Welcome to Personal Touch Dentistry, where we offer the well-known restorative treatment option known as dentures in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. For many, the idea of needing dentures can be daunting. It signifies a significant change in oral health and often raises numerous questions about lifestyle, appearance, and comfort. However, dentures serve not only as a remedy but also as a doorway to renewed confidence, and they can significantly enhance one’s overall quality of life! 

What are Dentures?

Dentures are oral prosthetic devices that can replace a full or partial arch of missing teeth. We will recommend them when a patient’s natural teeth are gone or were removed, offering a solution that simulates the appearance and function of natural teeth, complete with a gum-colored base to mimic the mouth’s natural palate. 

Types of Dentures

Full Dentures 

Full or complete dentures are prosthetic devices we recommend when all teeth in a patient’s upper or lower arch are missing. There are two types of full dentures: conventional and immediate. Traditional complete dentures are placed in the mouth after all remaining teeth have been removed and the tissues have healed. Immediate complete dentures are ready for placement when after we remove the teeth, allowing the patient to have teeth during the healing process. However, immediate dentures may require more adjustments to fit properly as the jaw bone and gums heal and change shape.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are an excellent option when several natural teeth remain in the upper or lower jaw. They fill in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevent the neighboring teeth from shifting positions. Partials are often held in place by metal clasps that secure them to surrounding teeth, and patients can remove them for cleaning while sleeping.

The Denture Procedure Process

The procedure to get fitted for dentures is a detailed process that involves multiple appointments with Dr. Ron Logan.

1. Initial Examination and Treatment Plan: The denture process begins with a comprehensive dental examination. Dr. Logan will take X-rays and impressions (molds) of the existing teeth and jawbone to create a treatment plan customized to the patient’s needs.
2. Fittings and Impression Making: During the next visit, we will make multiple impressions of your jaw structure. We will use these impressions to make wax forms, which you will try on several times to assess color, shape, and fit. Any adjustments are made at this point before the final dentures are manufactured.
3. Final Denture Fitting: We will fit the final dentures during the last appointment. Dr. Logan will make any necessary adjustments to ensure comfort and a secure fit. We will advise you on adequately inserting, removing, and caring for your new dentures.
4. Follow-Up Visits: It’s essential to return for follow-up visits to address any issues with fit or comfort. Adjustments may be necessary in the first few weeks as the mouth and gum tissues change.

Maintenance and Care Tips for Dentures

Maintaining your dentures is crucial for their longevity and your oral health. Proper care also ensures they remain comfortable and functional.

Cleaning Routines

• Brush your dentures daily to remove food and plaque and prevent staining.
• Use a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner to avoid scratching the surface.
• After cleaning, immerse your dentures in water or a denture cleanser solution to prevent drying.

Regular Check-ups and Adjustments

• Visit Dr. Logan regularly for check-ups to ensure your dentures fit properly and are in good condition.
• Dr. Logan may need to adjust the fit of your dentures periodically as your gums and jawbone change over time.

Dentures in Winston-Salem, NC

Although daunting, dentures are an excellent choice for those with missing teeth. Dentures offer you the chance to restore your smile and allow you to eat your favorite foods and smile confidently once again. Don’t let the fear of needing dentures stop you from restoring your smile, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Ron Logan today!