Embarrassed about how bad my teeth have gotten
A lot of people put off dentures for years because they are ashamed of how far things have gone. You will never be lectured here. Your digital X-rays go up on the screen beside you, you hear plainly what can be saved and what cannot, and the plan moves at a pace you are comfortable with. If teeth need to come out first, nitrous, oral sedation and IV conscious sedation are all available in this office.
Dentures that slip, click or hurt
A denture that moves when you talk or rubs a sore spot is usually a fit problem, not something you have to live with. Your gums and the bone underneath slowly change shape after teeth are lost, so even a good denture needs adjusting over time. Yours are fitted, adjusted and relined by the same team in this office, so when something starts to feel off, the people fixing it already know your mouth and your history. If you still have some healthy teeth, a partial denture may be the better choice.
Afraid I'll never eat the foods I love again
Full dentures, especially lower ones, rest on the gums and can shift when you bite into something firm. If that is your biggest worry, dental implants or mini implants can anchor the denture so it snaps into place and stays there. Dr. Khalil places and restores implants in this same office, so going from a regular denture to a secure one does not mean starting over somewhere new.
What getting dentures actually involves
It starts with an exam and X-rays, so you know what the plan is before anything happens. Any remaining teeth that cannot be saved are removed, with sedation available if you want it. Measurements of your mouth are taken, and you get to try the teeth in before the denture is finished, so you can check the look and the bite and ask for changes. Once your denture is delivered, follow-up visits handle sore spots as your mouth settles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get used to new dentures?
Most people need a few weeks. Talking may feel strange at first, and reading out loud helps your tongue and cheeks adjust faster. Sore spots are common in the first days and are fixed with a quick adjustment, so there is no need to tough it out. Start with soft foods cut into small pieces and work up from there.
Can I sleep in my dentures?
It is best to take them out at night. Giving your gums several hours to rest helps keep them healthy, and soaking the denture overnight keeps it from drying out and changing shape. If you have a reason to keep them in, such as a partner who has never seen you without them, talk it through at your visit.
How do I clean my dentures?
Brush them every day with a soft brush and a denture cleaner rather than regular toothpaste, which is abrasive enough to scratch them. Rinse after meals and soak them overnight. Clean over a folded towel or a sink of water so they do not break if dropped. Brush your gums and tongue gently too.
Will I be without teeth while my dentures are being made?
Not necessarily. One common approach is an immediate denture, placed the same day your teeth are removed, so you never leave without teeth. It needs more adjusting while your gums heal. The other approach is waiting for healing before the final denture is made. The dentist will go over which fits your situation.
Does insurance cover dentures?
Many dental plans cover part of full and partial dentures, often around half, and many limit how often a denture can be replaced. Before anything is made, you get an itemized estimate with your insurance applied, including any extractions, so you know the full cost before you start.
What is the difference between regular dentures and implant-supported dentures?
A regular denture rests on your gums and is held by suction and fit. An implant-supported denture snaps onto implants placed in your jaw, so it does not slide around when you chew or talk. Both are done in this office. Many people start with a regular denture and add implants later, and the same team handles both steps.