There are so many reasons that we might lose one or more adult teeth. In fact, we can lose an entire set of upper or lower teeth due to disease, decay or trauma. Fortunately, Michael Miyamoto, DDS of Miyamoto Dental Design Suite Inc. in Wailuku, HI has many solutions available. As a restorative dentist practice, we can offer full dentures, partials and more innovative solutions such as implant supported dentures.
Dentures are not the old-fashioned answer that many believe them to be, and they are a key component to restoring function to the mouth. They are remarkably natural in their appearance, and are designed so precisely that you can wear them when eating, drinking and speaking, and no one will know you use them.
Patients who are worried about discomfort or slippage can inquire about implant dentures to get an added level of function as well as the benefits that come from the use of dental implants.
What Does It Mean to Get Dentures?
The method for obtaining dentures varies from patient to patient, and depends first on what sort of denture you require. The “full” denture is when the entire set of teeth has been lost on the upper or lower arch. The “partial” denture is just as it sounds, and is going to replace several teeth in one of your arches. The implant supported dentures will use several implants to permanently mount the appliance and you can enjoy this approach to dentures with a full denture or a bridge that relies on two implants at either end.
There are also All on 4 Implants that use four implants to hold the dental appliance in place.
When our doctors indicate that you should consider dentures, or you are already in need of them, you have two options. We can do an immediate denture that is made before any teeth are lost or removed and is put into place immediately after any dental treatment. The alternative is the conventional denture that requires you to be without artificial teeth during the healing process. This allows the gum and bone tissue to heal and shrink, and then your denture can be made or properly fitted to your natural gum.
Does that mean that all dentures will require adjustment? Actually, we urge all patients with full or partial dentures to come for regular visits. At that time, we examine the gums and any remaining teeth and do a cleaning. We then check on the conditions of the dentures to ensure that the fit is good and that no undo wear or irritation is occurring. If there is, we do an adjustment until you are comfortable.
Contact Our Restorative Dentist in Wailuku for Dentures
Most patients can count on a set of dentures for at least five years, or more. If you have additional questions about the benefits of restorative dentistry, dentures or about any of the other treatments mentioned here, give us a call at our Wailuku, HI office at (808) 242-7007. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.