Dentures

Dentures replace missing teeth and the gum tissue that supported them, restoring both the appearance and basic function of your mouth. Beyond aesthetics, they serve a real structural purpose. When teeth are missing, the surrounding teeth tend to shift, the jawbone gradually loses density, and facial muscles can start to sag inward. A well-fitted set of dentures helps prevent those changes and keeps your face looking supported and full.

Patients who come to us for dentures are often dealing with one of a few situations: significant decay that has made saving their natural teeth unrealistic, advanced gum disease that has led to tooth loss over time, or teeth lost to injury or accident. In all of these cases, dentures offer a way to move forward with a functional, natural-looking solution.

Not every patient needs the same type of denture, and part of our job is helping you figure out which option makes the most sense for your situation.

Full dentures replace an entire arch of missing teeth, upper, lower, or both. They rest on the gum ridge and are held in place by suction and the natural contours of your mouth. Full dentures are typically the right choice when all remaining teeth on an arch have been removed or are beyond saving.

Partial dentures work when you still have healthy, natural teeth remaining. The prosthetic fills in the gaps left by missing teeth and clasps onto your existing teeth for stability. They’re removable and designed to blend naturally with your existing teeth.

Immediate dentures are placed on the same day your teeth are extracted, so you’re never without teeth during the healing process. Because the gums and bone change shape as they heal, immediate dentures typically require relining or replacement after the initial healing period.

For patients who want more stability than a conventional denture provides, implant-supported dentures are secured to dental implants placed in the jaw. They can be either fixed or removable depending on your preference, and they don’t rely on adhesive or suction to stay in place. Implant-supported dentures also help preserve jawbone density in a way that traditional dentures can’t.

At Parkway Family Dental, we use digital denture technology to design and fabricate dentures with greater accuracy than traditional methods allow. Instead of relying solely on physical impressions, digital workflows capture detailed measurements of your mouth that are used to mill or print a denture with a precise, consistent fit.

The practical difference for patients is significant. Digital dentures tend to fit better from the start, require fewer adjustments, and can be reproduced accurately if a replacement is ever needed. For patients who have struggled with ill-fitting conventional dentures, digital fabrication often makes a noticeable difference in comfort and confidence.

Most patients need a few weeks to fully adjust to wearing dentures. Speaking and eating feel different at first, and it’s normal to notice increased saliva production as your mouth responds to something new. These things settle down as you adapt.

Some practical tips for the adjustment period:

Regular follow-up visits are also important, especially in the first year. We’ll check the fit, make any necessary adjustments, and monitor your gum and bone health.

• Start with softer foods and gradually work your way up to tougher textures.
• Practice speaking out loud at home to get comfortable with how words feel.
• Use a small amount of denture adhesive if needed while you’re adjusting, even with a well-fitted denture.
• Remove your dentures at night to give your gum tissue a chance to rest.
• Rinse and brush your dentures daily with a soft brush and non-abrasive cleaner.

With proper care, a good set of dentures typically lasts 5 to 10 years before a replacement is necessary. Over time, the fit changes as your jaw and gum tissue naturally reshape. A denture that fit well years ago may become loose or uncomfortable, which is a sign it’s time for a reline or a new set.

Dr. Sheela Thomas evaluates each patient’s fit at regular checkups to catch changes before they become uncomfortable. For patients whose tooth loss is connected to gum disease or bone loss, Dr. Loiseau’s periodontal expertise is available as part of our care team.

If you’re dealing with significant tooth loss and want to understand your options, we’re here to help you sort through them. Call Parkway Family Dental or book online, and we’ll walk you through which type of denture makes sense for your mouth, lifestyle, and budget. No guesswork, just clear information and a plan that works for you.