What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable prosthetic teeth designed to replace missing natural teeth and surrounding gum tissue. Depending on how many teeth are missing, you may benefit from partial or full dentures.
Partial dentures replace several missing teeth while working alongside your remaining natural teeth. Full dentures replace an entire upper or lower arch of teeth.
At Ferguson Family Dental, we use digital technology, including digital impressions and an intraoral camera, to capture detailed information about your teeth, gums, and bite. This helps us plan dentures with chewing, speech, comfort, and facial support in mind.
Dr. Nic Ferguson will explain your options so you can better understand the differences between partial and full dentures and how each may affect your everyday life.
How We Fit Dentures in Spokane
Your denture process begins with an evaluation of your oral health and a conversation about your goals.
We may use a digital scanner, digital X-rays, and intraoral images to evaluate your remaining teeth, gums, bite, and jawbone. Impressions and bite records are then used to help create your dentures.
A try-in appointment gives you and your dentist an opportunity to evaluate the appearance and function of your dentures before the process is completed. Adjustments can be made to improve their fit and appearance.
After you receive your dentures, follow-up visits allow us to address sore spots, make adjustments, and help you become more comfortable with your new smile.
Same-day appointments are available for many consultations.
Benefits of Dentures
Dentures can provide several important benefits for people who have lost multiple teeth.
- Improve chewing ability: Dentures can make a wider variety of foods easier to enjoy.
- Support clearer speech: Replacing missing teeth may improve speech affected by tooth loss.
- Support facial appearance: Dentures can help provide support to the lips and cheeks after teeth are lost.
- Replace multiple teeth: Partial and full dentures provide an option for restoring several missing teeth or an entire arch.
- Remain removable: Dentures can be taken out for cleaning and daily hygiene.
The right benefits depend on your oral health, the number of teeth you are missing, and your personal priorities. Our team will discuss your options and help develop a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle.
What to Expect During Your Denture Visits
Every treatment plan is different, but denture care may include:
- An initial dental exam with digital X-rays and intraoral images
- Digital impressions to help create an accurate fit
- A try-in appointment to evaluate appearance and function
- Adjustment visits to address sore areas and improve comfort
- Ongoing dental checkups to monitor your oral health and denture fit
If you experience an urgent dental problem while waiting for a permanent denture, our team can also discuss temporary options or determine whether emergency dental care may be appropriate.
Full vs. Partial Dentures
Full and partial dentures serve different purposes.
Partial dentures may be appropriate when you still have healthy natural teeth but need to replace several missing teeth. They are designed to fit around your remaining teeth and fill the spaces left by tooth loss.
Full dentures are designed to replace an entire upper or lower arch when no natural teeth remain in that arch.
Dr. Ferguson can evaluate your oral health and explain which option may be more appropriate for your situation. Denture treatment may also be coordinated with restorative or cosmetic dentistry when additional care is beneficial.
How Do I Know If I Need Dentures?
Dentures may be an option if you are missing several teeth or need to replace all of the teeth in an upper or lower arch.
The best way to determine whether dentures are right for you is through a dental examination. Your dentist can evaluate your remaining teeth, gums, bite, and jawbone and discuss appropriate tooth-replacement options.
Ferguson Family Dental provides full- and partial-denture care in Spokane and can help you understand which approach best fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures
How long do dentures last?
The lifespan of dentures depends on their materials, daily care, changes in your mouth, and other individual factors. Regular dental visits can help your dentist monitor the fit of your dentures and determine when relining, repair, adjustment, or replacement may be needed.
Will dentures feel bulky at first?
New dentures can feel unfamiliar when you first begin wearing them. It can take time to adjust to speaking, eating, and moving your mouth with dentures in place.
Follow-up adjustments can help address areas of discomfort and improve the fit.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Eating with new dentures usually requires an adjustment period. Starting with softer foods, taking smaller bites, and cutting foods into manageable pieces can make the transition easier.
As you become more comfortable with your dentures, you may be able to gradually expand the foods you eat.
What is the difference between full and partial dentures?
Full dentures replace all of the teeth in an upper or lower arch. Partial dentures replace several missing teeth while using your remaining natural teeth for support.
Your dentist can recommend an option based on the number and condition of your remaining teeth.
What other dental services can support denture treatment?
Some patients may benefit from additional restorative dentistry or cosmetic treatment as part of a broader plan to restore the health, function, or appearance of their smile.
If you experience a sudden dental concern, Ferguson Family Dental can also help determine whether emergency care is needed.
Explore Denture Options at Ferguson Family Dental
If missing teeth are making eating, speaking, or smiling more difficult, Ferguson Family Dental can help you explore your denture options.
Our Spokane office offers wheelchair access and same-day appointments, along with a 20% senior discount for patients aged 65 and older and a 15% cash-payment discount. Patients looking for additional ways to manage dental costs can also explore our membership options.
Dr. Nic Ferguson and our team are ready to answer your questions about full and partial dentures and help determine the next step for your smile.
