DENTAL
PROCEDURES Dentures
Tooth loss may result from periodontal disease, tooth decay, or traumatic
injury. It is very
important to replace missing teeth. The ill effects of not doing so can be a
shift in remaining
teeth, an inability to bite and chew properly, as well as a sagging facial
appearance, which
makes one appear older than they are.
The
beauty of dentures today is that they are designed to be comfortable and functional.
They
are very similar in appearance to natural teeth, and can improve a smile or
facial appearance.
Selecting
a Dentist for Dentures
It is
important to inquire about the dentist's training and experience when
investigating the
denture procedure. For example, many general dentists perform the denture
procedure. Yet,
prosthodontists receive three years of advanced training in restorative
dentistry. The American
College of Prosthodontists offers additional resource information about the
training of
prosthodontists in the U.S.
Denture
Costs
Storing your dentures in cold water can help remove food particles.
The cost
of dentures depends on several factors, including:
. The
possible requirement of an additional procedure such as extractions of
remaining
teeth or oral surgery to refine bony ridges.
. A prosthodontist specializes in crafting dentures and may charge
more for his services.
. The location of the dentist.
. The type of dental insurance you have.
. The complexity of the removable denture that is required.
. Dental materials selected by the patient and the dentist. For example,
highly cross-linked
polymer denture teeth are more esthetic and do not wear as
much as conventional plastic
teeth and are more expensive. There are different metals that can
be used in removable
partial dentures that may also increase the cost.
. The type of warranty offered. Some warranties may be for one to two
years, while others
may run up to 10 years.
. Complete dentures can range in price from $ to $. The difference
in cost is related to the
fabrication time, cost of dental materials, and the
experience of the dentist. An experienced
dentist may take 15 hours and five to six appointments to complete
the process of making
complete dentures. The cost range does not include fees associated
with possible oral
surgery or tooth extraction. Depending on the type of dental
insurance you have, insurance
companies may offer a 15 percent reimbursement or up to a 50
percent absorption of the
total procedure costs.
For more information visit our FAQ page.