Dentures in Dunnellon
A cracked denture on a Saturday morning, a back tooth that finally gave out, or years of avoiding certain foods because chewing has become unpredictable — these are the moments that bring our Dunnellon patients in to talk about dentures. Some have worn a partial for a decade and want something that fits better. Others are facing the loss of several teeth and want to understand their options before anything is done. Either way, the conversation starts the same way: what's actually going on in your mouth right now, and what do you want to be able to eat, say, and smile about afterward.
A denture is a removable appliance that replaces missing teeth and the gum tissue around them. We make two kinds, and the difference is straightforward.
Complete dentures replace all the teeth in an arch — upper, lower, or both. They rest directly on the gum ridge and are the right choice when no natural teeth remain in that arch, or when the remaining teeth can't be saved. Partial dentures fill in gaps when you still have healthy natural teeth. The partial clasps onto or rests against those teeth, which gives it added stability and also helps keep the remaining teeth from drifting into the open space.
Most people who come to us from Dunnellon already have a sense of which category they fall into, but not always. If you have three or four failing teeth and the rest are solid, a partial may be the conservative answer. If those remaining teeth are loose from advanced gum disease, a complete denture after extractions may serve you better long-term. We also offer implant-supported dentures and snap-in dentures for patients who want more retention than a conventional denture provides, as well as fixed implant-supported bridges. Those options are discussed during your consultation so you can weigh cost, timeline, and how much stability you want.
Treatment begins with an exam, X-rays, and an honest look at your gums, bone, and any remaining teeth. If extractions are needed, we handle simple and surgical extractions here, along with bone grafting when the ridge needs support. For anxious patients, we offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation.
From there, we take impressions and records of how your jaws come together. Because we have an on-site dental lab, much of the fabrication happens in our own building rather than being shipped out — which also means same-day denture repairs and relines when something breaks. You'll try in a wax setup before the final denture is processed, and that's the stage where we adjust tooth shade, shape, and position. Speak with it, smile with it, tell us what you think. Changes are easy then and harder later.
After delivery, expect follow-up adjustments. New dentures almost always need a few refinements as your tissues settle, and sore spots are normal early on. We'd rather see you three times for small adjustments than have you suffer through a fit that isn't right.
Living With Your Denture
- Rinse after meals and brush the denture daily with a soft brush and non-abrasive cleaner
- Take it out at night unless we've told you otherwise, and store it in water or a soaking solution
- Keep brushing your gums, tongue, and any remaining natural teeth
- Start with softer foods and smaller bites, then expand as your chewing confidence returns
- Come in for regular exams so we can check fit, screen for oral cancer, and catch problems early
- Never try to adjust or glue a denture yourself — bring it to us
Jawbone changes shape over time after tooth loss, so even a well-made denture will eventually loosen. Relines and rebases restore the fit without starting over. If your current denture is cracked, worn, or no longer comfortable, we repair and replace existing dentures regardless of where they were originally made.
Scheduling From Dunnellon
Our office is in Ocala, where we've practiced general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry for over 30 years. Dunnellon patients come to us because one practice can handle the whole arc of denture care — extractions, gum treatment, implants, the lab work, and the follow-up adjustments — without being sent somewhere else mid-treatment. We see all ages, accept patients without a referral, and offer emergency appointments when something breaks unexpectedly.
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and self-pay patients, and we offer flexible payment plans. Before treatment starts, we'll go over what your plan covers and what your portion looks like, so there are no surprises. Dr. Hussein Salifu and Dr. Marco Geris will walk you through the options and help you decide what fits your mouth, your schedule, and your budget.