Welcome to Pinellas Family Dental – Your Trusted Partner for Dental Health!

At Pinellas Family Dental in Largo, FL, we proudly offer removable and implant-supported dentures. Pinellas Family Dental in Largo, FL, provides the expert and compassionate help you need when you want a denture to replace missing teeth or have been disappointed with the fit and comfort of your current denture. Getting a denture involves a personalized consultation with one of our dentists to examine your oral health circumstances, discuss the options, and learn about your preferences and goals. We offer a complimentary (no fee) initial or second opinion consultation to start this process.


When all teeth are missing, we use complete dentures (or “full dentures”), and when some natural teeth remain, we use partial dentures. Today’s denture options are many. Dentists Amy Vespa and Don Vespa dedicate themselves to alleviating the physical and social discomfort associated with missing teeth and loose dentures. We know you’ll love the process and results because our patients love their care. Today’s dental materials and methods make custom dentures more reliable and longer lasting. At times, we can refit a current denture; at others, we must replace it. At times, we can refit a current denture to provide support on dental implants. Finding the right denture option for you begins with a personalized consultation with one of our dentists to examine your oral health circumstances, discuss the options, and learn about your preferences and goals. We offer a complimentary (no fee) initial or second opinion consultation.


Complete Removable Dentures


A removable denture can provide a complete set of lifelike teeth. Complete removable dentures have an acrylic plastic base colored to look like gum tissue. An upper complete denture will cover the roof of your mouth. You can use a denture adhesive to enhance the retention and biting force of an upper or lower complete denture. When eating and speaking, the tongue and facial muscles may move against a lower complete denture, causing it to slip and dislodge. Cleaning and sleeping require the removal of a complete removable denture. When tooth roots are missing from the jawbone, the bone tissue undergoes resorption. The shape of the jawbone diminishes over time. The gum tissue over the jawbone changes shape to conform to the underlying bone. Your complete denture will likely require relining to maintain a good fit, as bone resorption persists for 5 to 7 years. If your denture becomes too loose, a new denture will provide the best results.


Alternatively, you can select implant treatment that involves placing dental implants to stabilize a specially designed complete denture and minimize bone loss in the future. Dental implants are prosthetic tooth roots. Even a few implants will stimulate new bone tissue growth and help retain the shape of your jaw. Although our dentists can adjust your removable complete denture to last for several years, there are additional reasons why you should consider dental implant treatment.


Patients who transitioned from a fully removable upper denture are thrilled that it no longer covers the roof of their mouth. Similarly, those who switch from a removable complete lower denture are pleased with the resultant non-slippage. They regain the ability to chew and enjoy a broader range of foods again. If you are wearing a complete denture and need adjustment or a new denture, our dentists can immediately make impressions for an exact fit. If you have recently lost one or more teeth or had teeth removed to have a complete denture, your bone and gum tissue will change as they heal. In the meantime, we can provide you with a temporary “immediate” denture and adjust it as jaw and gum tissue changes occur. During the adjustment period, you may experience some discomfort as your mouth adjusts to the new denture. Once your bone and gum tissue stabilize, we will either take impressions for your new custom denture or initiate implant treatment to stabilize the denture.


Partial Removable Dentures

Today, there are multiple materials and many forms of partial dentures. Still, all partial dentures attach to adjacent teeth and have a gum-colored portion meant to blend into the existing gum tissue. You will remove a partial denture for cleaning. Today, manufacturers design clasps in flexible, transparent, tooth-colored, or pink acrylic to minimize their visibility. Implant-supported bridges often replace partial dentures, eliminating wear on adjacent teeth and providing complete stability, more muscular biting function, and longer-lasting treatment.


Removable Overdentures

Sometimes, doctors may fabricate a removable partial or complete overdenture to wear on top of any remaining tooth roots in the mouth. In these cases, a denture composed of prosthetic gum tissue and teeth is placed over the gum ridge. Because this type of treatment has disadvantages—primarily the possibility of future root decay and low denture stability—it is usually recommended only for the very elderly or significantly medically compromised patients.


Implant-Supported Dentures

Implants can support parts and complete dentures, providing a durable solution for missing teeth. We will recommend the type of denture, number of implants, and placement based on your dental circumstances. While the cost of implants may add to your treatment, the quality-of-life benefits and durability of implant treatment are well worth the investment for many patients. Implants firmly support your denture, eliminating concerns about slippage, adhesives, weak biting strength, and lack of confidence during speaking and smiling. As mentioned above, implants stimulate bone tissue growth, preserving your jawbone and facial shape.


Our unique advantage at Pinellas Family Dental is that we offer all implant-related procedures in the comfort of our office with our partnering periodontist, Paul Bivens, D.D.S., M.S.D. Dr. Bivens has practiced periodontics in Clearwater for over 25 years and has successfully placed thousands of dental implants. Combining his expertise with our dentists’ advanced training in restorative dentistry means that your implant-supported denture will function predictably and exceed your aesthetic expectations. We offer a complimentary (no fee) initial or second-opinion denture consultation at Pinellas Family Dental.


Contact us for your free initial appointment today and discover the best denture options!

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