Dentures & PartialsMedia, PA

Dr. Gregory Hillyard and Dr. Alexandra Monroe treat patients using full and partial dentures. Dentures provide a great restorative dental solution for the replacement of a full arch of missing teeth. They can improve your quality of life by restoring confidence, function, and strength to your smile. This treatment looks natural and fits comfortably and securely in your mouth.

Learn more below about how our Media, PA office treats patients with dentures, as well as why it is important to replace missing teeth.

Dentures in Media, Pennsylvania

Why Replace Missing Teeth?

Missing teeth compromise the natural structure and stability of your entire smile. Over time, the consequences of missing teeth present a broader range of systemic health complications. Replacing missing teeth as soon after the loss as possible can prevent secondary conditions from developing and protect against more complex complications.

Patients who replace their missing teeth experience an increase in function, form, and confidence. Many patients avoid replacing missing teeth or loose teeth due to a fear of visiting the dentist. Our team works with patients to ensure that they are safe, comfortable, and confident in their decision to replace their missing teeth.

We talk to our patients through each phase of treatment and offer sedation dentistry options for optimal comfort.

Full Dentures

Full dentures are used to replace all of the upper or lower teeth. They can either be fixed or removable. Fixed dentures are anchored by dental implants. This type of restoration provides an excellent and long-term solution with no chance of slippage. Implant-supported dentures also help to maintain the bone structure in the face.

While there is a greater investment initially, implant-supported dentures provide superior long-term benefits.

Removable dentures are still ideal for patients that have a limited budget. They’re cheaper, but don’t provide the long-term benefits that you see with fixed dentures. Instead of being anchored by dental implants, an adhesive is used to adhere the denture to your gums.

It may take time to find the right adhesive that works best for you. If the adhesive doesn’t work well, it can lead to slippage with the dentures. This can irritate the gum tissue, leading to sore gums. While your diet will be improved with removable dentures, you won’t be able to consume the variety that you can with fixed dentures. You get much of your bite function back, but not all.

Lastly, removable dentures require a bit more maintenance than fixed. Fixed dentures can be taken care of much like your regular teeth. Brush and floss regularly, and visit your Media, PA dentist every six months for a regular checkup. Because of the adhesive, removable dentures need some extra care. They’ll need to be taken out and cleaned properly every night. This can involve scrubbing them down with a toothbrush or soaking them in a special solution.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are used to replace several missing teeth. Like full dentures, they can either be fixed or removable. Partial dentures are similar to dental bridges. If the partial denture is fixed, it is either secured in place using dental crowns or dental implants.

FAQs

Can you leave partial dentures in all the time?

No. We do not recommend that you leave partial dentures all the time. You should remove them at night to give your gums a chance to rest and prevent any potential damage to your oral tissues. Additionally, removing your dentures for regular cleaning can help prevent oral health issues such as gum disease and bad breath.

Do dentures prevent bone loss?

No. Dentures may not prevent bone loss. Dentures will not replace the roots of the missing teeth. They do not stimulate the jawbone. 

How long do implant dentures last?

With proper care and maintenance, implant dentures can last 20 years or more. Dentists design them to be durable. However, the materials can break down over time. To ensure the best longevity, you should practice good oral hygiene and get regular check-ups with your dentist. 

How many teeth can a partial replace?

A partial denture can replace one or more missing teeth. The exact number of teeth a partial denture can replace depends on the individual case and the extent of the missing teeth. A dentist can evaluate you and recommend the best treatment plan, which may include a partial denture.

How uncomfortable are partial dentures?

Initially, partial dentures can be uncomfortable for some patients. They may take some time to adjust to. The dentures may feel bulky in the mouth and cause some soreness or irritation of the gums. This discomfort should subside after a few days or weeks. Speaking and eating may also be challenging at first, but most patients find their ability to do so improves with practice and time. Good oral hygiene routines and regular dental check-ups are essential for ensuring the best fit and functions of partial dentures.

How soon after extraction can I get dentures?

A dentist can place dentures immediately after tooth extraction. However, dentists usually recommend that patients wait around 4-6 weeks. This waiting period allows the gums to fully heal and shrink, which can improve the fit and comfort of the dentures. A dentist can evaluate each case individually and provide guidance on the best timing for getting dentures after tooth extraction.

Contact Our Media, PA Dental Office

Do you need to replace missing teeth? Call our dental office today for comfortable, personalized care at 610.756.0649.