Full and Partial Dentures in Kokomo, IN
Most people don’t initially come in asking for dentures; instead, they often seek treatment due to difficulty eating or changes in their smile. Dr. Srinivas Durshanapalli at Kokomo Dental Center has helped patients through all of it, offering full and partial dentures in Kokomo, IN, that are built around how you actually live. Give us a call, and we’ll figure out what makes sense for you.
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What Are Full and Partial Dentures?
Dentures replace missing teeth and are designed to sit comfortably on the gums. They’re made to fit your mouth specifically, so the teeth look natural and the base matches your gum color.
Full dentures replace an entire upper or lower arch. Partials fill in the gaps when some healthy teeth are still in place. Both are easy to remove and clean at home.
When Might Dentures Be Recommended?
Dentures aren’t for everyone, and Dr. D won’t push them if something else makes more sense for you. That said, they’re usually worth discussing if you’re dealing with several missing teeth, significant decay or damage, or gum disease that’s taken a toll on what’s left.
Lost everything in one or both arches? Full dentures are typically the way to go. Still have some healthy teeth, but dealing with multiple gaps? A partial is usually the better fit.
What Is the Difference Between Full and Partial Dentures?
Full dentures replace all the teeth in an arch. They rest on your gums and stay in place with suction or, if needed, adhesive. You can get them for your upper arch, lower arch, or both.
There are two types of full dentures. Conventional dentures go in after your gums have fully healed. Immediate dentures are placed the same day as your extractions and act as a temporary while everything settles.
Partial dentures work around your remaining teeth rather than replacing them. A metal or resin framework clips onto nearby teeth to fill in the gaps, wherever they happen to be in your mouth. They also keep your remaining teeth from drifting into the empty spaces over time, which matters more than most people realize.
What Are the Benefits of Full and Partial Dentures?
Dentures offer more than just filling gaps. If you’ve been missing teeth for some time, your jawbone can lose strength, and your face may start to look sunken. A well-fitted set of dentures helps support your facial structure and can slow down those changes, though some degree of bone resorption does continue over time.
Dentures also make eating easier. Most patients get back to a much wider range of foods, though very hard or sticky foods are worth approaching carefully, regardless of how well your dentures fit. Speech can feel a little off at first while you adjust, but most patients find it evens out within a couple of weeks and often ends up clearer than it was with missing teeth.
There are also the simple, everyday things like smiling, laughing, and talking without worry. Many people don’t realize how much tooth loss affects these moments until they experience them again.
What Is the Process for Getting Dentures?
Each patient is unique, so Dr. D customizes the process from the beginning. Here’s what you can expect.
Detailed Evaluation
Dr. D starts with a full look at your gums, remaining teeth, and bone structure to determine what type of denture would be right for you and whether any prep work is needed first.
Impressions and Measurements
Accurate impressions are taken to map your gum shape and bite. This is what separates a denture that fits well from one that doesn’t.
Custom Fabrication
Your denture is fabricated in a dental lab from high-quality acrylic resin and, where applicable, a cast metal framework, chosen based on what works best for your bite and comfort. The shade and shape of the teeth are selected to suit your facial features specifically.
Fitting and Adjustments
When your denture is ready, you come in for a fitting. Dr. D checks the fit, bite, and comfort before you leave.
Follow-Up Care
Gum tissue shifts over time, especially after extractions. Periodic follow-up visits let Dr. D catch any fit changes early and adjust or reline as needed.
Kind Words From Our Community
See Why Kokomo Families Trust Our Dental Team
~ Jeannie Vondersaar
~ Ron
I had extraction done it's no pain Dr. S did great job and patient. Divya assisted, she is good and had good experience overall.
~ Michael Little
Very nice and polite, Divya and Dr. S were very communicative and frequently checked in on how I was doing for fillings.
~ Derek Irick
Always a very high anxiety visit to dentist since I was a small child. Dr was very caring and eased my fears.
~ Connie Shirley
Frequently Asked Questions
Will My Dentures Look Natural?
Dr. D selects your teeth to complement your facial features, so your dentures look like they’ve always been there.
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
From your first visit to your final fitting, the process typically takes anywhere from four to eight weeks, depending on whether extractions are needed and how your healing progresses. If you get immediate dentures on the same day as your extractions, you’ll need some follow-up adjustments as your gums heal.
Will I Be Able to Eat Normally?
For the most part, yes. After a short adjustment period, most patients can eat foods they had stopped eating before. Dr. D will explain what to expect during your consultation.
Book Your Appointment With Dr. D!
Dr. D has helped many patients regain their confidence with full and partial dentures in Kokomo, IN. If you want to learn more about your options, call us at (765) 455-1971.