Full and Partial Dentures
 Your teeth are an essential feature of your mouth and have several crucial responsibilities. Along with biting and chewing, the teeth play a role in the appearance of your smile and your confidence as well as the health of your jawbone. When you lose your teeth, whether it is just a few or a full arch, all of these functions are impacted, which then affects your entire life. At Oregon Periodontics, P.C., we can replace missing teeth with full and partial dentures.
How Do I Lose Teeth in the First Place?
You can lose teeth for some different reasons. One of the biggest causes of tooth loss is gum disease. As gum disease advances, your swollen gums begin to pull away from the surfaces of your teeth, allowing bacteria to fall below the gumline. Bacteria then begin attacking your periodontal ligaments and your jawbone. Both begin to grow weak, causing your teeth to become loose. Eventually, they can even fall out. Other causes of tooth loss include:
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Significant tooth decay.
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Facial trauma.
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Bruxism. |
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are a traditional treatment for replacing missing teeth. While they have been in use for hundreds of years, constant developments and improvements have been made. The dentures of today are much more natural in appearance and are more comfortable than older styles. The premise is still similar though. Dentures are removable acrylic resin teeth that are set into a rigid acrylic base. Made from a mold of your mouth, the base is designed to sit directly on your gums, and the tissue supports the prosthesis.
Full Dentures Vs. Partial Dentures
Full dentures, as the name implies, are made to replace an entire arch of teeth, whether it is the top arch, the bottom arch, or even both. Before receiving your dentures, any unhealthy teeth in your jaw are first extracted. After extractions, impressions of your mouth are taken. These impressions are then used to design and create dentures that will fit properly in your mouth. Partial dentures are a type of denture used when you are missing a section of teeth, but still have healthy teeth remaining. After all, there is no reason to extract perfectly healthy teeth. Much like with full dentures, any unhealthy teeth are first extracted, and impressions are taken. Partial dentures, while supported by your gums, also have metal clasps that attach to your healthy teeth to provide additional support.
Denture Care
Dentures, whether they are full or partial, do require additional care. Every night, they should be removed, cleaned, and left out while you sleep. Dentures can be brushed with a soft bristled brush and denture paste. Do not use toothpaste as it contains abrasive that can leave microscopic scratches. After your dentures have been brushed, they should be placed in a glass of denture cleaning solution. Once your dentures are clean, you should then clean your mouth, brushing your healthy teeth, your gums, and your other oral tissues. In the morning, after you take care of your mouth, rinse your dentures thoroughly and set them into place. If you are missing teeth, it is important that they be replaced as quickly as possible. Full and partial dentures can help to restore the functions of your missing teeth as well as the appearance of your smile. Call Oregon Periodontics, P.C. today at (503) 575-7750 to schedule your consultation. |
