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Complete and Partial Dentures in Erie, PA

Loss of one's natural teeth can be devastating, whether it be from periodontal disease, tooth decay, or injury. Complete dentures can give you back your missing teeth, smile, ability to eat and speak clearly, and your confidence. Without dentures, facial muscles sag, and appearance and health suffer.

Complete dentures come in multiple forms. A conventional full denture is custom-built in a dental laboratory and placed in the patient's mouth after removal of existing teeth and complete healing of oral tissues, a process that can take several months.

An immediate full denture bypasses the waiting period and is installed immediately after any remaining teeth are extracted. During a preliminary visit, the dentist takes measurements and makes a 3D model of the patient's jaw.

At the follow-up visit, the remaining teeth are removed and the appliance is placed — the patient does not have to go without teeth for any period.

Even with full dentures, oral hygiene cannot be ignored. We recommend brushing the gums, tongue, and palate each morning with a soft-bristled brush to aid with circulation and clear away plaque before inserting the dentures.

Regular dental check-ups should continue to be scheduled to check for fit and to screen for oral diseases, including cancer. 

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Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures replace missing teeth.  As the name implies, they can be removed for cleaning — both the denture itself and the teeth.  They can be made out of flexible acrylic and are very esthetic.  Sometimes they are reinforced with a metal substructure for added strength.  Scheduling a consultation can determine which type is best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures

How do immediate dentures differ from conventional dentures?

Immediate dentures differ from conventional dentures in that they are replaced just as soon as remaining teeth are removed. The dentist measures up the patient's mouth and makes a 3D model during a preliminary visit so the dentures are ready to go at the follow-up.

While this does have the benefit of allowing the patient to resume eating and speaking normally shortly after treatment, bones and gums do tend to shrink over time, especially during the 6-month recovery period after tooth removal. If this happens, the dentist will have to rebase or reline the appliance so it fits properly. 

Conventional dentures are made for a completely healed mouth, but leave the patient without teeth for several months.

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