Full & Partial Dentures in East Longmeadow, MA
More than 36 million Americans don’t have any teeth left. When you’re missing teeth, you may be unable to enjoy your favorite foods, struggle to speak correctly, and feel self-conscious about smiling. At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, we understand how missing teeth can affect your confidence and your quality of life. Fortunately, for many people missing all or most of their teeth, dentures provide an excellent solution.
Whether you prefer traditional dentures or implant-retained dentures, you can find the option that best suits your needs from Dr. Zirakian at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are dental appliances that help replace missing teeth. There are different types of dentures, including:
- Full dentures
- Partial dentures
- Implant-retained dentures
- Implant-supported dentures
Full dentures, also called complete dentures, are appliances that help replace a whole arch of missing teeth. Full dentures sit on your gums and rely on them for support. Some people also require denture adhesive to keep the appliance in place.
Partial dentures are similar to full dentures in that they rely on your gums, but they also have clasps that hook around your remaining natural teeth. They are more stable than traditional options.
Implant-retained dentures snap onto dental implants, offering more stability than traditional dentures. They are also removable, allowing you to take them out each night.
On the other hand, implant-supported dentures, also called permanent dentures, also rely on dental implants, but only your dentist can remove them.
At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, Dr. Gregory Zirakian often recommends dentures that rely on mini dental implants.
Benefits of Implant-Retained Dentures
Implant-retained dentures can help you avoid further jawbone loss. When you lose teeth, the tooth roots are no longer there to stimulate the jawbone, resulting in bone loss. Because dental implants function like the roots of teeth, they can offer that stimulation.
Implant-retained dentures are much more stable than standard dentures. The implants are fixed to your jaw, and the denture snaps onto those implants, allowing you to chew and speak without fear. You also don’t have to worry about messy adhesives.
Traditional dentures can stop fitting comfortably over time, leading to sores and other issues where the device rubs against your gums. Implant-retained dentures, however, are much more comfortable.
Because the implants are connected to your jaw, you have access to the full force of your bite, allowing you to chew foods that you would not have been able to eat with traditional dentures.
The fit of implant-retained dentures is much better as well — you can enjoy a more natural look and speak without worrying about any slipping.
If you choose to get this type of denture with mini dental implants, you can also get a faster and less expensive procedure than you would with standard implants. And implant-retained dentures are longer-lasting than traditional dentures, saving you money in the long run.
The Dentures Procedure
If you have missing teeth and need dentures, a free consultation with Dr. Zirakian at East Longmeadow Family Dental is the first step in regaining function and confidence in your smile.
During your consultation with him, he will examine your mouth, take X-rays of your jawbone to see if you have enough jawbone density for the dental implants, and ask about your medical history.
Preparing for the Procedure
Because implant placement is a surgical procedure, you must be in good overall health to undergo it. Let Dr. Zirakian know if you take any medications or supplements.
Dr. Z will tell you about the costs you can expect and the financing options available if you do not have insurance that covers the procedure. If you have dental anxieties, you can ask for sedation options.
To prepare for the implant process, we recommend consulting with your primary care physician who may recommend you stop taking blood-thinning medications and supplements. You also want to avoid alcohol for a few days before.
For mini dental implants, the process is faster compared to standard dental implants. Dr. Zirakian will numb the area with local anesthesia and insert the titanium post that makes up the implant. After screwing it in place, he will add the false tooth.
There is no need for sutures with mini dental implants, shortening the length of the procedure. Once the procedure is over, you can go home.
Recovery and Aftercare
It can take a couple of days to recover from the dental implant procedure. You can take over-the-counter painkillers, as well as use cold compresses for any discomfort.
Avoid very hard or sticky foods as you heal to allow the implants to settle, and do not engage in any strenuous activities for the first 24 hours. You’ll also want to avoid hot drinks for the first few days.
You can take care of your implants and dentures as you would your natural teeth. Brush them at least twice a day, and floss at least once a day. It’s also important to maintain all of your appointments with Dr. Zirakian to avoid any complications. Dental implants can last for many years with proper care.
Restore Your Smile with Implant-Retained Dentures
The right dentures can allow you to get your beautiful smile back. Missing many or all of your teeth can negatively impact your life, affecting your self-esteem and making it impossible to eat certain types of food. By turning to dentures, especially implant-retained options, you can recover the function and look of your smile.
At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, Gregory Zirakian, DMD, provides nearly 40 years of experience to help each of his patients achieve happy and healthy smiles. His state-of-the-art facility offers CBCT X-rays and other diagnostic tools to help identify the best ways of treating your dental concerns.
Don’t spend another day with missing teeth when there are solutions. Whether you prefer traditional dentures or implant-retained options, contact East Longmeadow Family Dental Center in East Longmeadow, MA, today for your free consultation.