Dr. Luke Francis Matranga, D.D.S., M.S.

This depends on your doctor. Complete dentures can be made to look very natural and esthetic and also to function well. But in unskilled hands they can to be made to only look OK. Select your dentist carefully.

Yes! Partial dentures are safe and are an excellent, economic way to replace missing teeth and to increase your ability to speak and function. While there are other ways to replace missing teeth, like implants or bridge work, they can be very expensive. That makes the removable partial denture is an excellent choice.

A front tooth is often better replaced with an implant. If there are virgin teeth on either side of the missing tooth, an implant is usually recommended. If the teeth on either side require crowns, it is usually better to have a bridge.

Great question! Crowns should not be replaced solely as a function of time. With proper home and professional care, crowns can last for an indefinite time frame. At times, the tooth colored material on a crown can fracture necessitating the crown’s replacement. The most common reason for a crown replacement, however, is the appearance of additional decay at the margin of the crown and the remaining tooth structure. The use of a prescription strength topical fluoride and proper brushing can prevent this from happening. It is not uncommon for crowns to last 20 years or more. Routine dental examinations with your general dentist will prove to be your best to evaluate your existing crown and to determine if and when it requires replacement.

Dr. Matranga

Brush regularly - morning and night - to keep the gum tissue healthy. Rinse with warm salt water 2 to 3 times per day. 8 ounce glass of warm water (not hot) and a teaspoon of salt. Rinse vigorously for 30 seconds and spit out.

It depends on the material being used and by whom. If it is done under the supervision of your general dentist, then you should be fine. Mail order products can be unregulated.