Dentures and partials are two solutions to tooth loss your dentist might recommend. If either is suggested to you, you may have a few questions before making your decision. For patients in Alabama, Enterprise Dental Associates is happy to answer these questions to put patients’ minds at ease. The following can help you be more prepared for the prosthetics, which in turn will greatly increase the chance of a successful outcome.

A Dentist’s Guide to Dentures & Partials: What Patients Should Know

What Are Dentures & Partials?

Dentures are a removable remedy for profound tooth loss. With full dentures, an acrylic base is custom-designed to fit your exact gum line. In some cases, remaining teeth may need to be extracted so that the dentures can offer a better fit. If your dentist feels that gum tissues needs time to heal before dentures are placed, you may need to wait a few months before receiving your set. However, immediate placement can also occur.

Partial dentures are another option. While also removable, partial dentures are used when a patient has quite a few remaining teeth. In this case, partials will include a metal framework with gaps to allow for natural teeth to break through. You may also need crowns placed if your natural teeth are deemed insufficient to support the partial dentures.

Am I a Good Candidate?

In general, people with good oral health are often a great fit for dentures. Gum tissue should be healthy, and if gum disease is an issue, your dentist may need to treat it before placing your dentures. Additionally, the number of teeth you’re missing can be a factor. People who are only missing one or two teeth are better served by implants, which entail a metal rod placed in the jaw bone with an artificial tooth anchored on top.

What Else Should I Know?

Proper care of your dentures is crucial to keep the apparatus intact and to prevent decay. remove dentures so that they can be properly rinsed. You also want to make sure your mouth is clean before replacing your dentures—you can do this by using a soft bristled tooth brush and paste. At night, you can soak your dentures in a specially designed solution to ensure they don’t dry out. 

At Enterprise Dental Associates, patients can look forward to advanced dental treatments provided with a kind and caring demeanor. Visit them online for more information on treatments for tooth loss, including dentures and partials. You can also schedule an appointment with this skilled family dentist by calling (334) 347-9564 today.