Can I Get My Teeth Replacements at a Dental School?

I have never been happy with my dentures. It's very hard to eat with them. Sometimes it is just easier if I take them out to eat. I don't have a ton of money to keep redoing these until I find something that works for me. Are there dental schools that can either make new dentures or, even better, dental implants? I'm assuming it would be less expensive through a school.

Madeline

Dear Madeline,

You are not alone in your problems with removable dentures. Dental schools do offer services at a discount. It helps their students. The appointments take a bit longer and there will be interruptions because the students are learning. The good news is because of the observation from instructors the results are above average.

That being said, you need to be aware that even the best fitting dentures are still going to reduce your chewing capacity by 50% The only way to get full chewing capacity back is to get implant supported dentures. These use dental implants and anchor your dentures to them.

They have the added benefit of preventing facial collapse. This is a condition where your jawbone shrinks as a result of wearing removable dentures for ten or more years. The implants preserve the bone structure by signaling to your body that you still have teeth and the jawbone intact to support them.

Not many dental schools teach the full dental implant procedure. That's generally done by special post-doctoral institutions. You can call around. I'd also call any reputable institution that teaches dental implants They'll need patients for their instruction just as dental schools do.

We serve the Chandler area as well.

Disclaimer: This article is general information from Dr. Harveer Kaur and is not a substitute for a dental exam, diagnosis, or treatment. Every mouth is different. If you have a concern about your teeth or gums, call our Ahwatukee office at (480) 283-0733 or our Chandler office at (480) 895-3252 and we will help you sort it out.

Dr. Harveer Kaur, DDS, BDS

Dr. Kaur is the founder of Kokopelli Dentistry, serving patients in Ahwatukee and Chandler, Arizona. She focuses on family and cosmetic dentistry.

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