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Do You Need Dentures?
When a patient loses his or her teeth to trauma or tooth decay, replacing them is essential to preserving the patient’s oral health. At Durán & Martínez Cosmetic and Reconstructive Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing the care that patients need to sustain a healthy, beautiful smile for a lifetime. Puerto Rico dentist Dr. Ramon Durán is proud to offer several tooth replacement options, including dentures, to patients who have experienced tooth loss. Learn more about the benefits of dentures below, and contact the practice today at 844 208-0372 to schedule a consultation.
Dentures are typically made of acrylic or plastic to mimic the appearance of the gums, while the false teeth are made of porcelain.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable teeth that can be used to replace several or all of the teeth in a patient’s mouth. They are a welcomed alternative for patients who are not candidates for dental implants, or they can be used in combination with dental implants to provide increased retention.
This restorative dentistry treatment offers several advantages:
- Can replace several missing teeth
- Improves the appearance of the smile
- Prevents shifting of remaining teeth
- Helps support facial structures
- Prevents bone and gum recession
- Increases comfort while chewing and speaking
- More affordable than dental implants
Types of Dentures
San Juan dentist Dr. Ramon Durán offers several types of dentures at his practice. The type of denture that a patient receives will depend on his or her oral health condition, the number of teeth being replaced, Dr. Durán’s recommendations, and the patient’s preferences. Dentures available at Durán & Martínez Cosmetic and Reconstructive Dentistry include full dentures, which are ideal for patients who have lost most or all of their teeth, and partial dentures, which replace only a few of the teeth and prevent other teeth from shifting. Full dentures can be placed either immediately after teeth are extracted or after the healing process from extraction has occurred. “Immediate” dentures that are placed are convenient in that there is no waiting in between tooth extraction and denture placement. However, they often require resizing once the healing process is complete. “Conventional” full dentures refer to those that are only placed after the gums have healed. Partial dentures often do not require extraction and can be placed immediately. These dentures are secured to the natural teeth with metal clasps.
Another type of denture is an implant-supported or implant-retained denture. This treatment involves the placement of two to four dental implants, which removable dentures then securely latch onto. This is an excellent treatment option for patients who cannot receive a full set of dental implants but still want to experience comparable comfort and strength.
Denture Procedure
The process of receiving dentures takes place over several months. During an initial consultation Dr. Durán performs a comprehensive analysis of the patient’s oral health in order to determine their candidacy for the dentures. He will evaluate the areas affected by tooth loss and address any questions or concerns the patient may have before making recommendations for treatment. Once the treatment course has been decided upon, an impression of the jaw is made to determine the final shape and size of the denture. Dr. Durán will also measure the patient’s bite and determine the shade of the final dentures. This information is sent to a dental lab where the final denture is crafted. Dr. Durán works only with the finest dental labs in the area to ensure the highest-quality results. Once the denture is sent back to Dr. Durán’s office, the patient can return to the office for the final fitting.
Patients who receive dentures often experience some discomfort in the first few weeks after treatment. It takes time for patients to get used to wearing the prosthetic and feel comfortable while talking and chewing. Dr. Durán is dedicated to the long-term oral health of his patients and provides thorough post-procedure care, as well. This includes follow-up appointments to ensure a proper fit or to make any necessary adjustments. It is vital that patients keep up with healthy oral hygiene habits to prevent any complications or infections after dentures are received.
