Kingston, TN
If you have lost all of your natural teeth, whether from tooth decay, trauma, or gum disease, LakeView Dental Arts can help! These days, there are many forms of tooth replacement treatment, and for a good reason. Replacing your missing teeth will benefit your appearance and oral and overall health, regardless of which option you choose. At LakeView Dental Arts, we offer denture solutions that closely resemble your natural teeth and help restore your ability to eat properly and smile confidently.
Complete Dentures
A complete denture is used when all of the teeth are missing. In some cases, we may extract the few remaining teeth that are irreparable to make way for the denture. There are two types of complete dentures: conventional and immediate. Both consist of false teeth set in a flesh-colored acrylic base that fits over your gums. The base of an upper denture will also cover the roof of your mouth (your palate). A lower denture is usually shaped like a horseshoe to make space for your tongue. Dr. Walmsley may also recommend dental implants to better secure your lower denture.
A conventional denture is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has properly healed. As a general rule of thumb, your conventional denture will be ready for placement about 8 to 12 weeks later and will take several appointments to make in order to ensure the best fit possible.
An immediate denture is made in advance and placed directly following your extractions. Immediate dentures come with advantages and disadvantages. For one, you will not have to be without teeth during the healing period. Unfortunately, your gum tissue and bones will shrink after tooth removal. This means your immediate denture will require several adjustments to achieve the proper fit. For this reason, an immediate denture should be considered a temporary solution until we fabricate a conventional one.
Partial Dentures
For patients who are only missing a few adjacent teeth, we also offer removable partial dentures. Most partial dentures rely on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. In some cases, dental crowns can also serve as the anchors for your restoration. A partial denture is a removable alternative to a traditional bridge.
Caring for Your Dentures
At first, your new denture may feel uncomfortable or awkward to wear. It may also take some practice to eat and speak properly with dentures. Eventually, the muscles of your cheeks and tongue will learn to better hold your dentures in place. Dr. Walmsley will give you a detailed list of instructions that will make your adjustment period easier.
There are a few tips that can ensure the longevity of your dentures:
- Always exercise caution when handling your dentures. Keep your dentures over a folded towel or bowl of water to avoid unnecessary damage.
- Be sure to brush your dentures daily to remove plaque and prevent stains. Even an ultrasonic cleaner cannot replace thorough brushing.
- Brushing your gums, tongue, and palate is also an important part of denture care. This will keep your mouth healthy.
- Never let your dentures dry out. This can cause them to crack or warp. Be sure to place your denture in room temperature water or a denture cleaning solution when you are not using them.
Schedule an Appointment
If you would like to learn more about dentures, call (865) 376-9687 and schedule your appointment today.
