Tooronga Family Dentistry offers expert care for damaged or diseased teeth and gums, recognizing that sometimes teeth must be removed. Following extraction, teeth can be replaced with bridges, implants, or dentures to restore both function and aesthetics.
Dentures: Removable and Fixed Solutions
Dentures are removable restorations that require frequent removal and separate cleaning. For patients seeking a more stable solution, Dr. Kaufman provides fixed implant-supported dentures using 4 to 6 implants, commonly known as “All on 4” or “Fixed on 4,” offering enhanced satisfaction and function.
There are two main types of removable dentures:
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Partial Dentures: Designed for patients missing some teeth, partial dentures attach to remaining natural teeth with metal clasps and fill in spaces along a gum-colored base. These dentures prevent neighboring teeth from shifting but the clasps can sometimes damage supporting teeth, causing gum disease or decay. Implant-supported partial dentures offer a superior alternative by anchoring to implants, thus preserving natural teeth.
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Complete Dentures: These replace all teeth in the upper or lower jaws. When existing teeth are compromised and require removal, Dr. Kaufman can provide an immediate “fixed removable” denture anchored by 4–6 implants on the same day, ensuring aesthetics and function. Alternatively, an “immediate” denture can be glued in place post-extraction but requires a healing period of 8–12 weeks before a conventional denture is fitted to accommodate changes in bone and gum shape.
Caring for Your Dentures
New dentures may feel unusual or loose until your cheek and tongue muscles adapt. Temporary soreness from denture rubbing is common—Dr. Kaufman employs special impression techniques to minimize this.
Eating with new dentures demands practice. Start with soft, small pieces, chew slowly using both sides, and consider adhesive for stability. Avoid hot, hard, sharp, sticky, or overly hard foods which might damage or dislodge dentures.
Remove and clean your dentures after every meal. Clean your mouth before reinserting dentures. To prevent damage if dropped, clean over a soft towel or basin. Daily cleaning with mild soap or denture cleaner using a soft brush is recommended—avoid abrasive pastes or stiff brushes.
Keep dentures moist overnight by soaking in water or a mild soaking solution, rinsing before use to avoid harmful residue.
Schedule regular checkups here to ensure your dentures continue fitting well and functioning properly.