Dentures & Partial Dentures

A denture is a removable dental appliance that replaces missing teeth and surrounding tissue. We craft them to closely mimic your natural teeth, potentially enhancing your smile.

Types of Dentures: Complete and Partial

There are two types of dentures: complete and partial dentures. When all teeth are missing, we use complete dentures, and when some natural teeth remain, we use partial dentures. A partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it also prevents other teeth from shifting.

A complete denture may be either “conventional” or “immediate.” A conventional type is created after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed, usually taking 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, the patient will go without teeth. We make immediate dentures in advance and place them immediately after tooth extraction, ensuring the patient doesn’t experience tooth loss during the healing process. Adjustments will be necessary once the tissues shrink and heal.

Although dentures are extremely durable and can endure for many years, normal wear may necessitate their replacement, repair, or readjustment.

Reasons for dentures:

What does getting dentures involve?

The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over several weeks. Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture. Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit. At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.

It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty, however this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures.

You will be given care instructions for your new dentures. Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures.

Why Choose Key Largo Smiles

At Key Largo Smiles, we believe exceptional dentistry is built on trust, compassion, and personalized care.

From preventive checkups to advanced restorative and cosmetic treatments, our team is dedicated to creating an experience that feels comfortable, transparent, and tailored to you. Dr. Santos and our skilled dental professionals combine years of clinical expertise with the latest dental technology to ensure every visit delivers lasting results and a healthy, confident smile.

We take time to understand your goals, explain every step of your treatment, and design a care plan that fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re visiting for a routine cleaning or a complete smile transformation, you can expect gentle care, honest guidance, and a supportive environment that puts your comfort first.

At Key Largo Smiles, your oral health isn’t just our priority—it’s our passion.

Single Tooth Implants

Replace an individual missing tooth with a single implant topped by a custom-crafted crown. This standalone solution preserves adjacent healthy teeth (unlike traditional bridges) while providing a replacement tooth that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural tooth. Single tooth implants are the ideal solution for replacing one or more non-adjacent missing teeth.

Implant-Supported Bridges

Replace multiple adjacent missing teeth using strategic implant placement to support a multi-tooth bridge. This solution requires fewer implants than replacing each tooth individually, making it more cost-effective while still providing the bone preservation benefits of implant technology. Implant bridges eliminate the need to modify healthy adjacent teeth, as is required with traditional bridges.

Implant-Retained Dentures

Transform loose, uncomfortable dentures into stable, secure prosthetics with implant retention. Using as few as two implants to anchor a lower denture or four implants for an upper denture, this solution dramatically improves denture stability while remaining more affordable than full implant replacement. These snap-in dentures are still removable for cleaning but won’t shift or slip during use.

All-on-X Implants

Replace an entire arch of teeth using just four to six strategically placed implants with our All-on-X technique. This revolutionary approach provides a fixed, non-removable full-arch restoration with fewer implants than traditional methods. The final restoration looks and functions like natural teeth and is maintained with regular brushing and flossing—no removal required.

Bone Grafting

Build adequate bone volume to support dental implants with our advanced grafting procedures. Bone loss often follows tooth loss, potentially making implant placement challenging. Dr. Santos’ training in bone grafting techniques allows her to regenerate lost bone tissue, creating a suitable foundation for successful implant integration, even in cases previously considered ineligible for implants.

Same-Day Implants

In select cases, we can place implants and attach provisional restorations in a single visit, allowing you to leave with functional, aesthetic replacement teeth the same day. This immediate loading protocol is carefully planned using advanced diagnostics to ensure adequate primary stability. While not appropriate for all cases, this approach can significantly reduce overall treatment time.

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Common Questions About Dental Implants

Are dental implants painful?

Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the implant process is. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring you don’t feel pain during surgery. Any post-operative discomfort is typically mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Many patients report less discomfort than with tooth extractions and return to normal activities within a day or two.

How long do dental implants last?

With proper care, the implant posts themselves can last a lifetime. The visible restorations (crowns, bridges, or dentures) attached to the implants may need replacement after 10-15 years due to normal wear and tear, though many last longer. Regular dental check-ups and good home care significantly extend the lifespan of both the implants and their restorations.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Most adults with missing teeth are candidates for some form of implant treatment. The primary requirements are adequate bone volume to support implants and good general health. Even if you’ve been told you lack sufficient bone, our advanced bone grafting procedures may make implants possible. Certain medical conditions and lifestyle factors can affect candidacy, which we’ll evaluate during your consultation.

How much do dental implants cost?

The cost of implant treatment varies based on the number of implants needed, the type of restoration, and whether additional procedures like bone grafting are required. While implants represent a greater initial investment than traditional tooth replacement options, their longevity and health benefits often make them more cost-effective in the long run. We offer financing options to help make this valuable treatment accessible.

Dentures & Partial Dentures