Dentures and Partials in Central City, KY

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 3.75 percent of Americans between 20 and 64 years old no longer have any of their natural teeth. The agency also reports that 120 million Americans of all ages have lost at least one natural tooth. Aging, poor oral healthcare, smoking, and trauma to the mouth remain the biggest risk factors for tooth loss in the United States.

Replacing Lost Teeth is Critical

Most people consider only cosmetic concerns and comfort when evaluating tooth replacement options. However, you should know that having even one missing tooth and not replacing it can damage your oral health. Shifting of remaining teeth towards the open position is one potential problem. Another is that you can develop decay in your gums where the tooth used to be, because you may not think about brushing the area.

Whether you are missing one adult tooth or all 28, we at David S. Morehead Family Dentistry in Central City, Kentucky, invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss your options as soon as possible. Dr. Morehead will conduct a thorough oral exam, including taking X-rays, and then present you with the best options for replacing your missing teeth.

What Are Full Dentures?

Full dentures replace all missing teeth on your top and bottom jaws. They are removable, and you should take them out at night and place them in a glass with water and denture cleanser as you sleep. Dentures contain a piece of hard, flexible plastic that adheres to the roof of your mouth to help keep them in place.

If you have other restorations in place and would like to upgrade to full dentures, Dr. Morehead will need to remove them first. Our Central City, Kentucky dental practice also offers implanted dentures that remain in your mouth permanently.

What Are Partial Dentures?

Partial dentures are replacement teeth attached to a removable retainer that fill in the spots left by your natural teeth. They operate in much the same way as full dentures, and you can consider implant dentistry for partial dentures as well.

Tips to Keep in Mind When Wearing Dentures

Both full and partial dentures will feel awkward and bulky when you first start wearing them. You may also need some practice inserting and removing your dentures properly. While you need to remain patient with yourself as you adjust to wearing dentures, you also need to be consistent about it. Be sure to contact Dr. Morehead’s office for an adjustment if you develop pressure sores from your dentures.

We recommend starting with soft foods first as you adjust to your dentures and to chew on both sides of the mouth. Avoid chewing sticky or extremely hard foods as they could damage your dentures.

Please contact us to request an initial consultation to learn more about full or partial dentures.