Hammond Dental Sandy Springs
Dentures
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Hammond Dental is a General Dental practice that also offers specialist dental care. Some of the general dental procedures we offer include teeth cleanings, fillings, dental crowns, dental bridges, and dentures. Our specialized procedures include but are not limited to, root canals, tooth extractions, clear smile aligners, and dental implants. Located in Sandy Springs, GA, we gladly give metro-Atlanta remarkable dental care and while utilizing the most modern dental technology and practices. Bring the whole family and receive quality dental care all under one roof!
We like to ensure that you’re the most educated about your teeth and procedures prior to settling on treatment options. You can find out about our dental strategies and how they are performed by reading about some of our services. Book your appointment and talk to one of our experienced dentists today.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are a removable solution to replace missing teeth. For patients with either partially or completely missing teeth, a denture can restore their smile and recover their confidence. Dentures typically stay put in the mouth by some sort of fixative that will prevent the prosthetic piece from moving around. Moreover, dentures come in a variety of forms and options to accommodate missing teeth of all shapes, sizes, and number. Overall, dentures are a great way for patients to replace missing teeth and restore their smile, confidence, and lifestyle.
Why Dentures Are Necessary
Dentures are typically necessary when a patient is missing several teeth in a row or missing all of their teeth. Ultimately, getting dentures is a choice that a patient makes as a solution for missing teeth, so they are not essential; dentures are one of the best options for patients who wish to replace several missing teeth.
Dentures can help patients get their best smile back and even restore their smile to better than it was before. Additionally, today’s dentures are are more natural looking and more comfortable than ever.
Different Types of Dentures
Depending on the state of the patient’s teeth, there are many different denture options for patients to choose from. For example, if a patient still has some teeth left on one of their arches, a different type of denture may be used to fill in gaps, rather than replace an entire arch of teeth. Our Doctors at Hammond Dental will be able to help each patient choose the type of denture that works best them.
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Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are, as the name implies, a device that will cover up space when only a portion of the patient’s mouth is missing teeth. While partial dentures are similar to dental bridges, they are typically less invasive than bridges, and they can cover the span of more missing teeth. Partial dentures typically fit over teeth in a way similar to retainers, but they do not have visible wires so they still give your smile a seamless restoration. Much like dental bridges, partial dentures can fill the gap of several missing teeth. Though, dental bridges are much different in the attachment to surrounding teeth.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are the conventional style that people typically think of when they hear the word “denture.” These dentures are made per arch, which means a patient can fully restore their teeth with only two pieces or one arch at a time. For example, if a patient is missing a significant number of teeth on one row of their mouth, they can replace only that row of teeth without having to get a full set of dentures. Similarly, dentures are an excellent solution for patients who need restorative work completed several teeth; dentures are a much cheaper option than getting implants or restorations on each individual tooth. Dentures are held in place by a fixative that will prevent the prosthetic piece from shifting in the patient’s mouth.
Implant-Supported Dentures
One major drawback for a full mouth of dentures is bone loss that accompanies one losing all of their teeth. This can be solved, while still getting dentures, by implant-supported dentures. These dentures look and function just like regular dentures, but instead of a topical fixative, they are held in place by implants placed into the bone. The implants, held in place by the bone fusing with the biocompatible metal, function as an anchor to ensure the dentures do not shift, which can cause discomfort and embarrassment. Moreover, the implants will prevent any further bone loss that is often associated with missing teeth and will maintain the appearance of the patient’s facial structure.
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Varieties of Complete Dentures
Complete dentures come in a variety of styles and materials, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences. We have dentures available at different stages of the process. The most common combination of dentures is an interim and final denture. Interim dentures are temporary pieces that are only meant to last as long as it takes for the gums to heal after extractions. Conversely, final dentures are the final product once the gums have had time to heal; they are made to fit perfectly to the gums and last for years to come.
In contrast to interim dentures, immediate dentures are essentially an all-in-one option for patients. Immediate dentures are given immediately after the extractions but are also considered a final denture. However, these dentures will typically need to be replaced much sooner than traditional final dentures and will require several adjustments. This is due to the fact that the gum line continues to recede until a certain point after the initial extractions since the bone will lose mass, and the gums will settle in place after having missing spots. Overall, immediate dentures are a great option for patients who would like their final dentures as soon as they get their extractions.
Pricing
Because of the multitude of options available to patients as a replacement for missing teeth, the pricing of dentures will vary. Often insurance companies will cover a large portion of the cost of dentures, but they rarely cover the full cost. Patients can call their insurance company to learn about their exact estimated coverage. Generally a full set of dentures out of pocket will cost around $2,454, not including extractions.
Though dentures initially seem pretty expensive, at Hammond Dental that price will include any adjustments necessary following the placement of the denture. Unlike other practices that charge separately each time a patient gets an adjustment, we will never charge to adjust a denture that we completed.
| Procedure | Pricing |
| Extraction (simple) | $153 |
| Extraction (surgical) | $252 |
| Extraction (with purchase of denture) | $99 |
| Interim Denture | $684 |
| Immediate Denture | $1,282 |
| Partial Final Denture | $912 – $1,400 |
| Complete Final Denture | $1,227 |
| Implant | $1,100 (per implant) |
| Implant-Supported Denture | $2,250 |
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Alternative to Dentures
Though dentures are an excellent option for many patients who are suffering from tooth loss and severe tooth decay, we also offer other options to patients who are not ready to lose all of their natural teeth. Partial dentures are one solution to missing teeth that will allow the patient to still keep some of their natural teeth.
Dental Bridge
For patients who are missing only a few teeth, dental bridges are a great option to fill the space of the missing teeth. Bridges anchor to surrounding teeth by an anchor crown that fits over the teeth like a cap. In contrast to partial dentures, bridges are a permanent solution that is not removable. Additionally, bridges look very natural due to the anchoring system using surrounding teeth instead of having visible portions of denture “gums.” Finally, bridges will never shift around in the patient’s mouth, of which partial dentures are at a greater risk.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are another great option for patients who are not missing very many teeth. Dental implants are biocompatible metal pieces that anchor into the gum to hold either a crown, bridge, or denture in place. The main benefit for patients to get a dental implant instead of a traditional bridge or denture is that the implant will help maintain the existing bone structure in the patient’s jaw. Whenever teeth are extracted, the bone structure below the gum line will continue to recede since a tooth is not in place to keep the bone steady. As a result, surrounding teeth are more prone to shifting around and causing other problems down the road.
Dental Restoration
Though this may not be the best option for patients who have several teeth already missing, patients with slight or moderate decay can benefit greatly from restorative work and even save their natural teeth. When tooth decay has reached a certain point, a root canal and core buildup can restore a tooth and save the patient from an extraction. Once a root canal is done, the procedure is finished by the Doctor placing a crown over the restoration. As a result, this will keep the tooth clean and free of infection. Overall, dental restoration can help patients preserve their best natural smile while removing any infection or tooth decay.
Living with Dentures
Dentures can take some time for patients to get used to, but they are generally easy to adjust to. Patients often have concerns when it comes to getting used to living with dentures. Switching to dentures is something that many people go through in their life, with proper care and patience it will be a smooth transition.
Will Dentures Change Your Appearance?
Dentures are made to look and feel just like natural teeth. Patients should experience little, if any, change in their appearance. In fact, dentures generally will improve a patient’s smile and fill out their face. Dentures will reverse the look of a sagging face due to missing teeth by supporting the patient’s smile and restoring their natural bite.
Eating with Dentures
Eating with dentures in your mouth can certainly feel strange at first, but it easy to learn how to do. Initially to get used to it, patients should begin with eating soft foods and by cutting food into smaller pieces. Patients should also avoid gum and sticky foods that can cause the dentures to shift out of place. Over time, patients will be able to resume their normal diet, and eating with dentures will become easier and easier.
Speaking with Dentures
As with eating, speaking can feel slightly unnatural to begin with after getting dentures. Many patients experience difficulty pronouncing certain words at first, but this is completely normal. If this is the case, it is helpful to continue to say troublesome words out loud. Over time and with enough practice, speaking will be just as easy as with natural teeth. In the first few months after the extractions, it is normal for the denture to shift or not fit as well. This is because the gums are settling into their natural place, and patients should get their denture relined to help with the fit.
Denture Adhesives
It is important for patients to realize that not all dental adhesives are equal. First, patients should be careful to not use more than the minimum amount of adhesive needed. It often takes less than you think, and too much is just as bad as too little adhesive. Additionally, it helps to distribute the adhesive evenly and always clean the dentures thoroughly before applying adhesive. Adhesives should never be a substitute for poorly fitting dentures, so patients should make an appointment as soon as possible if they notice any shifting in the dentures.
Aftercare for Getting Dentures
Once getting dentures, some patients find that it takes some getting used to for the first couple of days. However, as long as patients follow the recommendations of their Doctor, they will feel better than before with a brand new smile. Often dentures are placed immediately following some extractions, so patients should be sure to follow instructions in order to heal promptly and properly.
For the first 24 hours, the denture should remain in place unless there is significant soreness or bleeding. The denture functions as a bandage to help clot the blood and begin the healing process, so it is very important for patients to keep the denture in place, even at night while sleeping.
After the first 24 hours, or once instructed by the Doctor, patients should begin rinsing with salt water (½ tsp in 8 oz of water). As the salt rinse cleanses the gums, patients should brush the denture gently with denture cleanser. Other than these two steps, patients should keep their denture in as much as possible to help the healing process.
In order to protect the blood clots that will form, patients should not spit, bend over excessively, drink through a straw or rinse for the first 24 hours. Additionally, patients should avoid strenuous activity and smoking for the first 48 hours. Moreover, it is helpful for patients to sleep in a more upright position to reduce blood flow to the mouth.
Adjusting to Your New Denture
Getting a denture is noticeably different than simply getting one or two teeth extracted. Overall, having many teeth extracted at once for a denture will result in a more visible change in gum structure and bite. Because of this, dentures will need to be relined a few times throughout the first few months of healing. As the gums heal, the shape, height, and bone density of them will change. This is perfectly natural for the first several months, and all initial relines for dentures will be covered in the cost of the original denture payment.
Finally, there are some Do’s and Don’ts that patients should follow when they get their dentures:
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Apply ice pack to outside of mouth for the first day | Do not smoke |
| Bite down firmly on gauze when necessary to stop bleeding; change gauze often |
Do not drink from a straw for 3-4 days after extractions |
| Elevate head with 2-3 pillows when lying down for the first 48 hours; this will help decrease swelling and bleeding | Do not swish liquid, rinse, or spit too vigorously, as the blood clot may be loosened |
| Eat soft foods or liquid diet for the first 48 hours |
Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking prescribed pain medication |
| Rinse mouth with salt water (½ tsp of salt in 8 oz of water); Let this soak in mouth for 2-3 minutes | Do not participate in physical activity for the first 2-3 days |
| Take pain relievers and other prescribed medications as directed | Do not take pain medication on an empty stomach |
| Start alternating the prescription medication with an NSAID as directed, which will help soreness |
Do not drink any carbonated or alcoholic drinks for the first 48 hours |
For more information on caring for your dentures, please refer to our denture care page.
Book Your Appointment Today!
Hammond Dental is an expert in providing general dental procedures and restorations for the entire family. Our team of expert dentists and technicians are here to inform you every step of the way. Feel safe knowing you’re making the best decision for you and your family’s teeth when you choose Hammond Dental. Give us a call or message us on Facebook to book an appointment.
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