When multiple missing teeth create gaps in your smile, you want replacement teeth that look and function properly. Dr. Paul Karpovich provides treatment with dentures in Timonium, MD. Dentures can be full or partial and may be secured with dental implants.
Whether all your teeth are missing or you have several natural teeth remaining, Dr. Karpovich can find the most comfortable restorative dentistry services that work for you. He provides thorough exams and digital dentistry for treatment planning. Using modern technology, Dr. Karpovich will ensure your dentures feel natural and last many years.
Why Replace Missing Teeth?
Not replacing missing teeth soon enough may result in one or more of these conditions:
- Shifting teeth
- Overcrowding
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Misaligned bite
- Facial sagging
- Speech issues
Missing teeth, especially missing front teeth, can create embarrassment. Replacing lost teeth with dentures can increase your confidence in social situations. We encourage our patients to schedule appointments in our office so we can help find the best restoration for their needs.
Types of Dentures in Timonium, MD at Paul W. Karpovich, DDS, P.A.
Dr. Karpovich offers multiple types of dentures to replace missing teeth. These dentures restore rows and arches of teeth:
- Complete Dentures: Full dentures may be conventional or immediate. Immediate dentures are temporary and are placed while conventional dentures are being made. Implant-secured dentures are the preferred restoration for patients with multiple missing teeth. Although they may seem more costly upfront, implant-supported dentures provide superior long-term benefits.
- Partial Dentures: A removable partial denture is built around existing teeth and is connected to the roots with metal or plastic anchors. They consist of replacement teeth attached to a plastic base with a metal framework. Partial dentures may also be secured with dental implants and work best for patients with multiple missing teeth.
- Implant-Supported Dentures: We recommend using implants to support dentures whenever possible. Implants provide longer-lasting results and are more comfortable for patients with multiple missing teeth or whole rows of lost teeth. Dental implants help maintain bone structure while securing the denture in place.
The Top Benefits of Implant Dentures
We recommend using implants to support dentures because they provide longer-lasting results. Implant dentures are also more comfortable for patients with multiple missing teeth or whole rows of lost teeth. Dental implants help to maintain bone structure while securing the denture in place.
Implants are small titanium posts that a surgeon places in the jaw bone. They act as artificial tooth roots to prevent problems like gum and bone loss. Before implant treatment, we will ensure you have good oral health and enough healthy bone to support your implants.
Sometimes, an existing denture can be converted into an implant-supported denture. As few as four dental implants can secure an upper or lower row of teeth.
While removable dentures may be more cost-effective, they require relining or rebasing. Implants ensure dentures last longer. The titanium implant posts themselves are permanent. They will stay in place as long as you care for your restoration.
What to Expect During the Denture Process
Step 1: Consultation. Dr. Karpovich will examine your mouth, talk with you about your concerns, and review what you want your smile to look like. We may take X-rays or digital scans to understand the health of your teeth, gums, and jawbone.
Step 2: Pretreatment (if needed). If you need teeth removed or gum treatment first, we’ll plan that care before moving forward. Healing time can vary, and Dr. Karpovich will explain what to expect.
Step 3: Impressions and measurements. We take impressions, scans, or measurements so your denture is made to fit your mouth. This part is important because small details can make a big difference in comfort.
Step 4: Try-in appointment. You may have a try-in appointment where you can see how the teeth look and how your bite feels before the final denture is finished.
Step 5: Final fitting. You’ll come in for the fitting. Dr. Karpovich will check how the denture sits, how your bite lines up, and whether any areas feel too tight. It’s normal to need a few adjustments after you begin wearing your new denture or partial.
Patient Review
Dentures and Partials FAQs
Dentures and partials are some of the most widely used dental restorations. Learn more about them by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions about denture treatment in our Lutherville-Timonium office.
How many hours a day should I wear my dentures?
Implant-supported dentures stay in your mouth at all times. You never have to take them out. With traditional dentures, you should wear them for around eight hours a day. At night, take them out to soak and rest your gum tissue.
How long does it take to adjust to dentures?
There have been many advancements in dentures throughout the years. However, they’re still foreign objects in your mouth. No matter how advanced they are, they won’t feel normal to you right away.
It takes about two weeks for the dentures to start to feel like a normal part of your mouth. During this adjustment time, you will get used to speaking and eating with new, functional teeth.
Is getting dentures painful?
The process itself isn’t painful. We use local anesthetics to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure. If you get dental implants, you’ll experience some soreness and discomfort for the first few days after placement.
With traditional dentures, your gums will be sore for a few weeks as they adjust. Even with the right fit, it takes time for your gums to adjust to this change.
When can I eat solid food after getting dentures?
Stick to soups, smoothies, and applesauce for the first week after you get your dentures. You’ll be a bit sore and have to adjust to eating with something that isn’t your natural teeth. When you feel better, work on soft foods like pasta and mashed potatoes.
Take small bites, and don’t rush while you eat. When you feel comfortable, move up to more solid foods and cut them into small bites. Implant dentures will help you eat these foods with improved bite force instead of removable dentures.
Can I go a day without wearing my dentures?
You must wear your dentures daily to adjust your gums and mouth properly. While you may experience some initial discomfort, your gums will adjust to the pressure in your mouth. Not wearing them daily prolongs the time it takes for your gums to adjust to your new teeth.
Am I a good candidate for dentures?
Most adults who are missing teeth are good candidates for dentures. You may be a good fit if you:
- Are missing multiple teeth
- Have teeth that cannot be saved
- Want a removable option to restore your smile
- Are in good oral health
For implant dentures, you’ll need enough bone density to support the implants. If you’ve lost bone over time, a bone graft may help. Dr. Karpovich will evaluate your oral health and recommend the best option for your needs.
Do implant dentures change the way you speak?
Implant dentures can improve how you speak, especially if you’ve had missing teeth or loose dentures. Since your new teeth are securely attached to implants, they won’t slip or move around.
At first, you might need a little time to adjust to your new implant dentures, but most people find that their speech improves quickly. If you have any issues, your dentist can help make sure everything fits just right!
Can I sleep with implant dentures in my mouth?
Yes, you can sleep with implant dentures in your mouth. Unlike regular dentures, implant dentures are securely attached to dental implants in your jaw, so they stay in place. This makes them feel more like natural teeth and doesn’t require removing them at night.
However, you should still maintain good oral hygiene. Make sure to clean your implant dentures thoroughly every day to keep your gums and mouth healthy. If you have any concerns, ask your dentist for advice.
Schedule a Denture Consultation and Exam Today
Do you want to replace missing teeth with secure full or partial dentures in Timonium, MD? Request a dental appointment with Dr. Karpovich online. You can also call (410) 221-3085 for comprehensive treatment. Let us know if you have any questions about dentures.