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Are You a Good Candidate for Dentures?

Are You a Good Candidate for Dentures?

If you have lost all of your teeth or just a few, you are probably a good candidate for dentures. Dentures, also known as removable prosthodontics, are used for the dental restoration or replacement of missing or broken teeth. You may want to consider dentures if any of the following apply to your situation:

  • You have very few remaining teeth and they are in poor condition.
  • You have suffered bone loss in your mouth so severe it precludes you from considering dental implants.
  • You have advanced gum disease that has resulted in the loss of multiple teeth.
  • You have lost many teeth, and your remaining teeth are suffering from decay and receding gums.
  • You are committed to practicing excellent oral hygiene in order to take good care of your dentures.

You may not be a good candidate for dentures if any of the following apply:

  • You are a young patient whose jawbone has not fully developed.
  • You grind or clench your teeth.
  • You have a sensitive gag reflex.
  • You are a smoker.

If you feel you are a good candidate for dentures, your dentist will evaluate the health of your teeth and gums and determine if full or partial dentures are the best choice for you. There are many factors to consider when having dentures placed, and your dental professional can help you make a decision that fits your needs and lifestyle. If you wish to regain oral functionality and improve your smile, dentures may be your answer to once again enjoying a full set of beautiful, natural looking teeth.

Our dental office is located in Central Falls

When Are Removable Prosthodontics Recommended?

When Are Removable Prosthodontics Recommended?

If your teeth are badly damaged from decay or facial trauma, or if you have several missing teeth, your dentist may recommend removable prosthodontics to solve your dental problems. Periodontitis (advanced gum disease), bone loss or serious tooth decay can leave you as a poor candidate for restorative options such as dental crowns, dental bridges or dental implants. Removable prosthodontics can restore your smile so that it looks and functions as it should and can restore your confidence as you eat, smile and laugh.

Just hearing the word “dentures” might give you pause, reminding you of your older relatives, but achievements in dental restorative therapies enable your dentist to craft a removable prosthodontic for you that will not only look, but will feel like your natural smile.

Removable prosthodontics include:

  • Partial dentures correct gaps when only a few of your natural teeth are missing. A partial denture may be the best choice if your remaining teeth aren’t strong enough to support a dental bridge.
  • Overdentures provide restorations when one or more of your natural teeth are in place in an arch – typically two teeth for a bottom overdenture and four teeth for an upper overdenture.
  • Immediate dentures are put in place following an extraction, allowing the bone and gums to recover following an extraction procedure. They prevent the adjacent teeth from collapsing upon the empty space and affecting your bite.
  • Complete dentures are for edentulous patients (patients with no teeth at all) and are designed to replace all of the teeth in one or both arches of your mouth, restoring your smile and your ability to eat and speak clearly.

Because of advancements in materials and techniques, many dentures can be mistaken for natural teeth. Only you – and your prosthodontist – will know your secret. Talk to your prosthodontist today to see what removable prosthodontics can do for you. Don’t wait to begin enjoying your life with your new, healthy smile.

We treat patients from Central Falls and the surrounding area

The Do’s and Don’ts of Denture Care

The Do’s and Don’ts of Denture Care

Thanks to advances in dental technology, dentures are more natural looking and comfortable than ever before. If you are one of the many adults wearing dentures to replace missing teeth, there are several do’s and don’ts you will want to follow to ensure they maintain their fit and your oral health:

  • Do take your dentures out before going to bed, allowing your mouth tissues to rest from wearing them all day.
  • Don’t let your dentures dry out. Soak them in mild denture solution or water while you sleep.
  • Do clean them daily with either a mild detergent or special denture cleaning solution and a soft-bristled brush.
  • Don’t soak them in very hot water, as this could cause them to warp, and they will no longer fit properly.
  • Do handle them with care. Dropping your dentures or treating them with strong cleansers or harsh brushes can do permanent damage.
  • Don’t neglect your oral care for the rest of your mouth. Even patients with a full set of dentures need to take care of their gums, and if you have partial dentures you should continue to brush and floss your remaining teeth regularly.
  • Do pay attention to changes in the fit or feel of your dentures. Problems with fit can lead to irritation and discomfort, and could also be an indication of gum disease.
  • Don’t try to adjust or repair your dentures on your own. If your dentures are ill-fitting or damaged in any way, schedule an appointment with your dentist to have them evaluated.
  • Do continue to see your dentist for regular checkups to help maintain your best oral health and check your dentures for fit and function.

If you are missing all or some of your teeth, dentures can greatly improve both your appearance and the quality of your life. By following these simple guidelines, you can maintain the beauty and functionality of your dentures for many years.

Schedule your appointment at our Central Falls dental office

What are Overdentures?

What are Overdentures?

An implant overdenture combines the use of traditional dentures and implant technology to create a denture that fits over your remaining natural tooth roots or dental implants. These root or implant supported dentures are held in place by dental attachments which provide excellent stability and support for your dentures. Overdentures were developed to help patients missing some or all of their teeth regain a quality of life that may have been lacking since they lost their teeth.

There are several benefits to implant overdentures when compared to traditional dentures:

  • Saving your natural roots or having implants placed slows bone loss by stimulating the bone in your jaw when you eat or chew.
  • Because overdentures are better fitting by design, they are more stable and allow you to chew food more thoroughly. This promotes better digestion and allows you to absorb more nutrients.
  • The increased stability provided by overdentures also means you are able to speak more clearly, as there is no slipping or clicking of your dentures.
  • Loose dentures are not a worry with overdentures. Sticky adhesives and messy denture creams are unnecessary when you have implant overdentures.
  • With overdentures, the natural shrinkage that occurs from an under-stimulated jaw does not occur. This keeps your face from looking sunken, as can often happen with traditional dentures.

To find out if you are a candidate for implant overdentures, schedule an evaluation by your dental professional. Overdentures could be the best, most natural treatment for restoring your oral health and beautiful smile.

If you live in the Central Falls area contact us today

Family Dentists: Experts in Caring for All Ages

Family Dentists: Experts in Caring for All Ages

Family dentists are experts in treating patients no matter what their age or oral health. The goal of a family dentist is to care for every family member in one convenient location, so that each patient is comfortable and confident about visiting the dentist.

Young members of a family present unique issues when it comes to dentistry. Many children find dental offices scary and parents struggle to get necessary dental care for their kids. Family dentistry offers a calming and welcoming environment for children, often providing distractions like videos and games. Having the flexibility and expertise to work with kids is a great advantage of family dentistry, because learning to handle dental visits at a young age is a good start to a lifetime of dental success.

Dental professionals suggest that children begin seeing the dentist around their first birthday. Not only will the dentist check and treat the child’s oral health, the parents will be educated on proper dental care. They will learn how to help their children avoid cavities, gum disease, and other issues as more teeth erupt and the child’s mouth grows.

Family dentists treat pediatric patients, but they are also skilled in the oral health needs of adolescents. If kids grow up going to the dentist, they won’t be as nervous or frightened about instruments and procedures as they become more aware of treatment. Comfortable patients are much more likely to sit still during procedures. Also, family dentists are trained to recognize issues related to orthodontics as older children reach the age that orthodontic intervention might be necessary. Some family dentists practice orthodontics, and others refer patients to specialists.

Family dentists take care of mom and dad, and even grandma and grandpa, too. The whole family can enjoy seeing the same dental professionals in one office location, and establish a long-lasting relationship for everyone with their healthcare provider. Family dentists perform all sorts of dental procedures, so no one is left out in the specific needs that might affect certain age groups. Oral health should never be neglected, and family dentistry is a step in the right direction.

If you live in the Central Falls area contact us today

Family Dentists for Every Stage of Life

Family Dentists for Every Stage of Life

Every member of your family needs a dedicated dental professional who is specialized in handling the oral health needs of each age group. Regular checkups, proper hygiene, and professional cleanings all contribute to a healthy and attractive smile.  Whether it’s the parents, kids, or grandparents, everyone should visit the family dentist.

Children:
Pediatric patients require special treatment based on their oral development as well as their emotional stages. Family dentists are familiar with the evolving needs of young patients, who grow from no teeth to baby teeth to permanent teeth. They teach children how to properly care for their teeth and gums, and advise on the do’s and don’ts related to diet and safety. The dentist and staff are also well-trained on keeping children happy and engaged while in the dental office. Family dentists can make kids feel comfortable and confident in the dentist’s chair so they’ll have a positive dental experience for life.

Adults:
With adulthood comes challenges such as increased risk for gum disease, tooth loss, decay that may require root canal treatment, cavities that need replacement, and more. Even with good oral hygiene, normal wear and tear on the mouth can cause issues. That’s why regular checkups are important to catch problems early, plus professional cleanings to combat the signs of age and environment on the teeth. Issues like heart disease or diabetes are also more likely during the adult years, and can impact your oral health.

Seniors:
Older adults require regular dental care for their unique needs. Family dentists offer dental implants or dentures for missing teeth, and are experienced in dealing with dry mouth and other problems common with seniors. After having a long relationship with their family dentist, seniors are able to continue that into their later years so that they have the best oral health possible.

If you need a dentist in Central Falls contact us today