Over Dentures

If many of your teeth have become loose or painful, you may have passed the point where they can be saved. This is usually caused by advanced periodontal disease. Removing some of your teeth and replacing them with an overdenture may be the best way to avoid infection and restore health to your mouth.

An overdenture fits over specially prepared teeth, and is an excellent option when it's not necessary for us to remove all of your teeth. The advantage of an overdenture is, because we leave some of the tooth roots in place, you maintain greater stability in your jawbone, slowing bone loss and providing you with a more secure denture.

The process of creating an overdenture

First, we prepare the teeth that support an overdenture by removing the part of each tooth that's above the gum line. Then we perform root canal treatment on these teeth to remove all infection. Sometimes, we cover the remaining tooth structure with small metal caps. We will then take an impression of your mouth, so we are able to create an overdenture that fits your mouth precisely.

From these impressions, we'll make precise working models of your mouth. It's on these models that we make the denture. We'll work with you to select the best color and shape of the teeth for you new overdenture. Once the dental laboratory has completed the fabrication of your overdenture, we'll arrange your next appointment. When your overdenture is ready, we'll extract any teeth that we aren't keeping, and place your new denture.

Temporary problems associated with overdentures

• At first, the overdenture may tip when you chew.
• You may notice increased salivary flow.
• The coverdenture may feel bulky.
• You may have a heightened gag reflex, and your tongue may feel crowded.
• You may also have some difficulty speaking normally.

Like any new skill, it will seem awkward at first to eat with your new overdenture. But with time and practice, you'll make the adjustment.Nobody likes to lose their teeth, but when they are infected, removing them and getting an overdenture can improve your health, your smile and your confidence.