If you’ve lost all of your natural teeth, whether from periodontal disease, tooth decay or injury, a viable option is a complete denture that allows you to appear and function in a normal manner. An immediate complete denture is custom made and placed in the patient’s mouth after the remaining teeth are removed. This denture can be worn while tissues are healing which may take several months. Typically, within six months, this denture will require relining or be completely remade as gums will shrink while healing.
If you have healthy teeth left, removable partial dentures should be considered. A partial denture consists of replacement teeth attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases, which are connected by metal framework. Removable partial dentures attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or devices called precision attachments which are nearly invisible. Crowns on your natural teeth that will be used for support may improve the fit of a removable partial denture and they are usually required with attachments.
