Category: Periodontics

The best starting point to see if dentures are an option is to see your dentist. They can help determine if another treatment option might be more suited to your particular situation. If dentures are an option, they can help you decide which type of denture is best for you.

What types of dentures are there?

Dental implants may be used to support partial or total denture replacement. Dental implants can be utilized in place of lost teeth, replacing both the upper and lower jawbones. Full dentures rest on top of and cover the gums where the original teeth have been removed. Partial dentures, which replace only part of the teeth, are maintained by dental implants. Partial dentures that replace some but not all of the natural teeth are known as interim dentures. They attach to remaining teeth and cover and rest on the gums and bones where the lost teeth should have been. Dental implants can also assist with partial denture restoration and stabilization.

Traditional complete full dentures

Complete dentures replace all of a patient’s teeth. Full dentures sit on the gums instead of dental bridges anchored to existing teeth. Full dentures are typically placed within 8-12 weeks after the teeth have been removed/extracted.

Partial dentures

Partial dentures are used to replace teeth that have been lost. Partial dentures are sometimes called “half-dentures.” They’re sometimes known as composite partial dentures or half-denture prostheses. When a person has natural teeth, such as when one or more teeth are still in the upper and lower jaw, partial dentures may be employed. A pink-colored foundation is attached to a metal piece that acts as the base. The denture is kept in place by these two pieces.

Partials are convenient and removable dentures, so you can take them out whenever necessary. They also help to prevent the other teeth from moving. Partials are made from all-acrylic or acrylic material.

Custom dentures

Dentures that are custom-made to fit your mouth better are more expensive, but they also provide a smile that looks more natural. You may view the finished denture before it is implanted. Because the denture is created to suit your smile, it appears natural and meets your demands.

Immediate dentures

Immediate dentures are placed as soon as the teeth have been extracted. Not everyone is a good candidate for this type of denture, however. With immediate dentures, you won’t have to go without teeth during the healing process. Immediate dentures are made in advance and can be worn right away.

Implant-supported dentures

Implant-supported dentures are more expensive, but they offer many advantages. Implant-supported dentures are less likely to slip or shift in your mouth and provide better support for your jaw. They also help to preserve the bone in your jaw.

Snap-in dentures

Snap-in dentures are a type of denture that is held in place by snaps that attach to implants in your jaw. Snap-in dentures are more expensive, but they offer several advantages. They are less likely to slip or shift in your mouth and provide better support for your jaw. Snap-in dentures are typically chosen when a patient has no teeth but enough bone to support an implant.

Overdentures

An overdenture is a prosthetic that sits on top of the gums and is secured with dental implants. Depending on the patient’s demands, it can be placed on the upper or lower jaw. The overdenture may also be removed.

Upper dentures

Upper dentures are dentures for the upper teeth. Upper dentures may be your best solution if you miss teeth in the upper jaw.

If you are considering dentures as an option to improve your smile, we encourage you to contact your dentist. They can answer any questions and provide more information about the process and what to expect. Dental professionals have the necessary training and experience to help you decide which dentures are right for you.

 

When gum disease is discovered early, it is more easily treated and, in most cases, can be reversed. As it progresses, it becomes more difficult to treat. The earliest stages of gum disease can advance to a more serious problem and can lead to the loss of teeth or other health problems. Knowing the different types of gum diseases can be beneficial for treating and even preventing it altogether. Let’s take a look at the various stages and types of common gum diseases.

Six Types of Gum Disease

Gingivitis: Healthy gums appear pink and feel firm. If you notice your gums turning red, bleeding easily, or are red or swollen, you might have gingivitis. This is the mildest form of periodontal disease. In most cases, it is due to the lack of good oral hygiene. At this stage, it is reversible, if treated properly by your Glen Ellyn, IL dentist coupled with good oral care at home.

Periodontitis: This is another term for advanced gum disease. This goes further than affecting gum tissue and spreads below the gum line and affects your teeth. It can cause deterioration of the jawbone and cause tooth loss as well as jawbone atrophy. Symptoms of periodontitis include chronic bad breath, gingival pockets containing pus, and receding gum lines.

Aggressive Periodontitis: This stage of gum disease progresses rapidly. The ligaments holding teeth in place, bones, and gingival tissue continue to deteriorate at an advanced pace.

Chronic periodontitis:  This is a slow occurring deterioration. The inflammation of the gums and bone loss continues to occur but at a slower rate.

Systemic periodontitis: Gum disease occurring due to systemic disease is considered systemic periodontitis. Some of the systemic conditions include:

• Diabetes
• Respiratory disease
• Heart disease

Necrotizing periodontal disease: Those who suffer from this type of gum disease usually have other underlying conditions including HIV, malnutrition, or immunosuppression. Death of the living tissue, alveolar bone, and ligaments don’t deteriorate due to a disease. Rather, they begin to deteriorate because they are deprived of the nourishment needed to stay healthy.

What can I do to prevent gum diseases?

There are several things you can do to help prevent gum disease.

•  Brushing your teeth regularly helps remove debris and plaque that can become trapped between teeth and gums. Remember to brush your tongue as well as bacteria likes to hang out there too.
•  Flossing at least one time a day helps remove plaque and food particles that cannot be reached by brushing alone.
• Using mouthwash helps reduce plaque and prevents it from building up.  Swishing it around in your mouth as directed can help remove any leftover food particles that were missed by brushing and flossing.
• Risk factors such as age, diet, genetics, and smoking can increase your risk of developing gum disease. If you are at an increased risk, discuss it with a dental professional at Smile Glen Ellyn.
•  Regular dental checkups with Dr. Gibbs can help prevent gum disease and other dental problems. A dental professional can examine your teeth, gums, bite, and bone structure to determine if you are at risk for developing gum disease. Early detection is the key to protecting your teeth and gums.

Contact Dr. Gibbs

The key to successful treatment is early diagnosis. Routine visits are part of helping you maintain good oral health. If you have any questions about gum diseases or your oral health, please contact us. We are here to help you! Schedule your visit with the team at Smile Glen Ellyn today.