Dentures

For many years, dentures were considered the last alternative in dentistry. Today, however, dentures have become an integrated part of treatment planning. Although dentures still involve relatively large removable restorations, the ability to match the natural appearance of the patient's own teeth, together with the use of modern materials, advanced attachment techniques, and relatively low cost have made them an attractive option for many patients.

The term denture covers a manifest of removable restorations. While many of the procedures involved with treatment described below are similar, denture types vary considerably. The Denture Types mini-menu on the right may be used to explore various denture types that may be included in an individual treatment plan.

Denture Types Full Dentures Partial Dentures Over Dentures

When a decision is made in consultation with the dentist to have one or more remaining teeth replaced with a denture, a number of appointments will be scheduled to complete the procedure.  The key to successful denture placement is the fit of the denture. Consequently, the dentist will pay special attention to each step of the procedure to ensure that the produced denture fits and can be easily retained by the patient.

The procedures involved in a denture restoration are numerous and complex.  In this section they are presented in a logical, chronological sequence. However, the actual sequence followed and procedures employed will depend entirely upon the individual treatment plan developed between the doctor and patient.

The initial step does not usually involve the extraction of teeth.  Rather, impressions are taken of the entire gum surface, including the teeth planned for extraction (both upper and lower). An impression involves the use of a formed tray to hold a water based elastic substance used to actually take the impression. The tray, together with the impression compound is gently pressed against the patients bite ridge (upper or lower) and left to set for a few minutes. When the compound sets, the tray with the attached impression is removed.  The elastic nature of the compound permits it to be withdrawn from around existing teeth and gums without discomfort to the patient.

Armed with the impression, the dentist will immediately use dental stone to produce a positive model of the impression. If the model appears correct, it will be set aside and an impression will be taken of the opposing arc. If either of the models (upper or lower) contain voids or large air bubbles, the dentist will likely repeat the procedure to secure an accurate model.

After impressions have been taken and stone models produced,  the dentist will use a piece of softened wax to produce a bite record by having the patient bite down on it. The bite record provides the laboratory with information about the natural occlusion of the teeth.

The dentist will then take a series of measurements relative to the alignment of the teeth and may additionally take a photograph for the laboratory to use in designing the denture.

At this point, depending upon the treatment plan the dentist may extract one or more teeth, particularly if there are a number of extractions to be made involving the removal of back teeth or molars. As a general rule exposed front teeth are left in place until the temporary denture is ready to be placed.

From the models and other information provided, the dental laboratory will prepare a temporary denture and return it to the dentist to be placed at the same time the final extractions are made.

During the next visit the dentist will have received the temporary dentures from the dental laboratory for placement. At this point, the final extractions will be made.  Prior to beginning, the dentist will pay special attention the the patient's comfort. The doctor will then extract the remaining teeth and if necessary trim any rough bone that may be present. Depending upon the number and size of the extractions, he may use small sutures to close the resulting openings.  After the extractions are made and any suturing is complete, the temporary denture will be fitted into place.

With the temporary denture set, the patient will be instructed to leave it in place for a specified period of time, in order to give the gums a chance to start healing. This is the point of mixed emotions for some patients; they can now smile with a degree of confidence, but the denture seems like it takes up all the available space in their mouths. It doesn't take long, however, before the restoration begins to feel natural. Pain is really not a factor either. While there may initially be some discomfort, medication prescribed by the dentist will generally bring that down to a manageable level, and within a week any pain associated with the extractions will have subsided completely.

Most often, patients return in a week or two to have the extractions checked and to adjust the denture to accommodate any sore spots that the patient may be experiencing. At this time the dentist will discuss a schedule for the remaining steps and attend to any additional issues the patient may be experiencing.

Barring any additional adjustments to the temporary denture, the next time the patient will visit the clinic will be to have the final denture made. This may be anywhere from three to six months, in order to give the gums a chance to heal, and the bone to undergo initial resorption (shrinkage). During this phase of the treatment, the dentist will follow much the same procedure as at the beginning:

• The dentist will take impressions, make dental models, take measurements and then send it all to the dental laboratory to be worked on.  
• Within a week or so, the dental lab will return a "wax up" to be tested in the patient's mouth. Adjustment will be make to both the appearance and occlusion of the teeth and the "wax up" will be returned to the lab.
• The dentist may request another "wax up" before ordering completion, in which case the patient will have another opportunity to check it for fit and appearance.
• Once the order is made to complete the denture, the laboratory will cast it in acrylic, adjust and polish the unit and send it to the dentist for placement.
• The final denture will then be placed by the dentist and adjusted as necessary.  Correction for fit or adjustments for sore spots will be made during a follow visit in a week or two.

Deadwood Dental provides a full range dental restorations. Each situation is different and only a careful examination and close consultation will determine what will work best for you.

Please feel free to discuss any questions you may have regarding the content in our website with either Dr. Hopper or Dr. Mills. Either will be more than happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.

You may reach the clinic at 605-578-3810 or 800-641-2035, or
email us at: deadwooddental@mato.com

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Treatment

• Overview
• Clinical Hygiene
• Fillings
• Crowns & On Lays
• Bridges
• Dentures
• Dental Bonding
• Veneers
• Whitening
• Implants
• Root Canal

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Did You Know . . .

George Washington wore dentures because he had lost one tooth after another to extraction. He suffered from toothaches all his adult life, and his famous quick temper may have been the result of this pain. By the time of his inauguration in 1790, Washington had only one tooth, his lower left bicuspid. A hole in his lower denture allowed this natural tooth to stick out. The dentures were not made of wood (as common myth goes). They were made of ivory. 

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