Replacing missing teeth is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for your health, confidence, and daily comfort. At Loftus Dental, our team has helped patients across the Black Hills restore their smiles with custom denture solutions tailored to fit their lives. We offer traditional full and partial dentures as well as advanced implant-secured options, all without the need for outside referrals. Our practice combines deep clinical experience with advanced technology to deliver denture results that hold up over time.
Understanding Dentures
Dentures are prosthetic teeth crafted to fill the space left by missing natural teeth, restoring your ability to chew, speak, and maintain the structure of your mouth. Full dentures are used when an entire arch of teeth needs to be replaced, while partial dentures are fitted around existing natural teeth to close specific gaps. Each type is custom-made to follow the contours of your mouth, producing a result that looks and functions as close to natural teeth as possible.
Implant-secured dentures represent a more advanced category, designed for patients who want a stronger, more stable solution. Rather than resting on the gumline, these dentures attach to titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone, which eliminates shifting and reduces pressure on the surrounding tissue. For patients who have struggled with loose or uncomfortable dentures in the past, this option addresses the root cause rather than working around it.
Benefits of Dentures
How We Craft Your Custom Dentures for the Perfect Fit
Evaluating Your Candidacy for Dentures
Getting dentures starts with understanding the current state of your oral health. Digital X-rays and in-office CT scans give our team a detailed look at your bone density, gum condition, and any remaining teeth, all of which shape which type of denture will serve you best. Before you leave this appointment, you will have a clear sense of what to expect and a chance to raise any concerns.
Mapping Out Your Personalized Treatment
Not every patient needs the same solution, and our team takes time to make sure yours fits your specific situation. We will review each available option with you, covering the differences between traditional full dentures, partial dentures, implant-retained dentures, and full arch reconstruction in plain, straightforward terms. You walk away informed, not overwhelmed.
Fabricating and Seating Your Dentures
Precision matters at every stage of denture fabrication, which is why we use detailed digital impressions and scanning data rather than guesswork. Patients receiving implant-secured dentures benefit from X-Nav guided technology during the surgical phase, which improves placement accuracy and reduces tissue disruption. Our in-house lab handles fabrication on-site, cutting down on wait time and keeping the process moving efficiently.
Daily Care Habits That Extend Denture Life
How you care for your dentures at home has a direct impact on how long they last and how comfortable they remain. Our team will go over a practical routine tailored to your specific type of denture, covering cleaning methods, proper storage, and what to avoid as your mouth adjusts. Patients with implant-secured dentures will also get targeted instructions for maintaining the health of the tissue and bone around the implant posts.
Refining Your Fit at Your Follow-Up Visit
Fit can shift slightly in the days after placement as your mouth settles, and the follow-up visit is specifically designed to address that. Our team will assess your bite, check for pressure points, and make any necessary adjustments to improve comfort and function. This step is a normal and expected part of the process, and we encourage you to bring up anything that has felt off since your dentures were placed.
Why Choose Us for Dentures
The quality of the fit, the technology behind the process, and the experience of the clinicians placing them all play a role in how satisfied you will be with your dentures. Our team brings over 40 years of hands-on restorative care together with advanced tools like the Shining 3D facial scanning system to produce results built around your specific anatomy. That precision directly affects comfort, stability, and appearance.
Our practice covers the full range of denture solutions without sending you elsewhere. For patients who are strong candidates for implant-secured dentures, we have the surgical training and guided placement technology to deliver accurate, lasting results. Every recommendation is based on what your mouth actually needs, not a predetermined path.
FAQs
How much are dentures?
The cost of dentures depends on the type of restoration you need and the specifics of your case. Our team will walk you through your options during the consultation so you have a clear picture of what is involved. We are happy to answer any questions before you commit to a plan.
How to care for dentures?
Removable dentures should be cleaned daily with a soft-bristled brush and a denture-safe cleaner, as regular toothpaste is too abrasive for the material. Store them in water or a denture solution any time they are not being worn to prevent warping. For implant-retained dentures, brushing and flossing around the implant posts keeps the surrounding tissue healthy and supports long-term stability.
What are dentures?
Dentures are custom-made prosthetic teeth that replace missing natural teeth and restore both function and appearance. They come in full versions that replace an entire arch, partial versions that address specific gaps, and fixed options secured permanently with dental implants. Each type is designed to look natural, fit comfortably, and hold up well with proper care.
Can you eat with dentures?
Eating with dentures is absolutely possible, and most patients adapt well within a few weeks of placement. Starting with softer foods and gradually introducing harder or chewier items makes the transition smoother. Implant-secured dentures offer greater stability during meals, reducing movement and making the experience feel closer to natural teeth.
How long do dentures last?
Traditional removable dentures generally last five to ten years before a replacement or reline is needed, since the shape of your gums and bone changes gradually over time. The implants used in implant-secured dentures are built to be permanent, though the prosthetic teeth attached to them may eventually need updating. Routine checkups give our team the chance to catch any fit or wear issues early.
Your Complete Smile Starts with the Right Dentures
The impact of tooth loss shows up in practical ways every day, making simple things like eating a meal or holding a conversation more difficult than they should be. Our team at Loftus Dental is equipped to match you with the right solution, and addressing tooth loss sooner leads to better outcomes for your long-term oral health.
Find us on Google Maps for directions to our Rapid City practice, or read what our patients are saying on Google Reviews before your first visit. To get started, reach our team directly at 605.341.4521.
