What it is
A denture is a removable set of replacement teeth held in a base that rests on the gums. There are two main categories. A complete denture, also called a full denture, replaces all the teeth in an edentulous arch, which is an arch with no natural teeth remaining.
A partial denture is used when some teeth in the arch are retained. It replaces one or more missing teeth and holds onto the remaining teeth, usually with small clasps. By filling the gaps, it also makes the teeth around them less likely to drift.
When you might need it
Dentures are indicated when extensive or total tooth loss has occurred, or when the remaining teeth are too damaged or loose to save. A partial denture suits a patient who still has healthy teeth but is missing several. Missing teeth make chewing and speaking harder, and the teeth beside a gap tend to shift toward it.
A denture is not the only option. Implants can hold a denture steady, and a bridge can replace a few teeth when the neighboring teeth are strong enough. Dr. Itoafa reviews the options at the examination and explains which ones suit the mouth. If a tooth has to be extracted first, the extraction and the replacement are planned together.
What happens at each visit
The first visit is an examination. Dr. Itoafa evaluates the gums, any remaining teeth, and the bone beneath them, and discusses partial and complete options. Teeth that cannot be saved are accounted for in the plan before the denture is made.
Next, the shape of the mouth is recorded so that the denture can be made to fit. A dental laboratory fabricates the denture from this record, and there is usually more than one fitting visit. The bite and the appearance of the teeth are checked on a trial version before the finished denture is made.
At the delivery visit, Dr. Itoafa places the denture and checks the fit and the bite. Small adjustments are normal at this visit and afterward, and a follow-up visit is common so that sore spots can be eased.
Materials and what to expect afterward
Denture teeth are usually made of acrylic or porcelain, set in a gum-colored acrylic base. A partial denture may also have a metal frame. Expect an adjustment period. A new denture can feel bulky, and extra saliva, sore spots, and changes in how some sounds are produced are common at first. Begin with soft foods in small bites and chew on both sides, which helps keep the denture seated.
Remove the denture and rinse it after eating. Clean it daily with a soft brush and a cleaner made for dentures, because regular toothpaste can scratch the surface. Brush the gums, the tongue, and any natural teeth as well. Keep the denture moist when it is out, and use cool or lukewarm water, since hot water can warp it.
Over time the gums and the bone beneath a denture change, and a denture that once fit well can begin to slip. A reline adds new material to the inside of the denture to match the gums again. A cracked base or a broken tooth can sometimes be repaired, and sometimes a new denture is the better choice. Do not repair a denture with store-bought glue, which can damage it. Call the office and we will tell you what can be done.
Why Dutch Creek Dental
Dr. Mike Itoafa has owned Dutch Creek Dental since 2018. Denture visits take place in this office, which has been on West Coal Mine Avenue for more than 30 years. The dentures are made by a dental laboratory chosen for the quality of its work, and both the laboratory and its materials are state of the art. When a case calls for a specialist, Dr. Itoafa refers you to one he trusts.
Common questions
Is it normal for a new denture to feel loose or sore?
Some looseness and soreness are common while the mouth and tongue adapt to the new shape. A sore spot that persists is a reason to call, because a small adjustment can often resolve it.
Will dentures change how I talk and eat?
At first, yes. Some sounds can feel different, and reading aloud helps the mouth adapt. For eating, begin with soft foods cut small, because very hard or sticky foods are harder to manage until the denture feels stable.
Should I sleep in my dentures?
Most dentists advise removing dentures at night so that the gums can rest and the denture can stay moist. Ask Dr. Itoafa what is appropriate for you.
Do I need denture adhesive?
Some patients use it for added hold. It should not be needed to compensate for a poor fit. If you find yourself using more and more of it, the denture may need a reline or an adjustment.
How do I know when a denture needs to be replaced?
Dentures do not last indefinitely, because the teeth wear, the base can crack, and the gums change shape. If a denture slips, rubs, or looks worn, bring it to a visit. It may need only a reline or a repair, or a new denture may be the better choice.