"Wouldn't it be easier to take out all my teeth and have dentures?"
"I won't ever have to go to the dentist again, will I?"
"What are dentures anyway?"

The questions above are only a few asked by patients each week. In my practice, we see a variety of patients in many stages of tooth loss. Here are my answers to some commonly asked questions to help clarify the issues and dispel some rumors.

There are two common types of designs for removable dentures. Partials are generally made with a metal framework and acrylic, replacing teeth in the areas where the patient is missing them. In contrast, a full denture is what most people picture when they talk about "false teeth". Made of pink acrylic and porcelain or plastic teeth, they are designed to give the patient with no teeth the ability to look good and eat well.

I have heard people say that the easiest solution to their dental problems would be to have all their teeth removed and replaced with full dentures. Veteran denture wearers are shaking their heads and wondering how anyone could think that way. I tell patients that dentures are not a replacement for teeth. They are a replacement for no teeth at all. If there is still hope for your natural teeth, by all means, do what you can to save them. Don't take the decision to get dentures lightly. If your dental situation has left you in a desperate position, dentures are a great option to restore your smile and your confidence. That is something I can do to help you.

Some think dentures are a one-time fix, where once they have dentures they never need to visit the dentist again. This cannot be further from the truth. Bone shrinks and tissue changes constantly. They need to be replaced every 6-10 years. Very often, a dentist can see early stages of osteoporosis before the physician diagnoses it. Current x-rays are important to check the degree of bone loss and screen for bone diseases. Denture wearers need a yearly check-up. The dentist will assure the denture is fitting correctly and perform an oral cancer screening. Yearly check-ups and maintenance can extend the life of a denture.

If you are interested in finding out how my office can help you, feel free to call for a consultation at no charge.

Dana L. Yeoman, D.D.S.

Second Smile Denture Care
3301 19th Street
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Tel: 661-325-1263