Dentures
Missing multiple teeth can impair your ability to chew certain foods, cause the facial tissues to sag, and distort your speech. Patients who are missing several or a majority of their teeth can feel comfortable with their smile again with dentures. Dentures are removable appliances that are intended to replace missing teeth, dramatically improving the aesthetics and functionality of a patient’s mouth. During your visit to Gentle Care Dentistry in Las Cruces, New Mexico, your dentist will assess your condition and recommend the ideal treatment plan to meet your cosmetic and oral health needs.
Gentle Care Dentistry in Las Cruces, New Mexico, offers several denture options to meet your unique dental care needs.
If you are interested in acquiring affordable dentures or to learn more information about this procedure, you can schedule a consultation with us by calling our office at 575-524-3722 today!
Schedule Your AppointmentDentures are removable appliances intended to replace missing teeth, dramatically improving the aesthetics and functionality of a patient’s smile. During your visit to Gentle Care Dentistry, your dentist will assess your condition and recommend the ideal treatment plan to meet your cosmetic and oral health needs.
What Dentures Can Do
- Replace multiple missing teeth
- Support the structure of the mouth
- Improve your ability to chew and speak
Denture Procedure
Dentures are entirely customizable to suit your dental anatomy and aesthetic goals. During your initial denture appointment, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send the mold to a laboratory for the ideal and most comfortable fit. You may require a full or partial denture, depending on your individual needs.
Full Dentures
- Conventional dentures are created after the gums have completely healed from a tooth extraction. This approach may mean that you will have missing teeth for a few months.
- Immediate dentures dentures are placed immediately following tooth extraction so you can enjoy a full set of teeth right away. These dentures will, however, necessitate a subsequent visit so they can be tightened after your gums have healed.
- Interim dentures, also known as “healing dentures,” are temporary prostheses placed following an extraction procedure. After the gums have completely healed, new impressions are taken to create permanent dentures.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures resemble dental bridges but are not permanently attached to your natural teeth. A partial denture might be the best choice for patients missing more than two consecutive teeth or whose natural teeth are too weak to support bridges.
How to Maintain Dentures
Dentures should be handled with care and require maintenance, just like natural teeth. You should brush your dentures daily to remove plaque buildup and place them in room temperature water when not wearing them. If you think your dentures need to be modified to fit better, schedule an appointment with your dentist for a professional adjustment.
Alternative Treatments to Dentures
Dentures are not the only choice for patients that are missing teeth. Some patients may achieve their desired dental aesthetic with any of the following alternatives:
- Bridges are sets of one or more false teeth that are permanently anchored to abutments on the natural teeth. Patients whose teeth are healthy enough to support dental structures may consider a bridge.
- Dental implants are prosthetic teeth embedded in the gums that eventually fuse to the jawbone to mimic natural teeth from the root to the crown. Those who qualify can choose full-size implants or mini-implants for durable, long-lasting tooth replacement.
- Mini implants are small and can replace narrower teeth or serve as the base of a removable denture.
Implant-Supported Dentures - A Winning Combination
With the introduction of dental implants, tooth replacement has taken a giant step forward. While individual implants are ideal for comprehensive tooth replacement, a complete set of dental implants might be cost-prohibitive for those who have lost most or all of their teeth.
This is when implant-supported dentures are a healthy compromise. These are conventional dentures that are permanently attached to four or more dental implants. This approach stimulates the gums and underlying bone to help reduce or prevent resorption (bone loss caused by missing tooth roots).
Choosing implant-supported dentures also provides dental stability, and there is no possibility of dentures shifting in your mouth or being lost. Removable dentures can also be attached to dental implant posts to help keep dentures in place.
During your initial visit to Gentle Care Dentistry’s Las Cruces office, your dentist will review all denture options to deliver the desired results.
Denture FAQ
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How much do dentures cost?
The cost of dentures varies widely based on location, the condition of your gums and any remaining teeth, the complexity of your specific procedure, and your dentist’s expertise.
A denture consultation is the best way to estimate your expected costs accurately.
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How do I take care of my dentures?
Brush every surface of your denture with a soft toothbrush daily to help keep stains from forming. Use a paste specifically designed for dentures, as regular toothpaste can damage your appliance.
If stains develop, use a denture stain remover, which is available at most drugstores. Stubborn stains may need to be addressed by your dentist or prosthodontist.
At night, soak your dentures in water or an overnight water-based cleaning solution.
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What do I do if my dentures crack or break?
Schedule an appointment with the dentist who produced your dentures to have the denture professionally repaired. If the dentures are old and you are experiencing other issues, they may need to be replaced.
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Can I sleep in my dentures?
It is not recommended to sleep in your dentures, and they should be removed at night to be placed in water or a soaking solution. Wearing your dentures to bed can cause irritation or infection and can lead to changes in the fit of your appliance. Removing your dentures also gives your gums and jaw bone a break from the pressure the denture puts on them all day.
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Will I be able to eat normally with my new dentures?
New dentures take some time to get used to. Use a small amount of denture adhesive (about three or four dots, no larger than a pea) on each denture to help secure them in place.
You should get used to eating with your new appliance after the first few days. If you still have trouble after a couple of weeks, talk to your dentist as they may need to be adjusted. Do not chew gum.
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Does getting dentures hurt?
If you require any tooth extractions, you may experience some discomfort. Additionally, temporary dentures may not fit perfectly, which may cause irritation while your gums are still healing.
Once your gums have healed, and your custom dentures are placed, they should feel more comfortable. Still, there may be some time before you are accustomed to them.
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When is it time to have dentures relined?
Over time, changes in your gum line will necessitate a denture reline. This process modifies the part of the denture that rests on your gums to restore a tight, comfortable fit.
Indications that your dentures need a reline are that they are causing irritation, frequently shifting, or falling out of your mouth.
The team at Gentle Care Dentistry is committed to providing their Las Cruces area patients with high-quality tooth replacement options. This includes dentures, dental bridges, implants, and implant-supported prosthetics.
Our helpful staff is standing by to answer your questions or schedule your consultation, so don’t delay; call us today at 575-524-3722!