Dentures

Minneapolis and St. Paul Minnesota

The loss of one or more teeth can make it difficult to speak, chew or even digest your food properly. Missing teeth can also cause the collapse of facial tissues and can simply make your smile less aesthetically pleasing. At River Bluff Dental we offer the traditional method of complete or partial dentures to replace missing teeth and the surrounding tissue. Dentures help restore not only a beautiful smile but also a person’s self-confidence.

Dentures are removable dental appliances that can be made to look natural and function like normal teeth.

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures are implemented when a patient is missing all of the teeth in the upper or lower arch. There are two ways a complete arch can be made:

• Conventional – Made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue healed. During the healing process, which can take four to six weeks, the patient will not have teeth.
• Immediate – Made prior to the removal of the teeth so the patient can wear the dentures during the healing process. Significant adjustments to the dentures are almost always necessary after the bones and gums have healed.

Patients who do not wish to go without teeth can elect to have immediate dentures during the healing process and then more custom-fit conventional dentures made to properly fit their arch.

Partial Dentures

If a patient has one or more teeth remaining in an arch, partial dentures can be implemented. The replacement teeth rest on a natural-looking plastic base that is connected to a metal framework. Partial dentures fill the spaces created by missing teeth and help prevent other teeth from shifting. If other teeth are allowed to shift, this can cause bite misalignment and can ultimately cause the painful symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD).

Denture Customization Process

Dr. Palmer works very hard to make dentures as comfortable and natural-looking as possible. The process requires several dental appointments to ensure that he has created the proper shape, fit and color to complement your smile. Highly accurate impressions (molds) and precise measurements aid in the denture customization process.

Life with Dentures

It takes most patients a few weeks to become used to the feeling and function of their new dentures. As the muscles, gums and bone become comfortable with the new appliance you may experience:

• Increased saliva
• Soreness
• Speech and chewing difficulty

Dentures are extremely durable and last many years with proper cleaning, good oral hygiene and regular dental visits to ensure proper fit. Over time it may be necessary to have the dentures readjusted or remade due to normal wear.

If you live in the Bloomington, Minnesota area and are suffering from the effects of tooth loss, please contact cosmetic dentist Dr. Walter Palmer at River Bluff Dental to schedule a denture consultation and find out if this option is right for you.