Tooth loss can cause difficulty for patients while eating and speaking and can impact their self-confidence. Gallardo Periodontics, Implant Dentistry of Miami, FL offers full or partial dentures to restore your smile for an improved quality of life. Dentures replace missing teeth, often without the need for surgery, and can be a cost-effective option for patients who are struggling with a lack of functional teeth or are feeling self-conscious about the cosmetics of their smile.
- Types of Dentures Explained
- Are Dentures the Best Option for Me?
- Who is a Candidate for Full or Partial Dentures?
- The Consultation for Dentures
- Oral Preparation for Dentures
- Screw Placement for Implant-Supported Dentures
- The Appointment for Full Dentures or Partial Dentures
- Is There a Recovery Period after Getting Dentures?
- Risks of Getting Dentures
- Frequently Asked Questions About Full and Partial Dentures
Types of Dentures Explained
Dr. Gallardo offers the following types of dentures in different sizes and shapes.
Full Dentures
A full set of dentures consists of two removable rows of false teeth that fit properly along the upper and lower dental arches as a solution for patients who are missing most or all of their natural teeth. Full dentures are created in an upper row and a lower row and are customized to the patient’s gums, so bonding material may not be necessary.
If needed, dentures can be secured to the gums with an adhesive, such as glue, adhesive strip, or special cream. There may be some food limitations to prevent movement, but the grip is very strong, yet can still be washed off each night. Most full denture sets should last between 5-10 years before they need to be replaced for a better fit.
Partial Dentures
Dental patients who still retain most of their natural dentition might be candidates for partial dentures for tooth replacement. These detachable, artificial teeth replace missing teeth and are attached to gum-colored fixtures that secure to the teeth and gums. Partial dentures can be customized from different materials to create the most realistic and comfortable artificial teeth.
Implant-Supported Dentures
Patients who need to reverse bone resorption (shrinking) of the jaw and want a more secure, permanent solution to missing teeth might be candidates for implant-supported dentures. Rather than having individual dental implants, several screws are surgically implanted into each dental arch to support a row of dentures. This method promotes bone health, replaces total tooth loss, and can be removed by a dentist for adjustments and cleanings.
Most dentures feature realistic gum material crafted of plastic or acrylic and equally natural-looking artificial teeth crafted from durable plastic materials.
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Are Dentures the Best Option for Me?
Dentures are a good solution for dental patients who wish to restore the form and function of their dentition and want to replace one or more missing teeth but may not be good candidates for dental implants.
When compared to implants, dentures are a less expensive, removable option that are custom created by a dental laboratory. A full set of dentures is best for patients who are missing the majority or all of their teeth while a partial denture set can replace up to several missing teeth.
Who is a Candidate for Full or Partial Dentures?
Denture patients have typically had a lot of dental problems throughout their life due to a lack of dental care, periodontal disease, or trauma. Tooth loss causes many different issues due to the role of the teeth in speaking and eating.
Patients may struggle to eat normal foods and can suffer nutritional deficiencies as a result. Not being able to participate in meals with friends and family can also impact one’s social life.
Other social effects of missing teeth can include difficulty speaking. The teeth create a border for the tongue to rest in, but when missing teeth create gaps in the border, speech can be impaired.
The Consultation for Dentures
Dr. Gallardo’s Miami Beach office
The consultation for dentures might occur during a regular dental appointment at Dr. Gallardo’s Miami Beach office, or at a scheduled appointment to discuss tooth replacement options. At bi-annual check-ups, patients might undergo dental X-rays and receive a comprehensive oral exam, both of which are necessary to begin the discussion of dentures.
The gum tissue must be healthy enough to support false teeth, so those who are candidates for dentures should have all existing dental health issues treated prior to the bite mold appointment in case additional teeth must be extracted. If a patient is interested in having dental implants placed to support his or her dentures, the dentist must ensure there is sufficient bone mass for this treatment option. The results of the impression are sent to a dental laboratory to create full or partial dentures.
Patients may be able to view previous denture patients’ results to get an idea of how they might look with their false teeth. The dental specialists will provide information on how to properly care for the dentures and a suggested oral hygiene routine, products necessary for care, foods to avoid, and how to keep any remaining teeth and the gums healthy. A proper fit can be achieved at home through expert guidance.
Oral Preparation for Dentures
A common procedure to undergo prior to wearing customized dentures is tooth extraction. Decay and infection are common reasons for removal and help to restore good oral health. It may be between 6 to 12 weeks after the extraction that the patient can receive dentures, though a temporary set of dentures can be fit over the gums in the interim.
Periodontal health is also important, so any disease of the gums or supporting bones and ligaments might delay the process for dentures. The dental professionals at Gallardo provide patients with unparalleled periodontal care and treatments, allowing for continuity of care at a single office. Often, in-office care is supplemented with at-home treatments for the best results.
Other routine dental work like teeth cleanings and fillings should also be completed before a partial or complete denture set is fitted. The health of any remaining teeth is important as they will help support the system that is tailored for a patient’s smile. In some cases, the dentist may provide a prescription for special toothpaste or an extra-strength fluoride mouthwash to care for the remaining natural teeth.
Screw Placement for Implant-Supported Dentures
The preparation process for this type of dentures is more extensive, requiring oral surgery for the placement of the screws in the jawbone to create a metal framework. The dentist will determine how many anchors are required, and how many can be placed during a single appointment. Over the next 2-6 months, the metal threads will fuse with the bone to create strong support for the new teeth. During this time, temporary dentures can be installed.
The Appointment for Full Dentures or Partial Dentures
Typically made of an acrylic base
Conventional denture and partial denture placement require many of the same preparation steps and will be placed by the dentist during an office visit to Gallardo in the Miami area. Typically made of an acrylic base, these artificial teeth may be secured into place on their own, or with a bonding material for a tighter grip. The dentist can make any adjustments as needed and will discuss home care including the best type of denture brush for nightly cleanings.
Is There a Recovery Period after Getting Dentures?
There is a recovery period after having screws implanted into the upper and lower jaws, but after the dentist inserts any type of dentures, there is no standard recovery period. There is an adjustment period to the new teeth, and it may be difficult to speak and chew food initially.
There may also be some associated soreness, which should resolve with regular wear. Each treatment and dental case may differ, and the dentist can provide more relevant suggestions to patients based on their individual cases.
Risks of Getting Dentures
The dentist will take every precaution
All medical and dental procedures have some inherent risks. The dentist will take every precaution to prevent or mitigate the following rare, but possible complications:
- Infection
- Ulcers
- Abscess
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Discomfort
- Poor fit
Choosing Gallardo of Miami for Your Dentures
Gallardo Periodontics, Implant Dentistry, and IV Sedation of Miami, FL is a full-service dental clinic that brings together experts in various fields including general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry, periodontics, and orthodontics. Most patients can visit the office for all of their dental care needs. This provides continuity of patient care and allows the various specialists to design each treatment plan using a team approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Full and Partial Dentures
No, most types of dentures are typically covered under dental insurance as a “restorative” treatment. While they do improve the look of the smile, the most important benefit is that they replace the teeth, which are essential to the mouth’s functions. Each patient should request an estimate through their dental insurance provider prior to beginning a treatment plan.
Some advantages to receiving dentures implants are that the replacement teeth are more permanent and they reverse bone loss and aesthetic changes of the facial muscles. There is also less maintenance required than traditional full dentures or partial dentures that have removable components and require specialized daily cleaning.
Before the dentures can be placed, screws must be fixed into the jawbones. During these procedures, patients will be given local anesthesia and they might also be candidates for IV sedation. Patient comfort is a top priority at Gallardo of Miami.
Dentures are crafted at a dental laboratory that partners with our office in Miami Beach. They receive the bite mold impression created at the dental office and craft custom dentures specifically for each patient. They are careful to create realistic proportions and use your simulated anatomy to create a comfortable set of dentures for daily wear.
Denture patients will not use regular dental care products on their dentures, as these are intended for cleaning natural teeth. Instead, patients will use a denture brush, toothpaste, a soaking solution, storage case, and adhesive to help the false teeth remain clean and in place. Dentures are typically composed of metal, resin, acrylic, and plastic materials and should be maintained with products that are intended for their care.
Relining dentures is the process of reshaping the dentures for a more natural fit. Changes to the bone and regular wear can cause the fixtures to loosen over a period of several years. There are two types of relining procedures: a soft reline and a hard reline.
Soft relining can be performed using kits or in the dental office. A liquid polymer is spread on the dentures for improved comfort. A hard reline is generally performed in a dental laboratory and is intended to last longer than a soft reline. The patient’s denture base has similar hardened material added to it to improve the contours and fit on the dental arch.
If you live near Miami, FL, Gallardo Periodontics and Implant Dentistry offers full & partial dentures among its services, and is conveniently located at 2020 SW 27th Ave Miami, FL 33145
Why choose Dr. Gallardo
- Dr. Gallardo has over 25 years of experience offering general dentistry and specialized periodontics to patients throughout South Florida.
- Graduated from the University of Miami
- Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from New York University College of Dentistry
- Accepted into the V.A. Medical Center General Practice Residency Program of the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs where he was honored with the “Outstanding Resident of the Year” Award.
- C.A.G.S. (Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study) from Boston University
- Has lectured nationally and internationally to dentists and hygienists and has been sponsored by companies such as Procter and Gamble to speak on clinical topics related to gum disease and implant dentistry.
- Dr. Gallardo remains on the leading edge of periodontics and implant dentistry through his active and past involvement with University of Florida, Florida Association of Periodontists and North American Society of Periodontists.
The staff at Gallardo of Miami wrote this article {See Our Office}. Call the office at 305-447-1447 to schedule dental services today. We are open and accepting new patients for a range of dental health needs.
