Dentures

Dentures and Implant-Supported Dentures in San Diego

Tooth replacement options have come a long way in the last few decades, and today’s dentures can provide a restorative option that will help you regain the natural function of your bite.

At La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics in North San Diego County, Dr. Kami Kohani can design and craft a customized pair of partial or full dentures or implant-supported dentures that fit comfortably, both in your mouth and with your lifestyle.

Missing teeth not only cause cosmetic issues, they can also lead to serious oral health problems, which worsen the longer you go without visiting the dentist.

Replacing your missing teeth with traditional dentures can provide:

  • A confident smile
  • Restored dental function

Adding dental implants (implant-supported dentures) to support your dentures provides these additional benefits:

  • A more natural feel and appearance
  • A strong and reliably stable bite
  • Protection against accelerated jawbone loss
  • Easy maintenance
  • A more satisfying experience overall

A dental implant acts as your missing tooth’s root to stimulate the bone and help prevent the resorption (atrophy) that occurs under missing teeth.

 

Connection Between Gum Disease and Tooth Loss

The most prevalent cause of tooth loss, without a doubt, is gum disease. It starts with hardly any symptoms, but without treatment, it will soon lead to swollen, bleeding, and tender gums. If left to progress, the gums will recede, and the jaw bone will atrophy to a point where the teeth can loosen, shift, and fall out.

Gum disease is entirely preventable, but if you neglect certain hygiene practices or decide to skip the dentist, dentures may well be in your future. It’s vital to maintain your oral health by brushing twice daily, flossing at night, seeing the dentist regularly, and making an appointment whenever you experience dental pain, redness, and swelling of your gums, or you see blood in the sink after brushing.

When Are Dentures Necessary?

When you were younger, you probably never thought you would need dentures. And, if you practice proper oral hygiene and visit the dentist regularly, you can reduce or prevent many of the conditions that would cause tooth loss.

However, dentures are more common than you might think, and if you’ve been told that you need a partial or full set, you are not alone.

Dentures don’t have to be inevitable, but if recommended for you, Dr. Kohani can create comfortable and attractive dentures that meet your unique needs.

A partial denture is used if multiple teeth are missing in the same area. If all the teeth are missing or require extraction, a full denture is necessary.

Our San Diego dental practice offers a range of options, including traditional dentures, partials, and implant-supported options.

Traditional (Removable) Dentures & Partials

At your initial consultation, we will review your medical history and take x-rays to get a detailed view of your jaw bone.

Unhealthy teeth are removed, and a precise impression of your gums (and any remaining teeth) is obtained. You will be instructed to take extra care of your remaining teeth and gums to avoid any changes to your gum line and dentition.

The impression is sent to our trusted lab, where the complete or partial denture is fabricated.

Your new dentures should arrive at our office within two weeks, where Dr. Kohani will place them and check their fit. Any necessary adjustments are generally made at that time, and by the end of your visit, you will be ready to greet the world with your new smile.

When in use, partials may be secured to remaining healthy teeth for stability, while complete traditional dentures require an adhesive.

Implant-Supported Dentures

The process for implant-supported dentures starts much like that for traditional dentures with a consultation and x-rays.

However, before dental implants can be placed into your jaw, the bone’s density will have to be assessed. If you have experienced severe gum disease and the bone shows significant deterioration, you will need treatment to strengthen the jaw before the implants are placed.

Once your jawbone is healthy enough to receive the implants, Dr. Kohani will take the impressions of your mouth to get an accurate view of how the dentures will sit on your gum line. This impression is used to plan the placement location for the implants and is then sent to the lab, where your custom dentures are created.

Getting Used to Your New Dentures

It’s helpful to practice smiling and speaking in front of a mirror with your new dentures in place so that you can get used to them. We also recommend easing into your regular eating habits with new dentures and starting off with softer foods that are easier to swallow.

If your new dentures cause you discomfort, contact Dr. Kohani and speak with him about ways you can get the most out of your new teeth. He will work with you to find methods that will help you adjust and enjoy the benefits that dentures offer.

Interested in Learning More?

To learn more about your options with dentures or to determine whether dentures are right for you, contact La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics at 858-295-0603 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Kohani.

We provide comprehensive dental care and dentures for North San Diego County.

 

858-295-0603

Denture FAQ

Overdentures are removable dentures or large partials that fit over your remaining healthy teeth or dental implants. Before receiving overdentures, your natural teeth are prepared to provide secure support for the new denture.

New dentures may take a few weeks to get used to and feel a bit loose at first. Once your cheek and tongue muscles become accustomed to them, they should work effortlessly to keep them in place. Denture adhesives can help, and you can find the one that works best for you by trying a few different brands.

You may experience some mild irritation or soreness. Be sure to attend follow-up appointments so your dentist can monitor your progress.

Before receiving dentures, many people have difficulty eating due to their lack of dentition. Both traditional and implant-supported dentures are designed to restore the ability to chew. You will learn to master your traditional dentures with a bit of practice. Start with soft foods that have been cut into small pieces. Chew slowly, using both sides of your mouth simultaneously to keep the denture from tipping. Soon you’ll be back to eating many of your favorite foods.

Implant-supported dentures provide natural stability and shouldn’t take much time to get used to. Most patients find their ability to eat improves immediately after receiving their implant-supported dentures.

Unless they are implant-supported dentures, removing dentures while sleeping is generally recommended to keep them in shape and protect your gums. Traditional dentures can shift during the night and impact your gum line, leading to premature loosening.