Dentures in Ocala
Missing teeth change more than a smile — they change how you chew a meal, how clearly you speak on the phone, and how comfortable you feel laughing with friends. For more than 30 years, our team has been helping people in Ocala replace missing teeth with dentures that fit well, look natural, and hold up to everyday use. Because we keep a dental lab right here in our office, much of that work happens under one roof, which means fewer waits and faster turnarounds for the people we serve.
A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. There are two main types, and we provide both. A complete denture replaces all the teeth in an arch — upper, lower, or both — and rests directly on the gums and underlying bone. It's the right fit when the remaining teeth can't be saved or have already been removed. A partial denture fills in the gaps when you still have healthy natural teeth. It uses the remaining teeth for support and stability, and it helps keep those teeth from drifting into the open spaces over time.
Choosing between them usually comes down to what's still there and what can be preserved. We always look first at whether your natural teeth can be kept with treatment such as fillings, crowns, root canal therapy, or gum disease treatment — saving teeth is generally the better long-term outcome, and a partial denture works alongside them. When teeth are beyond repair, a complete denture restores the full arch at once. We also offer implant-supported dentures and snap-in dentures for patients who want added stability, since we place dental implants in our office as well.
Most adults missing one tooth, several teeth, or a full arch are candidates for dentures. We see patients across Ocala in very different situations: someone who lost a back tooth years ago and now finds chewing uncomfortable, someone managing advanced gum disease, and someone who has worn the same denture for a decade and needs it repaired or replaced. All ages are welcome in our practice, and we treat both routine and urgent needs, including emergency appointments when a denture breaks or a tooth has to come out.
Your first visit is an exam and conversation. We look at your remaining teeth, gums, and bite, take the images we need, and talk through what you want from your smile. If gum treatment, extractions, or bone grafting is needed first, we handle those here too. Then we map out a plan and review the timeline so you know what to expect before anything begins.
The Denture Process, Step by Step
Once we've agreed on a plan, we take impressions and measurements that capture the shape of your gums, the way your jaws meet, and the proportions of your face. Those records go to our on-site lab, where your denture is built. Having the lab in the building lets our dentists and lab work closely together on shade, tooth shape, and fit — and it makes same-day dentures and same-day denture repairs possible in many cases.
Here's what you can generally expect:
- An exam and consultation to confirm whether a complete or partial denture suits you
- Any preparatory care, such as extractions, gum treatment, or bone grafting
- Impressions and bite records for your custom denture
- A fitting appointment with adjustments for comfort and bite balance
- Follow-up visits as your mouth settles, plus repairs or relines later on
Living With Your Dentures and Keeping Them Comfortable
The first few weeks take practice. Speaking and eating feel different at first, so we suggest starting with softer foods, cutting pieces smaller, and chewing on both sides evenly. Most people adapt steadily, and small sore spots are normal early on — bring them to us rather than adjusting anything yourself, since a quick in-office adjustment usually solves it.
Daily care matters. Clean your denture every day, rinse after meals, and store it as we direct when it's out. If you have a partial, keep brushing and flossing your natural teeth carefully, because their health supports the appliance. Keep up with regular exams and cleanings with our hygienist so we can check fit, gum health, and screen for other issues. Gums and bone change shape over time, so relines, repairs, or replacement are a normal part of denture ownership — and we handle all of that here.
Insurance, Payment, and Scheduling in Ocala
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and file claims as a general practitioner, and we welcome self-pay and cash patients. Flexible payment plans are available to help spread the cost of treatment.
Dr. Hussein Salifu and Dr. Marco Geris see patients from Ocala and the surrounding communities, and no referral is needed. Call our office to schedule an exam and talk through your denture options.