Just because you have substantial tooth loss, don't believe all is lost. You can have a functional, beautiful smile again, especially when you choose Dr. Karen Lawitts to craft lifelike dentures in their Syracuse, NY, office. Dentures restore proper biting, 
chewing, and speech and give your facial appearance and self-confidence a boost.
Life without teeth
Even partial tooth loss changes personal appearance and is just plain embarrassing. In addition, smile gaps damage the size, shape, and density of gum tissue and jaw bone. After extraction, bite height recedes quickly, and facial features take on an aged look.
Tooth loss impacts nutrition, too. Researchers at King's College in London have found that even partially edentulous individuals over the age of 50 give up some healthy food choices simply because they cannot bite and chew them effectively.
In short, tooth loss challenges people in many ways. To help, your dentist in Syracuse frequently recommends tooth replacement with dentures.
Denture options
When you see Dr. Lawitts for a denture consultation, expect a complete oral examination, X-rays, and impressions. Impressions allow the dental lab to construct dentures from a lifelike acrylic and in the case of partial denture, frames, and clasps from lightweight metals. Choice and construction of your particular appliance will depend on your facial structure, the number of teeth lost, and other factors.
Denture options include:
- Partial dentures Held in place by metal clasps attached to natural teeth, removable "partials" replace one or more teeth in much the same way as a puzzle piece completes a jigsaw puzzle. The dentist removes a small amount of enamel from the supporting teeth to ensure a stable fit.
- Conventional dentures These full dentures replace an entire arch of teeth. Made from realistic gum- and tooth-colored acrylic, the appliances stay in place via the natural suction of the mouth. Typically, the dentist places conventional dentures after tooth extraction sites have healed fully.
- Immediate dentures A type of full dentures, these prosthetics are placed right after tooth extraction so the patient leaves the office with a complete smile. Immediate dentures speed the healing of extraction sites. However, as gums and bone recede, these appliances must be replaced or relined for optimal fit.
- Implant-supported dentures Known for superior stability, these artificial teeth are secured by multiple dental implants.
Life with dentures
While wearing, speaking and eating with dentures in your mouth takes some getting used to, practice makes perfect as the old saying goes. Dr. Lawitts will see you for follow-up visits as needed to ensure you experience no slippage or oral irritation.
Also, be sure to care for your denture with an ADA-accepted toothpaste or soak to remove plaque, stains, and odor. If you damage your appliance, be sure to call the office right away for repair.
Have a complete smile
You can when you explore denture options with Dr. Lawitts in Syracuse, NY. Please call their office team today for a consultation appointment: (315) 492-8138.