Dentures in Metairie, LA

At Raul Ramirez DDS, we place a denture as a removable prosthetic replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. They usually consist of artificial replacement teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base held in place in the mouth by suction or an adhesive. After tooth loss, replacing your teeth to continue eating and chewing is typically essential. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. Removable partial and full dentures are the most economical option for replacing missing teeth.

Types of Dentures

Traditional complete dentures cover the entire upper and lower jaw and replace the lost natural teeth. They are a good option for patients who want an affordable way to replace their teeth. However, they do not offer the same stability as other dentures and may cause some initial discomfort.

Partial dentures are used when patients are missing some of their teeth and want to fill in the spaces they have left. The partial denture attaches to any remaining healthy teeth with clasps. These clasps make the denture more stable than traditional complete dentures. Patients with a partial denture do not need to have their remaining healthy teeth removed.

Implant-supported dentures use dental implants to replace lost tooth roots. The implants are surgically placed in your jaw at strategic points and then used to support the dentures. With implant-supported dentures, patients get the full chewing power of natural tooth roots, and they also do not need to deal with any slippage that can sometimes occur with traditional dentures. Patients can eat and speak more confidently when they have an implant-supported denture.

Dentures and Your Health

Though today’s dentures are designed to be much more comfortable and natural-looking than before, they are still foreign objects in your mouth. You may feel some soreness or discomfort for a few days as your mouth gets used to having something that wasn't there before. You will likely also speak differently with your new teeth as your speech adjusts to this new reality. However, as you become accustomed to your dentures, you'll probably find they feel much more natural than when you first got them.

Additionally, you’ll need to take proper care of your new dentures to ensure they last longer and stay in great shape. This includes brushing them daily to remove food and other debris between your teeth. It can also help make your gums healthier and help keep your jawbone strong and healthy. Working with your dentist to find the best fit for you can also be beneficial in making sure your dentures fit well and feel comfortable.

Investing in dentures could be the right choice for your smile if you're missing some or all your teeth. For the best dental care tailored to your needs, visit Raul Ramirez DDS at 2816 Lake Villa Dr, Metairie, LA 70002, or call (504) 885-3255.