Dentist in Quincy, MA describes treatment options for missing teeth, including full dentures

When patients in Quincy, MA are missing teeth, they need to work with a dentist who has a variety of options available to choose from. If the entire arch of teeth are removed or lost, most patients choose treatment with full dentures.

Understanding full dentures

Dr. Stephen Matarazzo describes full dentures as replacement of the entire dental arch. These restorations are made of high-quality acrylic and include false teeth and false gum tissue. When placed over the dental arch, they can restore the functionality of the smile. Full dentures can be kept in place with natural suction, dental adhesives, or even dental implants. This provides several different options to consider in denture retention.

Retention methods

It is common for patients to ask their dentist about the ways in which they can keep their dentures stable for full functionality. While natural suction can be achieved, it is not always the most effective method of ensuring dentures stay in place while patients eat. Dental adhesives are readily available over-the-counter and are often used for denture retention, but many patients do not like working with the adhesive and find that that their dentures still slip out of place. One of the best retention methods for full dentures is dental implants. Dental implants are titanium posts that a dentist can place into the bone of the jaw to act as anchors for the denture. Dentures are made to snap into place over the dental implants, often placed along the arch in a series of four, and patients enjoy optimum stability and strength with their dentures using this retention method.

Are full dentures right for me?

When it comes to economical ways of restoring the smile, full dentures are often the only option available for patients who need to replace the entire arch of teeth. Replacing each tooth with a dental implant and crown is often expensive. Dental implants with bridges may be perfect for patients missing a few teeth, but not all. During a consultation appointment with Dr. Stephen Matarazzo, patients can ask questions about their specific and unique situation and learn about the options they have available for restoring their smiles.

What are the benefits of full dentures?

Full dentures are:

• Economical
• Natural looking
• Durable
• Easy to care for
• Versatile

What is the process of obtaining full dentures?

First, patients must attend a consultation appointment and initial evaluation with Dr. Stephen Matarazzo to determine if they are candidates for full dentures. Patients who are missing all the teeth in the dental arch may find dentures to be their best option. Some patients may have many of their teeth missing, but still some in place. If a patient chooses to have full dentures, they will need to have their remaining teeth extracted by the dentist. Once the smile is prepared for the placement of full dentures, impressions are made. These are achieved with a special molding material that is placed over the ridges of the gums to take a precise mold of the smile. This mold is then sent to a dental laboratory where full dentures are fabricated with great care and precision by a dental technician. The dentist and patient work together to decide how the new teeth will look in shape, size, and color, and these specifications are sent to the laboratory as well. Patients return when their new dentures arrive and will be able to have them fitted. Patients are educated during this appointment on how to care for their dentures and how long it may take to get used to wearing them.

Schedule a visit today!

Dr. Stephen Matarazzo is a dedicated dentist in Quincy, MA who has focused his practice to providing quality restoration of the smile. If you are interested in learning more about full dentures as a treatment for missing teeth, we encourage you to make an appointment at his practice, located at 300 Crown Colony Drive. The office can be reached at (617) 405-3939 and accepts new patients.

Share this Article