Dentures
If you’re struggling with extensive dental issues, dentures can offer a life-changing solution. Modern dentures are designed to be more comfortable, functional, and natural-looking than ever before, helping you regain your smile and confidence. At Middle Tennessee Prosthodontics, we specialize in providing advanced denture solutions tailored to your individual needs.
Our practice thrives on collaboration and precision, much like a beehive producing honey. Inspired by Dr. McLaughlin’s experience as a beekeeper, we approach every case with teamwork, efficiency, and a focus on simplifying what may seem overwhelming.
Just as bees transform complex processes into something sweet and seamless, our team works together to create customized solutions for even the most challenging dental situations.
If dental problems are affecting your quality of life, we are here to help. Dentures could be the ideal choice to restore both the function and appearance of your smile. Learn more about our denture options or call today to schedule an appointment!
Do You Need Dentures?
The best way to know if you need dentures is to book a consultation with one of our dentists. Each person is unique, so we will figure out the right treatments to restore your smile. For some patients, this means dentures. For others, this could be dental implants or bridges.
Generally, dentures are the best option if you have:
If you have issues with most of your teeth, dentures are a better option than traditional bridges or implants. They provide comprehensive treatment in the shortest amount of time.
Dentures After Tooth Extraction
You may learn that you need to have your teeth extracted after severe damage from tooth decay or periodontal disease. Learning this can be scary and disheartening, and you might be worried about your appearance and the function of your smile. Dentures, whether traditional or implant-supported, can be the perfect solution for a smile that has lost many of its teeth.
Dentures After an Emergency
In rare cases, a dental emergency, such as a car accident, can cause extreme tooth loss across an arch of teeth. Sometimes that means that it’s better to replace an entire arch of teeth instead of working around any teeth that are left. We can create a temporary denture while we advise you on permanent solutions.
Your dentist at Middle Tennessee Prosthodontics can recommend solutions during their consultation with you.
What Are Implant-Supported Dentures?
While traditional dentures are an artificial set of teeth that you take in and out, implant-supported dentures attach more securely to your mouth. Most implant-supported dentures are permanent, although some are removable.
With implant-supported dentures, you can get an entire arch or entire mouth of teeth with one treatment. Instead of resting on top of your gums, implant-supported dentures attach to the dental implants. You may only need 4–8 dental implants to support the dentures.
First, the dental implants are placed in your mouth and allowed to heal. After healing, the dentures are attached securely to the implant posts. You can wear a temporary denture until we are ready to attach the permanent dentures.
The Benefits of Using Implants with Dentures
Pairing dentures with dental implants offers significant advantages for both comfort and long-term oral health. Implants act as artificial tooth roots, securing dentures in place to prevent slipping and improve function. This added stability allows for easier chewing, clearer speech, and a more natural feel, giving you greater confidence in everyday activities.
Beyond stability, implants help preserve jawbone health by stimulating bone tissue, reducing the risk of bone loss that often follows tooth loss. This support maintains your facial structure, preventing the sunken appearance that can develop over time.
With a more secure fit, implant-supported dentures also reduce gum irritation and friction, making them more comfortable for daily wear.
This solution works best for those who have maintained jawbone density and can undergo the placement surgery. At Middle Tennessee Prosthodontics, we customize every treatment to help you achieve a natural-looking smile that enhances your quality of life.
What About Traditional Dentures?
Traditional dentures can still be right for some patients. They are generally less expensive than implant dentures, and they can be a good option while you prepare for dental implants. Traditional dentures will still fill out your face, replace your smile to enhance your appearance, and restore functionality to allow you to eat and speak.
Some patients require other procedures, such as bone grafts or sinus lifts, to support dental implants, and you can wear traditional dentures while you wait.
Our Implant Processes
Our process looks different depending on whether you are getting implant-supported dentures or traditional dentures. However, one thing that does stay consistent is our team’s synergy and care for our patients. We value collaboration with each other and with our patients.
Traditional Denture Process
Getting traditional dentures involves multiple steps to ensure a precise fit, natural appearance, and lasting comfort.
The process begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health. During this visit, our prosthodontists assess the condition of your gums and any remaining teeth to determine the best course of action. If extractions are necessary, we carefully plan their timing to allow for proper healing before moving forward with dentures.
This consultation is an opportunity to discuss your goals, preferences, and any concerns you may have about wearing dentures. We can also evaluate your candidacy for dental implants.
Once your mouth is ready, we take precise impressions of your gums to ensure a well-fitting denture. In many cases, we can take digital impressions instead of physical impressions. We work closely with you to select the ideal tooth shape, size, and color, ensuring that the final result looks as natural as possible.
Before the final denture is made, a trial version may be fitted to test alignment and bite, allowing for necessary refinements. This step helps create a denture that looks and feels comfortable from the start.
After the final denture is crafted, we check for a secure and comfortable fit before making any necessary adjustments. The first few weeks of wearing dentures may require minor refinements as your mouth adapts.
Our team provides detailed guidance on how to eat, speak, and care for your new prosthetic. Regular follow-up visits help maintain comfort and function, ensuring that your dentures continue to fit properly over time. With expert care and attention, we help make the transition to traditional dentures as smooth as possible.
Implant-Supported Denture Process
During your first visit, we evaluate your oral health and discuss whether implant-supported dentures are the right option for you. This includes a thorough examination of your jawbone density, as sufficient bone is required to support dental implants. We use our CBCT scanners to do this.
If implants are a viable solution, we will talk about what you can expect, and schedule a visit with our office.
The first major step in treatment is placing the dental implants in the jawbone. These small titanium posts act as artificial tooth roots, creating a stable foundation for your dentures. After surgery, a healing period of several months allows the bone to fuse with the implants through a process called osseointegration.
While healing, we may provide temporary dentures so you can maintain function and aesthetics.
Once the implants have fully integrated, we take digital impressions to create your custom dentures. These are designed to securely attach to the implants, preventing slipping or movement while improving chewing efficiency and comfort.
During the final fitting, we will attach the implants to make sure we created the perfect fit for your implants. Implant-supported dentures not only provide a more stable bite but also help preserve jawbone health, reducing bone loss over time.
With personalized care at Middle Tennessee Prosthodontics, you’ll receive a long-term solution that enhances both function and aesthetics, restoring your smile with confidence.
Request a Consultation Today!
Whether you want traditional or implant-supported dentures, we can assist you with an individualized plan. As board-certified prosthodontists, Drs. McLaughlin, Miller, Patel, and Peterman provide comprehensive dental services. So, no matter how complicated your dental situation is, we can provide you the relief you deserve.
We also offer sedation dentistry options to ensure you are as comfortable as possible when with us. Call us today to learn more about dentures or to request an appointment!