Oklahoma City Dentures

Couple with cosmetic dentures like those done by Oklahoma City dentist Dr. Forth.For patients in Oklahoma City who are missing all or most of their teeth, Dr. Michael Forth can provide a number of options for replacing those teeth and giving them a wonderful new smile in the process. The first option most people consider is removable dentures. These are attached sets of artificial teeth that sit on top of the gums and are held in place by adhesive. Removable dentures are well-known, provide a fast solution, and are relatively inexpensive.

However, removable dentures have some significant drawbacks. Research has shown that most denture wearers are unhappy with the fit of their dentures. Also, newer studies indicate that long-term denture wearers lose up to 50 percent of their biting and chewing strength with removable dentures. A more serious concern is the gradual loss of bone that occurs in the jaw when a tooth has been completely removed. Without the presence of the tooth root, the jawbone begins receding, leading to deterioration of the bony ridge that supports the teeth and the denture. Over time, severe jaw deterioration leads to a condition known as facial collapse. For this reason, Dr. Forth places a high priority on retaining a patient's natural teeth whenever possible, pursuing extractions as a last resort.

Dentures versus dental implants

Example of traditional removable dentures.An alternative to removable dentures, dental implants offer a complete solution to missing teeth. A dental implant is a titanium root form that is actually implanted in the jawbone by an oral surgeon. This root form, over time, bonds with the bony tissue of the jaw, forming a root that is as strong as a natural tooth root. Once the root form is solidly in place, the visible part extending out of the patient's gum is covered by a porcelain crown. Dental implants look and function just like a patient's natural teeth. They don't slip out of place because they are actually rooted in the jaw. And, the titanium root in the bone prevents the bone resorption that leads to facial collapse. Dental implants are more expensive than removable dentures, but if you consider the cost of having removable dentures refitted and replaced over time, dental implants may indeed be the more cost-effective option, as well as one that is better for a patient's overall health. (Learn more about this issue by visiting our page on dental implants.)

Implant overdentures

Another option for patients who need complete dentures are implant overdentures: dentures, similar to removable dentures, that are permanently anchored in place by dental implants at key places in the mouth. In some cases, overdentures may need to be anchored to only four implants. This may be a more affordable solution to replacing teeth with individual implants, and it requires less surgery. And, since the overdenture is anchored in place, the patient will not experience any of the problems with slipping or dentures falling out that are common with removable dentures. (Read more on our page devoted to implant overdentures.)

Highest quality available

Whatever option is chosen, patients can be confident they will love the way their smile looks if they are in the care of Dr. Forth. He uses only the highest quality, strongest materials and works with the best labs. Whether the solution is removable dentures, implants, partials, or implant overdentures, their smile will look natural and feel comfortable. Dr. Forth pursued advanced training at the L.D. Pankey Institute, focusing specifically on full-mouth restorations, so patients can be confident that he can tailor a solution to meet their specific needs.

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