Dentures and Tooth Replacement in Coronado
Rebuilding Your Smile with Care, Precision, and Purpose
Your teeth are meant to work together to support your natural bite, your face shape, and the way you eat, speak, and smile every day. When one or more teeth are lost to decay, damage, or aging, it can affect much more than your appearance. At Isabella Avenue Dentistry, we help patients in Coronado regain the function and beauty of their smile through customized restorative dentistry. From partial and full dentures to implant-retained solutions, our team takes the time to understand your unique needs and recommend a treatment plan that restores your comfort, your confidence, and your quality of life.
Partial Dentures
When one or a few teeth are missing, a partial denture fills the gap with natural-looking replacement teeth that are attached to a durable, gum-colored base. Partial dentures are custom designed to blend with your remaining natural teeth so that your smile looks complete and balanced.
Depending on your needs, partial dentures can be removable or fixed. Removable partial dentures clasp gently onto your existing teeth and can betaken out for cleaning. Fixed partial dentures, also known as dental bridges, are permanently attached to the teeth on either side of the gap using dental crowns. During your consultation, our dentists will evaluate your oral health and help you determine which style of partial denture offers the best combination of comfort, function, and aesthetics for your situation.
Replacing missing teeth with a partial denture also helps protect your remaining teeth. When a gap is left unfilled, the surrounding teeth can gradually shift out of position, which may lead to bite problems and increased risk of further tooth loss over time.
Full Dentures
Full dentures, sometimes called complete dentures, are removable restorations designed for patients who have lost all of their teeth on the upper arch, the lower arch, or both. These custom prosthetics are crafted to look like natural, healthy teeth and to restore comfortable everyday function, including eating, speaking, and smiling.
At Isabella Avenue Dentistry, our full dentures are carefully designed to fit the unique contours of your mouth. We pay close attention to the shape, shade, and positioning of each tooth so that your dentures complement your face shape and look as natural as possible. Proper fit is essential for both comfort and function, which is why our team takes detailed impressions and works closely with you throughout the process to ensure a result you feel good about.
For patients who need their remaining teeth removed before receiving full dentures, we also offer immediate dentures. Immediate dentures are fabricated in advance and placed on the same day as your extractions so that you are never without teeth during the healing process. Because your gums will change shape as they heal, immediate dentures require periodic adjustments and are typically considered a transitional solution while your permanent dentures are being prepared.
Dental Implant Crowns
Replace a missing tooth with a permanent, natural-looking implant crown that restores your smile's appearance and function. A lasting alternative to bridges and partial dentures.
Same Day Crowns
Restore a damaged or weakened tooth in a single visit with our advanced CEREC same day crown technology. No temporary crowns and no second appointment.
Sedation Dentistry
Oral conscious sedation for patients who experience dental anxiety or need extra comfort during their visit. Feel deeply relaxed while receiving the care you need.
Dental Exams and Cleanings
Thorough preventive care including comprehensive exams, professional cleanings, digital X-rays, gum assessments, and oral cancer screenings.
Implant-Retained Dentures
For patients who want the security and stability of a permanent solution, implant-retained dentures offer an excellent alternative to traditional removable dentures. This approach uses dental implants, small titanium posts that are placed into the jawbone, to anchor your denture firmly in place. The result is a restoration that looks, feels, and functions much more like natural teeth.
Implant-retained dentures provide several important benefits beyond improved stability. Because the implant posts integrate with your jawbone, they help preserve bone density in the jaw after tooth loss. Without this stimulation, the jawbone can gradually lose volume over time, which may affect your face shape and the fit of traditional dentures. Patients with implant-retained dentures often find that they can eat a wider variety of foods with greater comfort and confidence than with conventional removable dentures.
Our dentists, Dr. Leslie Strommer and Dr. Amy Jagger, have extensive experience in restorative and implant dentistry. During your consultation, they will evaluate your jawbone health, discuss your goals, and help you understand whether implant-retained dentures are a good fit for your needs. For patients who may have experienced bone loss, our team can discuss preparatory options such as bone grafting that may make implant placement possible.
Denture Relines and Adjustments
Over time, the shape of your gums and jawbone can change, which may affect how your dentures fit. A denture that once felt secure and comfortable may begin to feel loose or cause irritation. At Isabella Avenue Dentistry, we offer professional denture relines to restore the fit of your existing dentures and help you maintain comfortable, reliable function.
A denture reline involves adding new material to the interior surface of your denture so that it conforms to the current shape of your gums. This process can often be completed in a single visit and can make a significant difference in how your denture feels and performs. Our team recommends periodic reline appointments as part of your ongoing care to keep your denture feeling snug and secure.
If your denture has sustained damage or significant wear, our dentists will evaluate whether a reline, a repair, or a new denture is the best path forward. We will always be transparent about your options and recommend only what is necessary.
Safe, Gentle Tooth Extractions
In some cases, a tooth extraction is necessary before a denture or other restoration can be placed. Teeth that are severely decayed, damaged beyond repair, or contributing to infection may need to be removed to protect your overall oral health and prepare you for a comfortable, well-fitting restoration.
At Isabella Avenue Dentistry, your comfort and safety are always our first priorities during any extraction procedure. Our dentists use gentle techniques and thorough numbing to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the process. For patients who experience anxiety about dental procedures, we also offer oral conscious sedation to help you feel calm and relaxed during your visit.
After your extraction, our team will provide you with clear, detailed aftercare instructions to support a smooth healing process. We will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery and ensure that you are healing well before moving forward with your restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between partial dentures and full dentures?
Partial dentures are designed for patients who are missing one or several teeth but still have some healthy natural teeth remaining. They fill the gaps in your smile while working alongside your existing teeth. Full dentures are designed for patients who have lost all of their teeth on one or both arches and replace the entire set of teeth with a custom removable restoration.
What are implant-retained dentures?
Implant-retained dentures are full or partial dentures that are anchored to dental implants placed in the jawbone rather than resting on the gums alone. The implants hold the denture securely in place, which provides significantly improved stability, comfort, and chewing ability compared to traditional removable dentures. Implant-retained dentures also help preserve jawbone density after tooth loss.
How long does it take to get dentures?
The timeline for dentures varies depending on your individual situation. If extractions are needed, a healing period of several weeks is typically recommended before your permanent dentures are placed.Immediate dentures can be placed on the same day as your extractions so that you are never without teeth, though they will need adjustments as your gums heal. Our team will walk you through a clear timeline during your consultation.
How long do dentures last?
With proper care, a well-made set of dentures typically lasts five to ten years before it may need to be replaced. Over time, changes in the shape of your gums and jawbone can affect the fit of your dentures, which is why periodic reline appointments are an important part of ongoing denture care. Our team will monitor the condition and fit of your dentures at your regular checkups.
Will dentures look natural?
Our dentures are custom designed to complement your face shape, skin tone, and overall appearance. We pay careful attention to the shade, shape, and positioning of each tooth so that your dentures look as natural and lifelike as possible. Many patients are pleasantly surprised by how natural their new smile looks.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
Most patients are able to return to a comfortable and varied diet with dentures, though there may be an adjustment period as you get used to your new restoration. Starting with softer foods and gradually reintroducing harder or chewier items is a common approach. Implant-retained dentures provide the most natural chewing ability and allow patients to enjoy a wider range of foods with greater confidence.
How do I care for my dentures?
Dentures should be removed and gently brushed daily with a soft-bristled brush and a denture-specific cleanser to keep them clean and free of buildup. It is also important to soak your dentures overnight to help them maintain their shape. Our team will provide you with detailed care instructions and is always happy to answer questions about your denture maintenance routine.
What should I do if my dentures feel loose?
If your dentures begin to feel loose or uncomfortable, it is likely that the shape of your gums or jawbone has changed over time. A professional denture reline at our Coronado office can restore the fit of your existing dentures by adding new material to the interior surface. In some cases, a new set of dentures or an implant-retained solution may be recommended for the best long-term result.
Does dental insurance cover dentures?
Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for dentures as part of restorative care, though the amount of coverage varies by plan. Our team will help you understand your benefits and explore flexible payment options. Our Isabella Care Plan is also available for patients without dental insurance.