Lovell Family Dentistry 5717 Churchland Boulevard Portsmouth, VA 23703 Phone: 757-484-1675    |   
 

Full Dentures

Dentures are a removable replacement for missing teeth. Unlike partials (below), full dentures are used when all of your natural teeth have been removed from either the top or bottom (or both) of your mouth.

There are two types of full dentures:

  • Conventional - After your teeth have been removed, the tissue is allowed to heal before the dentures are fitted. However, this can mean a few months without teeth while the gum tissue to heal completely.
  • Immediate - Before your teeth are removed, your dentist takes impressions and measurements, and dentures are fitted for your mouth. After your teeth have been removed, the dentures are immediately placed in your mouth. This means that you do not have any time without teeth. However, because of initial post-op swelling of gums and the jaw bone, you need to have your dentures refitted once your mouth heels.

Partial Dentures

A partial denture is an affordable and convenient way to replace one or more missing teeth. Like full dentures, partials are made of flexible pink semi-translucent acrylic that resembles your gums, with embedded acrylic teeth in the positions of your missing teeth, similar to a bridge. They are custom-made to fit the shape of your gums and jawbone, and held in place comfortably but securely by your existing teeth, but are loose enough that they can be removed for cleaning or to let the roof of your mouth breathe.

A partial denture can protect your remaining teeth from being damaged or drifting for many years.

When you have a removable partial denture, it is important to maintain your remaining teeth well. It is best to remove and clean the partial and your teeth after each meal. You should also regularly visit your dentist to have your remaining teeth checked for any problems.