partial denture that preserves the remaining teeth and oral tissues.
Missagh Pezeshkian, DDS will design your partial denture so that the chewing forces are evenly distributed over the entire surface are of the remaining teeth and soft tissues. Changes to your remaining teeth may be recommended to help equalize these forces.
Metal partials are generally preferred as they are structurally superior. They are thinner and more hygienic than an acrylic partial. Acrylic partials are typically used as a transitional or temporary partial. Missagh Pezeshkian, DDS will consult with you to determine the appropriate partial for your situation.
A removable partial denture may help limit movement of your existing natural teeth. They also allow you to better grind and chew food improving digestion.
DENTURE CARE
ADVICE AND TIPS ON CARING FOR YOUR DENTURES
- Only your dental professional is qualified to diagnose your oral health and adjust your denture or partial.
- Dentures should be brushed inside and outside daily with a soft, large nylon denture tooth brush with round-ended bristles.
- Use denture creams instead of toothpastes, which are too abrasive and will scratch your denture. Rinse with cold water.
- Dentures warp if placed in hot water.
- Inspect your denture regularly for worn teeth.
- Worn and stained dentures can make you look older and cause your dentures to function poorly.
- Discuss all your current medications with your doctor and dental professional.
- Be sure to visit your dental professional regularly.
- Have loose dentures checked immediately as they can cause friction and pressure on the gum tissues and bones.
- When not in use, cover dentures with water or a denture-cleaning solution to prevent them from drying out.
- Most dental insurance policies provide coverage for new dentures every 5 years.
DENTURE EXAMS & MAINTENANCE
Your dentures are an investment and require care and attention to maintain their optimum performance. The fit of your dentures will have a profound affect on your oral tissues and health. An annual examination by Missagh Pezeshkian, DDS will help ensure your denture is functioning properly.
Updating your medical and dental history with any significant changes is critical to maintaining your oral health and well-being. A variety of medical and dental conditions can alter a dentures fit.
Annual examinations can assist in detecting oral abnormalities including cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions. Early detection of these conditions is generally beneficial for treatment.
Ill-fitting dentures may cause bone and tissue changes and need to be corrected for your oral health. Our practice can assess and recommend solutions to suit your personal needs.
Bite problems, speech impediments and tissue irritations can be caused by an ill-fitting denture and should be remedied. Leaving this condition unchecked can lead to complicated situations in the future. Missagh Pezeshkian, DDS can assess your dentures for cracks, chips, and broken or loose teeth and suggest solutions.
- Update of Medical and dental history chart
- An examination of your oral cavity
- Tissue and bone assessment
- Denture stability and bite examination
- Cleaning and polishing of your denture
- Oral hygiene review
DENTURE RELINES
New dentures will typically fit your mouth very securely as it has been designed specifically for your gums. As time goes on, your gum tissues will change and the fit of the denture will become more loose and thus more prone to movement inside your mouth. Having the denture professionally relined every one to two years will keep the denture secure and functional.
If dentures have not been serviced in quite some time, a patient’s gums may be red, swollen, or misshapen. This creates problems in taking impressions for a new hard or soft reline and may lead to a denture that would perpetuate the problem.
A temporary, or palliative (medicated) reline material may be recommended to allow the inflammation to subside. This reline makes the denture fit much more tightly, and is usually soft and pliable. After a few weeks, the gums return to a more normal state. The patient is then ready for his new denture or hard reline.
DENTURE REBASE & REPAIRS
REBASE
Rebasing may be recommended when the teeth of your denture are still in good condition and have not worn out in comparison to the denture base material. Rebasing is the process of replacing the entire acrylic denture base providing a stable denture without replacing the denture teeth. A rebase for a denture maybe required if your denture is old or is cracked. A rebase is very similar to relining, the difference being that, a rebase replaces all the pink-acrylic denture base material instead of just the lining.
Reasons for the rebase procedure may include:
- Broken or damaged denture
- Weakened or old pink denture base
- Replacement of an immediate denture
SOFT LINERS
A soft liner is a layer of soft, pliable material that is fitted between the surface of a denture and your oral tissues. It absorbs shock between the hard base of your denture and your gums. Soft liners can be used when creating new dentures or retrofitted into existing dentures.
Permanent soft liners provide comfort and relief for individuals with receded and flattened gum tissues that don’t respond well to the stress of dentures. They may also be a suitable solution for patients with chronically sore gum tissues or gums with sharp bony areas.
ADVANTAGES
- More comfortable to use
- Virtually all patients respond well to soft liner materials
- Easier chewing
- A proven technology with over 20 years of innovation
Soft liners require regular follow-up visits with AMP Advanced Dentistry to examine the fit of dentures and general oral health.
Our Testimonials
This is my second visit. My first official visit fitting for my new smile. My first visit I had my consultation and a wonderful visit with the doctor. Dr. Pezeshkian explained everything to me about my procedure and how Invisalign will work for me. It was my best choice. I am in my 40's and did not want traditional braces. The office staff is welcoming and incredibly knowledgeable. The atmosphere is soothing and I felt at ease. I have had two friends come to the doctors office with great success. All with different dental procedures. Dr Pezeshkian is far more than a dentist, he is an artist with his skills. The Dr is gentle and I did not have any sensitivity. My care and comfort was the offices main concern. I would recommend Advanced Dentistry for my whole family.
Going to the dentist is definitely not something I look forward to, but Dr. Pezeshkian is so amazing and comforting, I never have a problem! The staff is amazing, in both locations..Arcadia and Glendale. I had my wisdom teeth pulled out this morning and everyone knows the fear behind that. Dr. Pezeshkian took two of my top wisdom teeth out and it took 15 seconds each with no pain or discomfort. Dr. Pezeshkian makes your dentist visit fun and entertaining with his upbeat personality and optimistic view on everything. By far my favorite dentist!! Thank you so much Dr. Pezeshkian!
Just like any other kid, I've always hated the dentist. I've probably switched dentists like 4 times...never felt comfortable to get up and get my teeth drilled. Who would ever look forward to that? After I started coming by Dr. Pezeshkian, I've never been a nervous wreck before going into his office.. It's always a fun experience for me. The staff makes you feel very comfortable and the receptionist is also super nice. Appointments are ALWAYS on time and the office is always clean and organized. I'm very happy to have switched to Dr. Pezeshkian. I haven't had a problem with going to the dentist ever since!! Thank you Dr., you're the best at what you do !!!
Dr. Pezeshkian and his staff are truly incredible. I've been coming to him since I was a kid and he never disappoints. You never have to wait when they give you your set appointment and the staff truly do everything to make you comfortable through the entire process. Thank you Dr. Pezeshkian and staff, you guys are the best!
I've been a patient since I first moved to California in 2012, and I don't think I'll leave anytime soon! The staff really ensures you're well taken care of and provides the best dental care possible.
I feel blessed to have found Dr. Pezeshkian's practice. Every single visit to his office has been accompanied by calmness, optimism, and contentment. That is partly because every single member at Advanced Dentistry is gregarious, treating patients like family. Most importantly, they always provide me with thorough examinations and advanced treatments. I always walk out of the clinic fully informed of my dental health. Thank you for all your help.
I've been seeing Dr. Pezeshkian since I moved to LA over 4 yrs ago. I originally went specifically to transfer my Invisalign case because I saw they were having a Groupon special. And although the special was explicitly for new cases, they were so kind and flexible enough to work out a deal for my unique situation and I've never looked back. Since then he and his staff have gracefully ushered me through two gum surgeries, whitening treatments, night guards, retainers, countless cleanings, fillings and, most recently, Botox to treat my TMJ symptoms. Needless to say, I've spent a LOT of time there and my smile can fully attest to their knowledge, talent, professionalism, and bedside manner. The office has a very private family practice kind of vibe, where you get friendly, personal attention and know that they really care. Dr. Pezeshkian takes the time to explain his proposed treatment without pushing the up-sell (though his on-point bow tie game doesn't hurt). All-in-all, I'd like to say my smile speaks for itself (but since it's the internet you'll just have to take my word for it)
It was my first time visiting this office a couple days ago, but from the moment I walked through the door, I was greeted so kindly and sincerely that I felt as if I had been a patient with them for years and years. Admittedly, I hadn't been to a dentist's office for quite a while before this visit, but instead of giving me the lecture that I expected (and rightly deserved), Dr. Pezeshkian chose to focus on the positives and gave me a thorough, straightforward exam while also making me laugh. I could tell that he knew his stuff, but his warm, cheerful demeanor was definitely a plus! Thank you to all the staff for such a pleasant visit and for making me feel at home. I'll definitely be back for any future dental needs. :)