Dentures & Partials Chapel Hill, NC

Chapel Hill dentists Dr. James Furgurson and Dr. Nathan White offer options for replacing missing teeth using dentures, partials, and implant dentures. They offer dentures in Chapel Hill, NC that are highly aesthetic, often called cosmetic dentures. They look and feel just like natural teeth and will fit securely and comfortably in your mouth.

Dr. Furgurson is one of the few general dentists in the Triangle to offer comprehensive, experienced care for dental implants. A Fellow in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, Dr. Furgurson offers “All on Four”, a procedure that provides the immediate replacement of missing teeth using as few as four dental implants.

dentures in Chapel Hill, NC

 

Dentures at Chapel Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

There are several types of dentures that Chapel Hill dentist Dr. Furgurson offers. He will assess your condition, determine your goals and help you choose the type of denture that is right for you and your budget.

Partial Denture

Your dentist will suggest a partial denture when you have some remaining teeth left in upper or lower jaw. The artificial teeth are attached to a metal or gum colored framework with clasps. The base will blend in naturally with your surrounding gum tissue. The partial denture is held in place with the clasps that will grip onto the remaining teeth. This type of dental restoration will help restore chewing function, speech, and aesthetics. They are a cost-effective tooth replacement solution who those who have lost several missing teeth on the top or bottom jaw. Regular maintenance and adjustments are necessary to ensure comfort and longevity.

Full Denture

Full dentures, also called complete dentures, are for patients who are missing all of their teeth on the upper or lower jaw, or both. They consist of a full set of artificial teeth mounted on a flesh-colored acrylic base, which rests directly on the gums and underlying bone. This set of false teeth will closely resemble the appearance of your missing teeth. We will custom design them to fit perfectly inside your mouth to improve functionality and aesthetics. This will help you chew better, speak naturally, and smile with confidence again. Full dentures remain in place with suction and sometimes denture adhesive for extra stability. Regular adjustments and care are necessary to maintain comfort and ensure a proper fit, aiding individuals in regaining oral functionality and confidence.

Implant Dentures

This type of dental restoration involves using dental implants to secure a denture. Implant supported dentures involve surgically placing between 2 -8 implant fixtures in upper or lower jawbone. Then we will create a custom made denture that will look natural and fit seamlessly in the mouth. Your dentist will secure the denture to the implants for a more stable and secure fit compared to a traditional denture. Patients with implant dentures have improved biting and chewing abilities, do have have to worry about bone loss in the jaw, and never have to worry about their prosthesis shifting or moving around in the mouth. They get to enjoy enhanced overall oral health and a better quality of life. Even though the process involves surgery and requires careful consideration and maintenance, implant dentures are better for you compared to traditional denture.

Why Implant-Supported Dentures Are the Best Way to Replace Missing Teeth?

Implant dentures have a 95% or better success rate and an equally high level of patient satisfaction. While this procedure does require a greater initial investment compared to alternatives like removable dentures or bridges, implant dentures offer the best long-term benefits.

  • Significant improvement in retention and stability
  • Restores normal chewing function, meaning no restrictions on diet
  • Improves long term bone health
  • Allows patient to speak and smile naturally and comfortably
  • No glues, adhesives, soaks, or rinses

Your dentist will meet with you to evaluate the condition of your oral health and discuss your concerns and goals. We will make recommendations for tooth replacement that will best suit to your needs. Our goal is to give you back a healthy, functional, and lasting smile. The comfort and stability of your restoration play a key role in the quality of your daily life and we want to ensure that your end result meets your needs and your expectations.

Featured Case Study – Restoration Using Fixed Partial Denture

This patient presented in our Chapel Hill dentist office with significant problems, stemming from a failed endodontics treatment and severe bone loss. In this situation, we did not recommend a dental implant because of the extent of the defect. Instead, Dr. Furgurson designed an all-ceramic fixed partial denture with pink porcelain to mimic the gingival tissue. Additional gum contouring was performed to create a very natural-looking smile.

Before Receiving Partial Denture in Chapel Hill NC Dentist OfficeAfter Receiving a Fixed Partial Denture in Chapel Hill Dentist Office

 

Caring for and Maintaining Your Dentures

To make your dentures last as long as possible, you should be taking good care of them. Doing so will help maintain your oral health and allow the dental restoration to last as long as possible. You should remove your dentures and clean them every day. We suggest using a soft bristled tooth brush and denture cleaner. Every night you must soak them in a cleaning solution to remove harmful bacteria and food particles. When handling your dentures, never do so over a hard surface like a sink. They are very fragile and can break when dropped. We suggest placing a towel or something soft down to avoid breaking them.

To make sure your dentures fit at all times, proper maintenance is important. Dentures will loosen over time due to bone loss in the jaw. They will also wear down from everyday wear and tear. When you visit your dentist on a regular basis, properly maintaining your dentures is simple. They will be able to notice if and when you will require any necessary repairs.

Dentures FAQs

Getting dentures is a big step in your life. We want you to feel well-informed and confident about the care you are receiving. Please read through our frequently asked questions section to learn more about dentures. If you have further questions, please contact Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.

What is the difference between a partial and full denture?

Dentists will use both partial and full denture to replace missing teeth on the top or bottom row. A partial denture will replace one or two teeth per row. A full denture will replace all or most of the teeth on a row.

How long does it take to get used to dentures?

Placing a foreign object in your mouth will take some time to adjust. You will have to learn how to speak, eat and smile again while wearing them. On average, it takes patients about 30 days to adjust to their new replacement teeth.

Can I sleep in my dentures?

Most dentists will agree that taking a mid-day nap while wearing your dentures is okay. However, you should remove them nightly and not leave them in while you sleep. It is important to give your gums a rest every day. This is also the most logical time to clean your dentures and soak them. When you wake up the next morning, all you have to do is rinse them and put them in.

Why are my gums sore after wearing my dentures?

If your gums are sore then you may to have a dentist refit your dentures. After several years of use, this is totally normal. Your gums may also become swollen or even bleed a little as well. Please schedule an appointment with your dentist to have them repaired.

How many hours a day should I wear my dentures?

Patients should wear their dentures during the day and remove them at night. You need to wear your dentures for about 14-16 hours during the day and remove for 8-10 hours at night. This gives your gum and mouth a resting period because dentures can cause stress on your gums if worn too much.

Do you put dentures in wet or dry?

You should keep your dentures moist at all times so they keep their shape. You should never be putting in dentures that are dry. We recommend purchasing a denture soaking solution to leave them overnight, so that they are clean and ready for you in the morning.


If you are missing teeth and need help deciding on how to replace them, schedule an appointment with one of our Chapel Hill dentists to learn more. You can reach our office at 919.736.6175 or schedule an appointment online. Replacing missing or damaged teeth with the right dental restoration is an important decision. During your consultation, our helpful staff will discuss the pros and cons of both traditional dentures and implant-supported dentures.