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Dentures and Implant-Supported Dentures in San Diego, CA

Your smile is a precious asset that depends on dental health. Missing teeth can severely impact a person’s confidence in the attractiveness of their smile. 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 San Diego, Dr. 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.

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What Are the Benefits of Dentures?

Missing teeth not only cause cosmetic issues but can also lead to serious oral health problems, worsening the longer you go without visiting the dentist. Replacing your missing teeth with traditional dentures can provide the following benefits:

A confident smile
Restored dental function

Adding dental implants to support your dentures—or implant-supported dentures—can be beneficial. A dental implant acts as your missing tooth’s root to stimulate the bone and help prevent the resorption (atrophy) that occurs where teeth are missing. Dental implant-supported dentures offer the following additional benefits:

A more natural feel and appearance
A strong and reliably stable bite
Protection against accelerated jawbone loss
Straightforward maintenance

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What Is The Connection Between Gum Disease and Tooth Loss?

The primary cause of tooth loss is gum disease. It starts with hardly any symptoms, but without treatment, it will soon lead to tender, swollen, and bleeding gums. If gum disease is left untreated and allowed 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 be in your future. It’s vital to maintain your oral health by brushing twice daily, flossing at night, seeing the dentist regularly, having regular dental cleanings, 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. While traumatic injury can still cause an immediate need for these, practicing proper oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly can reduce or prevent many conditions that cause tooth loss.

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

Dentures don’t have to be inevitable, but if they are recommended, 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. A full denture may be necessary if all the teeth are missing or require extraction.

Our San Diego dental practice offers a range of options, including traditional dentures, partial dentures, and implant-supported dentures. Call us today at (858) 295-0603 to schedule an appointment and explore your options.

How Do Traditional Dentures Work?

Traditional dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace full arches of missing teeth and are a time-tested and cost-effective solution for replacing missing teeth. They consist of a gum-colored acrylic base that holds artificial teeth made of acrylic or porcelain.

How Should You Prepare for Your San Diego, CA, Denture Consultation?

The first step is to consult with our highly skilled and experienced dentist. Your consultation includes a review of your medical history, an examination, and X-rays to get a detailed view of your jawbone.

Once your oral health has been assessed, the type of denture that suits your needs will be determined.

“At our practice, we do not cut corners. We only use the most advanced, cutting-edge equipment available.”rn— Dr. Kohani

How It Works

What Is the Process for Dentures?

Step One

If you are missing most or all of your teeth, schedule a consultation with La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics by calling (858) 295-0603 or filling out our online contact form.

Step Two

Meet with Dr. Kohani for an oral health assessment to discuss your tooth replacement options, including dentures, partials, and implant-supported dentures. If tooth extraction is needed, Dr. Kohani may be able to perform the procedure on the same day.

Step Three

A 3D CT scan is obtained for implant-supported dentures to determine candidacy and help Dr. Kohani place the implant posts. A digital impression of your gums, with or without implants, will be taken and used to fabricate your dentures.

Step Four

When received, you will return to our office for Dr. Kohani to fit the dentures or attach them to the implants, allowing you to leave our San Diego dental practice with a bright new smile.

What Procedures Do Dentures Require?

All unhealthy teeth are removed, and a precise impression or 3D scan of your gums (and any healthy 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 model of your gums and any remaining teeth is sent to our trusted lab, where the complete or partial denture is fabricated.

Your new dentures should arrive at our office within a few 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.

Partials may be secured to remaining healthy teeth for stability when used, while complete traditional dentures require an adhesive.

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 chew and swallow.

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

When Choosing Implant-Supported Dentures, What Criteria Should Apply?
How Much Do Dentures Cost?
What Is the Best Way to Take Care of Your Dentures?

When Choosing Implant-Supported Dentures, What Criteria Should Apply?
The process for implant-supported dentures starts much like 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, the following process can begin:
- The implant posts are inserted through the gums and into the jaw bone.
- These titanium posts are given anywhere from six weeks to a few months to fuse with the bone in a process called osseointegration.
- Once fused, the denture is attached to the implant posts.
Some implant-supported options, like All-on-4® dentures, tend to shorten the time between implant placement and completion.

Dental implants act as your missing tooth roots to stimulate the bone and help prevent the resorption (atrophy) that occurs under missing teeth.
How Much Do Dentures Cost?

Traditional dentures cost less than implant-supported dentures, but the costs for both vary. Your price will depend on the condition of your gums and underlying bone (if choosing the implant-supported option), and you will be provided an accurate cost estimate during your consultation.
What Is the Best Way to Take Care of Your Dentures?

Dr. Kohani will provide detailed instructions on how to insert, remove, and clean your traditional dentures. Regular check-ups are essential to monitor their fit and to make any necessary adjustments over time.

Implant-supported dentures are not removable and can be cared for like natural teeth by brushing daily. Implant-retained dentures are secured with two or more implants and can be removed. You would care for them as you would traditional dentures.

Testimonials

Our patients LOVE us, and you will too!

Dr. Kohani changed my smile by using his special veneering technique with minimal alteration of my own teeth. He is an absolute perfectionist and does unbelievable work. No one can tell I have veneers; they just notice my bright and shining smile.

Brandon S.

I have gone to Dr. Kohani a few times now and have had nothing but great experiences. I was impressed with the friendly staff that is welcoming and organized. We all know these visits aren’t necessarily ones we look forward to, but Dr. Kohani makes this experience quite pleasant…

O. LaJeunesse

I was new to La Jolla, out looking for a dentist and I actually walked into Dr. Kohani’s office by mistake. Well, it was one of the best mistakes I made. My teeth needed a ton of work and Dr. Kohani did a beautiful job. I needed fillings, root canals and veneers. Dr. Kohani was able to do it all…

A. Samimi

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What Are My Denture Options in San Diego, CA?

At La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics in San Diego, Dr. Kohani can design and craft a customized pair of partial or full dentures. He also offers implant-supported options that fit comfortably in your mouth.

To learn more about dentures or to determine which denture type is 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.

Dentures & Implant-Supported Dentures FAQ

What is an overdenture?

Overdentures or implant-retained dentures are removable and fit over your remaining healthy teeth or dental implants. Before receiving overdentures, your natural teeth are prepared, or implants are placed to provide secure support for the new denture.

What do new dentures feel like?

New dentures may take a few weeks to a few months to get used to and can also feel a bit loose and uncomfortable at first. Once your cheek and tongue muscles become accustomed to your dentures, 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.

Will I be able to eat with dentures?

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. You should soon 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.

Should I wear my dentures at night?

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