Dr. Paul Karpovich provides treatment with dentures in Timonium, MD. Dentures can be full or partial and may be secured with dental implants. Whether you have all your teeth missing or have several natural teeth remaining, Dr. Karpovich and his dental team can help. Thorough exams and digital dentistry allow Dr. Karpovich to discover the most comfortable restorative dentistry services that work with each patient’s smile.
Types of Dentures Available at Paul W. Karpovich, DDS, P.A.
Dr. Karpovich offers partial or complete dentures to replace missing teeth:
- Complete Dentures: Full or complete 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.
Why is it Important to Replace Missing Teeth?
Not replacing missing teeth soon enough may result in one or more of these conditions:
- Shifting teeth
- Overcrowding
- Tooth decay
- Misaligned bite
- Facial sagging
- Speech issues
Not replacing missing teeth soon enough can increase dental problems. We encourage our patients to schedule appointments in our office so we can help find the best restoration for their needs.
Securing Dentures with Dental Implants
Implant-secured dentures offer a more comfortable and lasting result 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. 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.
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.
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. Wearing dentures too long can irritate the gum tissue, making it sore and inflamed.
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.
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 the implant 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 things like 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. Work on soft foods like pasta and mashed potatoes when you start to feel better. Take small bites, and don’t rush when you’re eating. When this feels good for you, step up to more solid foods cut into small bites.
Can I go a day without wearing my dentures?
It’s essential that you wear your dentures daily so that your gums and mouth can adjust properly. You may experience a little discomfort initially, but your gums need to adjust to their pressure in your mouth. Not wearing them daily prolongs the time it takes for your gums to adjust.
Am I a good candidate for dentures?
For implant-supported dentures, there are more requirements you have to meet. Namely, ensuring you have enough bone density to properly support the implants. For any type of dentures, you should be in good oral health. If there are any current conditions, such as gum disease, we must treat those before we move forward with the denture process. We’ll thoroughly examine and determine if you’re eligible for dentures.
Schedule a Denture Consultation and Exam Today
Do you want to replace missing teeth with secure full or partial dentures? Request an appointment with Dr. Karpovich online or call (410) 221-3085 for comprehensive treatment.