Fisher Denture & Dental Care

Products And Services

• Dentures

  A denture or a complete denture as it is often called, is an appliance that is inserted in the mouth, replaces natural teeth and provides support for the cheeks and lips. Most dentures are made of acrylic and can be fabricated two different ways. A conventional denture is made after all teeth have been extracted and the tissues (gums) have healed. An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth are extracted and the tissues are allowed to heal under the denture. An upper denture has acrylic, usually flesh colored, that covers the palate (roof of the mouth). A lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to leave room for the tongue. The teeth are made of plastic, porcelain or a combination of both. Dentures can be fabricated to fit over endodontically treated teeth and a complete denture can be attached to dental implants to allow for a more secure fit of the appliance. Dentures over a normal course of time will wear and need to be replaced or relined in order to keep the jaw alignment normal. The alignment will slowly change as the bone and gum ridges recede or shrink due to the extraction of the teeth. Regular dental examinations are still important for the denture wearer so that the oral tissues can be checked for disease or change.

• Denture Care

  Advice and tips on caring for your dentures Only your dental professional is qualified to diagnose your oral health and adjust your denture or partial. Dentures should be brushed inside and outside daily with a soft, large nylon denture tooth brush with round-ended bristles. Use denture creams instead of toothpastes, which are too abrasive and will scratch your denture. Rinse with cold water. Dentures warp if placed in hot water. Inspect your denture regularly for worn teeth. Worn and stained dentures can make you look older and cause your dentures to function poorly. Discuss all your current medications with your doctor and dental professional. Be sure to visit your dental professional regularly. Have loose dentures checked immediately as they can cause friction and pressure on the gum tissues and bones? When not in use, cover dentures with water or a denture-cleaning solution to prevent them from drying out. Most dental insurance policies provide coverage for new dentures every 5 years.

• Complete Dentures

  A complete denture is a removable prosthetic appliance that replaces all of the teeth in the upper and/or lower jaw. It is fabricated of an acrylic base that the denture teeth are set in and the denture will rest on the gums along the jaw bone. The process of fabricating dentures begins with us taking impressions of your mouth and a recording of how the lower jaw opens/closes in relation to the upper jaw bone (your bite). Models are then poured and mounted to a device that will mimic your jaw relationship. We then fabricate a trial set-up (wax try-in) of your denture to determine if the following characteristics are satisfactory: Anatomic size and shape of teeth Smile line and lip line Height of bite and alignment of bite Color of teeth Midline Determining that these characteristics are correct will help us make sure the denture we are fabricating not only looks well, but functions well given the shape and height of your jaw bone. Once the trial set-up is approved it is then processed and delivered at a later appointment. Dentures can be completed in as little as 1 day and up to 2 weeks based on your choice of denture and our schedule.

• Immediate Dentures

  An immediate denture may be the best solution when complete extractions of your remaining teeth is unavoidable. An immediate denture will allow you to avoid the embarrassment of living without teeth. We will begin the preparation for this procedure before your teeth are extracted. The first step is taking impressions of your existing teeth and gums to create accurate duplicates for placement after tooth removal. At your extraction appointment, your immediate dentures are inserted creating a natural smile you can be proud of. What you should know about immediate denture process In most cases, we have no way of checking the fit of the denture in your mouth prior to extraction. Esthetic compromises may have to be made is some cases to compensate for inadequate space or structural concerns. After Extraction Great care should be taken to follow all postoperative instructions. Your gums and bone will recede after extraction, and regular check-ups and maintenance will monitor healing and reduce problems. Temporary linings or tissue conditioners will be required to create an optimal fit and may need to be adjusted or replaced a number of times during the healing period. A permanent denture reline will be required to ensure a comfortable and an exact fit after you have completed the healing process. The professionals at Fisher Denture & Dental Care will advise you of the procedure that best suits your individual needs. Temporary denture liners, tissue conditioner and relines are additional services that may have separate fees. Consult our practice with questions about the benefits of an immediate denture.

• Implant Retained Dentures

  Replacing missing teeth with implant retained dentures Usually, when you lose a tooth, it is best for your oral health to have it replaced. Missing teeth can affect your “bite” as well as your ability to speak and chew. Their loss can increase the burden on your remaining teeth and can cause muscle pain in your jaws and headaches. And of course, losing a tooth can affect your appearance. The following information reviews replacing missing teeth with an implant retained denture. Although many patients have no problem wearing an upper denture, some people find it difficult to wear and eat with lower dentures. Several implant-supported replacement options are available if you are missing all of your lower teeth. What if I’m missing all of my lower teeth? Mini-Implants One option is to have four mini-implants placed in your lower jaw and a denture made that snaps onto these dental implants. This option allows your lower denture to be more stable while chewing than without implants. However, there will still be movement of your lower denture, and sore spots will occur if any food particles, especially seeds, are caught under it. As with all removable replacement teeth, you still will need periodic appointments for denture adjustment. Implant benefits Improved confidence Stability during eating Bone and gum preservation Improved dental hygiene Superior esthetics Nutritional benefits

• DuraFlex Partial Dentures

  DurFlex partial dentures are made of an innovative thermoplastic material. Now patients have an alternative to conventional metal partials that are heavy and sometimes aesthetically unpleasant. It’s a great choice for your next partial denture. Why should you ask for a DuraFlex partial? Natural looking – disappears with your smile and natural teeth. Comfortable – lightweight and flexible. Reliable – DuraFlex is virtually unbreakable, providing years of service. Stain resistant – does not discolor after years of use. Better fit – has a “snap fit” feature

• Partial Dentures

  removable partial denture is designed specifically to meet the needs of the patient and can replace one or more missing teeth. A natural appearance and speech clarity is restored along with the ability to eat more efficiently. Partial Denture Types and Materials Partial dentures are created out of a metal and acrylic composition or completely out of acrylic. A patient’s specific needs and anatomy dictate the design of the partial denture and every effort is made to construct a self-cleansing partial denture that preserves the remaining teeth and oral tissues. Dr. Fisher will design your partial denture so that the chewing forces are evenly distributed over the entire surface are of the remaining teeth and soft tissues. Changes to your remaining teeth may be recommended to help equalize these forces. Metal partials are generally preferred as they are structurally superior. They are thinner and more hygienic than an acrylic partial. Acrylic partials are typically used as a transitional or temporary partial. Dr. Fisher will consult with you to determine the appropriate partial for your situation. Benefits of Partial Dentures A removable partial denture may help limit movement of your existing natural teeth. They also allow you to better grind and chew food improving digestion.

• Same Day Dentures & Repair Services

  Dentures The materials and techniques that go into making our economy denture allow us to make a denture or partial denture the same day in many situations. So if an emergency has occurred such as a broken or lost denture we can help. Unfortunately, the process takes the entire day so we ask you to be available to us most of the day. Repairs If an accident occurs breaking your denture or partial denture we can repair it the same day in most instances. Situations that may prevent us repairing it could be the severity of the breakage or the type of material the it is made of. We require the denture/partial be evaluated by us no later than 9:30 a.m. in order to determine if it can be repaired the same day.

• Denture Relines

  New dentures will typically fit your mouth very securely as it has been designed specifically for your gums. As time goes on, your gum tissues will change and the fit of the denture will become more loose and thus more prone to movement inside your mouth. Having the denture professionally relined every one to two years will keep the denture secure and functional. Hard Denture Reline All full dentures you should have a hard reline every two years. Fisher Denture & Dental Care removes a layer of plastic from the dentures interior surface, and then fills the denture with a putty-like material which conforms to the contours of your mouth creating an accurate impression. The denture is sent to the lab where it is adjusted to the new shape of your gum tissue. This results in maximum contact between the denture and your mouth. Soft Denture Reline Some patients are unable to wear ordinary dentures because of tender gums or sore spots. Fisher Denture & Dental Care may recommend relining the denture with a material that stays pliable for one to two years before needing replacement. This material is much less likely to give the patient sore spots than the standard hard reline acrylic. Patients experiencing these problems may also consider a more permanent solution of implant retained dentures. Temporary Relines If dentures have not been serviced in quite some time, a patient’s gums may be red, swollen, or misshapen. This creates problems in taking impressions for a new hard or soft reline and may lead to a denture that would perpetuate the problem. A temporary, or palliative (medicated) reline material may be recommended to allow the inflammation to subside. This reline makes the denture fit much more tightly, and is usually soft and pliable. After a few weeks, the gums return to a more normal state. The patient is then ready for his new denture or hard reline.

• Extraction & Denture Package

  Healing & New Denture Package When the decision has been made that the remaining teeth are to removed we offer our Healing & New Denture Package to obtain the best outcome after surgery and as a cost savings. This package will consist of a temporary or healing denture that will be delivered immediately after extractions and will be worn for approximately 6 months. Over the 6 months we will be placing soft liners within the temporary denture to increase comfort and to provide a more snug fit as the gums and jaw bone are shrinking. After 6 months of healing then we reline the healing denture. If a new final denture is needed an additional discount will be given at the time of purchase. Since the gums will have shrunk this allows us more room to reposition teeth compared to the temporary improving any cosmetic concerns and the new denture won’t feel as full or large.

• Soft Liners

  A soft liner is a layer of soft, pliable material that is fitted between the surface of a denture and your oral tissues. It absorbs shock between the hard base of your denture and your gums. Soft liners can be used when creating new dentures or retrofitted into existing dentures. Permanent soft liners provide comfort and relief for individuals with receded and flattened gum tissues that don’t respond well to the stress of dentures. They may also be a suitable solution for patients with chronically sore gum tissues or gums with sharp bony areas. Advantages of Soft Liners More comfortable to use Virtually all patients respond well to soft liner materials Easier chewing A proven technology with over 20 years of innovation Soft liners require regular follow-up visits with Dr. Fisher to examine the fit of dentures and general oral health.

• Denture Exams & Maintenance

  A Denture sitting on top of paper formsYour dentures are an investment and require care and attention to maintain their optimum performance. The fit of your dentures will have a profound affect on your oral tissues and health. An annual examination by Dr. Fisher will help ensure your denture is functioning properly. Medical and Dental History Update Updating your medical and dental history with any significant changes is critical to maintaining your oral health and well-being. A variety of medical and dental conditions can alter a dentures fit. Annual Oral Exam Annual examinations can assist in detecting oral abnormalities including cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions. Early detection of these conditions is generally beneficial for treatment. Tissue and Bone Assessment Ill-fitting dentures may cause bone and tissue changes and need to be corrected for your oral health. Our practice can assess and recommend solutions to suit your personal needs. Comfort, Fit, and Integrity of Dentures Bite problems, speech impediments and tissue irritations can be caused by an ill-fitting denture and should be remedied. Leaving this condition unchecked can lead to complicated situations in the future. Dr. Fisher can assess your dentures for cracks, chips, and broken or loose teeth and suggest solutions. Denture Exam Overview Update of medical and dental history chart An examination of your oral cavity Tissue and bone assessment Denture stability and bite examination Cleaning and polishing of your denture Oral hygiene review

• Denture Rebase & Repairs

  A variety of circumstance can lead to a damaged denture and should be addressed immediately. Repairs restore a fractured or damaged denture close to its original condition. Fisher Denture & Dental Care can often provide denture repair procedures on a same day basis. Dr. Fisher will advise you of the condition of your denture and will recommend steps needed in preventing further breakage.

• Simple Extractions

  You and Dr. Fisher may determine that you need a tooth extracted for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment. The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health. To avoid these complications, in most cases, Dr. Fisher will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as replacement of the extracted tooth. The Extraction Process At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jaw bone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic. During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal. You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves, stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected. If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.

• Complex/Surgical Extractions

  Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.

• Pre-Prosthetic Surgery

  The preparation of your mouth before the placement of a prosthesis is referred to as pre-prosthetic surgery. Some patients require minor oral surgical procedures before receiving a partial or complete denture in order to ensure the maximum level of comfort. A denture sits on the bone ridge, so it is very important that the bone is the proper shape and size. If a tooth needs to be extracted, the underlying bone might be sharp and uneven. For the best fit of a denture, the bone might need to be smoothed or reshaped. Occasionally, excess bone may need to be removed prior to denture insertion. One or more of the following procedures might need to be performed in order to prepare your mouth for a denture: Bone smoothing and reshaping Removal of excess bone Bone ridge reduction Removal of excess gum tissue Exposure of impacted teeth