Park Ridge Implant Dentists’ Overview of Dentures

Dental diseases affect the majority of adults in the United States (over 70% of adults under 65 years of age have gum disease, while 90% have been afflicted with at least one permanent cavity). In their extreme forms, tooth decay and gum disease can ravish teeth and their supporting structures, until tooth loss or extraction is inevitable. By the time 26% of adults reach the age of 74, they’ve lost all of their natural teeth. Today, your Park Ridge implant dentists explore the usefulness and variety of modern dentures, and why they’re an invaluable tool for patients who’ve lost several, most, or all of their teeth.

Complete Dentures for Total Tooth Loss

A complete, or full, denture is just as the name describes, and consists of an entire row of hand-crafted, lifelike porcelain replacement teeth. The new teeth are set on a gum-colored plastic base that’s custom-designed to snugly fit the dental ridge with the help of dental adhesive. Complete dentures can be created for the upper and/or lower dental ridge, depending on the patient’s needs.

Partial Dentures for Varying Degrees of Tooth Loss

Generations ago, patients who lost a significant amount of teeth had to wait until they lost the rest, or had them extracted, to restore their smiles with dentures. As teeth-replacement techniques advanced, the conventional design of dentures was modified, and partial dentures are now crafted to fit around remaining teeth while refilling the empty spaces of lost teeth.

Dental Implant Dentures for Lifelike Functionality

Whether a patient requires complete or partial dentures, Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas often recommend supporting the denture on one or a series of dental implants. Made from biocompatible titanium, dental implants upgrade traditional dentures by providing a foundation of prosthetic tooth roots. The implants are surgically implanted into the jawbone, and then topped with connective posts once the jawbone has healed (usually in four to six months). The connective posts attach the appropriate denture to the implants, creating a lifelike replica of natural teeth and their roots.

Learn More About Modern Dentures with Your Park Ridge Implant Dentists

If you’ve lost a significant amount of teeth, or would like to learn how dental implants can upgrade your current dentures, then schedule an appointment with Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas by calling your Park Ridge implant dentists’ office at (847) 696-1919. Located in the 60068 area, we proudly serve patients from Park Ridge and the surrounding Chicago communities.