Dentures

Dentures in Fairbanks, AK

Many of Dr. Yamamoto’s patients come in seeking advice on dentures. They are a solution for replacing multiple teeth when other methods are not appropriate. As with any other dental treatment, there are benefits, as well as disadvantages, to wearing dentures. When considering if dentures are right for you, your decision will depend largely on your health goals and current lifestyle.


Types of Dentures?
Dentures are not a one-size-fits-all problem-solver. There are three different types of dentures to fit individual needs, and you may require one type or a combination to restore your smile. The three types of dentures are temporary, partial, and full. Some patients only need a partial denture, which fills in the gap of missing teeth in just one area of the mouth, while other patients may need full dentures, which cover more and can be used to replace the upper teeth, lower teeth, or both (full set).

Temporary Dentures
The dentist will often provide temporary dentures to patients who are having restorative dentistry performed to replace missing teeth. A temporary denture is often placed while a full set of dentures, partial set, or bridge is being made, depending on the needs of the patient.
The nice thing about temporary dentures is that they removable like a retainer, so you can brush your teeth as usual. They are a good solution for a tooth lost in a sports accident because they hold the space for the missing tooth and keep the surrounding teeth stable while a permanent denture is created in the lab.
Temporary dentures are only meant to last a few weeks until you receive your permanent set.

Partial Dentures
Different patients have different needs, so if you only have a few teeth to replace, partial dentures may be more appropriate for you. Partial dentures are constructed from metal with a gum-colored material at the bottom. The base is hard plastic with a metal frame to secure the dentures to the surrounding teeth.
This type of dentures works best for people who still have most of their teeth. They can be removed easily for brushing and cleaning.
Call our Fairbanks, AK, office to inquire about partial or full dentures. Our goal is to keep you healthy and keep your teeth healthy too.

Dentures and Denture Repair Fairbanks

Full Dentures
Full dentures are the solution when most or all of your teeth are missing. Technological advancements in the last few years have made dentures look more natural and fit better. The dentist will help you decide the best course for treatment and whether dentures are the right choice for you.
Tooth replacement is an important step in preventing bone loss from shrinkage. Your teeth can be extracted and a temporary denture placed while your gums heal and until your permanent dentures are ready. It takes about 12 weeks to heal completely, and your new dentures will be a perfect fit by this time. Dentures that are made properly and fitted do not fall out and do not need adhesives to stay in place.
Our patients in Fairbanks love that they can count on us to solve their oral health problems so that they can go on with their regular routines. Contact us with any questions you may have about dentures, crowns, or bridges. We can answer any questions related to oral health. In addition to fitting you for dentures, we also repair dentures that have broken or have a chipped crown piece. Our lab makes the repair process fast and easy.

How Dentures Are Made
If you are considering getting dentures, you will need to make an appointment with Dr. Brian Yamamoto in Fairbanks, AK. At your first visit, the dentist will examine your teeth and discuss his recommendations with you. There are several factors to be considered regarding whether dentures are the right choice for you and, if so, what type is most appropriate.
The dentist will make an impression of your teeth, and it will be sent to the lab to be used to create your dentures. The dentures will look exactly like your teeth and will fit well because they are molded from the dimensions of your mouth. You will receive temporary dentures right after your natural teeth are extracted so you can get used to having them and to facilitate eating and chewing to prevent bone loss.

Benefits of Dentures
Dentures are a solution for full-mouth restoration. If you have several missing teeth, a bridge or partial denture may not work for you. For those solutions, you need to have a certain percentage of teeth left, and they must be close enough to the missing tooth for the dental appliance to attach to them. If you need to replace more than a couple of teeth, full dentures will meet your needs better.
The benefits that dentures offer include improved self-confidence, improved speech, and being able to eat your favorite foods that you couldn’t before, such as apples, pretzels, and corn on the cob. Dentures are similar in look and feel to natural teeth and are a good option for those who can’t use other options.
Our patients in Fairbanks love the options and convenience offered by dentures. They can get just what they need, replacing one tooth or several and restoring the ability to smile with confidence. Dentures can be customized to fit the needs of each individual and can be combined for a perfect restorative solution.

Disadvantages of Dentures
Dr. Yamamoto’s patients love the options offered by dentures, but they all agree that there are some drawbacks to dentures in terms of looks and function. Because they are one piece, they are sometimes a bit larger or smaller than the patients’ natural teeth, meaning that they may have to be reduced or realigned frequently. They do require maintenance, unlike crowns and bridges, which you forget are even there. You will need to have them realigned every so often because the shrinkage in your gum tissue will affect how they fit and the suction required to hold them in place without adhesives.

The Denture Alternative
There is another option for patients who need restorative dentistry but do not want the hassle of dentures and all the associated disadvantages. Patients in Fairbanks have an option of a solution for tooth replacement that combines dentures with implants for a permanent fix for stability, functionality, and appearance.
Imagine never having to worry about your dentures slipping, never having to take them in to be realigned because they do not fit well, and having the ease of not even realizing that you have dentures in the first place. If you live in the Fairbanks area, call us and schedule an appointment to see if this solution is right for you.
The dentist takes an impression of your teeth and gums to create your denture. Metal posts are then implanted into the gums to anchor the dentures in place. You won’t worry about loose or ill-fitting dentures because these are ones permanent and fit like your natural teeth. You can eat, speak, and smile more than you have in years.
Call our office to schedule an appointment to find out if you are a good candidate for implant dentistry. We will examine your gums and discuss the options that will best meet your needs.

Caring for Dentures
As a new patient with dentures in Alaska, you will get in the habit of taking care of them like you did your original teeth. They need to be removed at night and cleaned with a denture brush to remove any food particles and bacteria that could cause an infection. You will brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse with a good mouthwash. Soak your clean dentures overnight in water using an over-the-counter denture-cleaning tablet, such as Polident, and place them back in your mouth in the morning after cleaning your mouth.

Pediatric Dentistry in Fairbanks, AK
Our children are our world and the future generation. As loving parents, we want to give our kids the best start in life to help them be successful. One of the best ways to accomplish this goal is by getting them in the routine of regular tooth brushing and dentist visits. Teach them to care for their teeth properly and enjoy their sweet smiles for years to come.
Children often experience anxiety about going to the dentist, but Dr. Yamamoto offers dental care for children of all ages and offers pain-free treatment to ensure that they will come back for their regular visits without fear or anxiety. At our Fairbanks office, we are child dental specialists and will make sure your child is comfortable and feels at ease with their treatment.
Just like adults, kids avoid situations in which they feel anxious or afraid. We don’t want anyone to neglect their oral health due to fear. Modern dentistry offers pain-free treatment and long-term solutions for dental problems. Call and schedule an appointment with our office to discuss the treatment options that may be right for you and your family.
We recommend bringing your two- or three-year-old with you during your dental exam. After seeing you in the chair, we will let the child “ride” in the chair. If we can, we can do a cursory exam to see if there are any major problems. We want to make this first visit a positive and fun experience for the child. Dr. Yamamoto will know if we can successfully treat any obvious dental needs or if we need to refer you and your child to a specialist at that time. We can treat well over 90% of the children who visit our office.

Our Services
Children who develop good oral health habits early in life will have fewer problems with their teeth when they are older. Even baby teeth growing in need proper care to ensure that the mouth and gums are healthy when the permanent teeth start coming in. Many parents don’t think about dental care for toddlers and preschoolers because their baby teeth will fall out eventually, making room for their molars later. But preventing tooth decay is an important step to making sure the permanent teeth are healthy by taking care of the temporary ones kids have now. Fluoride treatments and dental sealants help prevent bacteria and germs from causing tooth decay in healthy teeth.
Dental visits for young children include monitoring their bite patterns, cleaning teeth, and watching for the early signs of any cavities to prevent them from causing damage to the teeth. Our dentistry services are designed for children according to their individual needs. We strive to make their visits enjoyable and something they look forward to doing.

Children’s Dental Services

• Regular cleanings and exams
• Preventative dental care
• Fluoride treatments to strengthen tooth enamel
• Dental sealants to prevent acids from bacteria that damage teeth
• Dental fillings
•  Emergency treatments

Best Pediatric Dentist in Fairbanks, AK
The children of Alaska enjoy good oral health because they have a dentist who cares about their health and teaches them to take care of their teeth. If you are looking for a good pediatric dentist in Fairbanks, give Dr. Brian Yamamoto a call. He specializes in pediatric dentistry, and kids love him.
Our office delivers professional dental services customized to the needs of our patients. If you need a crown, bridge, or full set of dentures, come see us. If you need affordable dental care for your children, make an appointment for the whole family.
We would love to be your family dentist and take care of all your dental needs. For a more complete overview of what we do, call us and make an appointment today for a consultation with Dr. Yamamoto.