Full and Partial Dentures in Erie, PA

Healthy mouth structure allows us the ability to smile, chew foods comfortably, and speak clearly. When extensive tooth loss begins to affect these abilities, our quality of life can suffer significantly. Dentures comprise a full or partial set of artificial teeth that help restore these critical functions. They are constructed from a durable hard resin material, and custom-fitted and fabricated to your mouth to achieve the most natural look and feel possible.

elderly couple smiling

Types of dentures

Depending on the extent of tooth loss and patient preference, there are several types of dentures you might be fitted with. 

Full vs. partial dentures

Full dentures replace an entire row of missing teeth along the top and/or bottom gumline and are held in place by suction or with the aid of an oral adhesive.

Partial dentures are used in situations when one or more teeth along a particular gumline are salvageable and are designed to fit around the remaining natural teeth. 

Permanent vs. immediate dentures

Permanent dentures are intended to be a long-term replacement for missing teeth, with a lifespan of five or more years. 

Immediate dentures are fabricated just prior to dental surgery, filling in for the extracted teeth until the mouth is healed enough for accurately fitting permanent dentures. You may need to be refitted for new sets of immediate dentures as swelling in the mouth subsides.

Tooth-supported vs. implant-supported overdentures

For many patients, overdentures present a more comfortable alternative to traditional dentures. Like traditional full or partial dentures, they’re fully removable, but a built-in attachment system negates the need for an oral adhesive. They’re classified by whether they fit over modified natural tooth structures (pulp and crowns removed, but roots preserved) or dental implants (with titanium posts anchored into the jawbone serving as the roots). 

Fitting for dentures

Getting fit for your new set of permanent dentures consists of four steps:

  1. We’ll take a series of impressions to better understand the mechanics of your jaw structure and bite.
  2. From the impressions, we will create a prototype of the denture that we will test for accurate color, shape, and fit. 
  3. Your permanent dentures will be fabricated in a lab.
  4. Minor adjustments and tweaks as necessary.

Restore your smile with Sleep Dentistry

Tooth loss is no fun for anyone, but it should by no means represent an end to enjoying some of life’s most fundamental pleasures — sharing a warm smile, a good story, or a delicious meal. Visit Sleep Dentistry in Erie, PA for dentures or any dental restoration need, and the peace of mind that your comfort, peace of mind, and dignity are our top priorities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of a full set of dentures in Pennsylvania?

The cost of dentures in Pennsylvania can vary widely, depending on the type of denture, the material they’re constructed from, and the amount of customization. The average cost for a full set of mid-range dentures is about $1,800 — this price point will usually get you something that looks natural and of solid quality. Keep in mind that tooth extractions and other dental procedures to prepare the mouth for the dentures may represent additional costs. 

Does Medicare cover dentures?

No, Medicare does not cover the cost of dentures — nor does it cover the cost of most dental appliances. However, many dental insurance plans will cover at least a portion of the cost. Sleep Dentistry in Erie, PA also offers financial assistance, including monthly payment plans, to help you realize the benefits of your new set of dentures without paying the full cost upfront.

How do you clean dentures?

To clean your dentures:

  1. Run the appliance under water to release any trapped food particles
  2. Using a denture brush or an extra soft-bristled toothbrush, clean with water, denture paste, or a toothpaste free of abrasives (these will wear away at the denture material faster). 
  3. Soak dentures in a denture cleaning solution overnight, or use a rapidly acting cleanser and store in water. 
Can you eat with dentures?

You can eat and enjoy most foods after adjusting to your first few weeks in dentures, although you’ll want to exercise caution with hard, crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods. Starting out, we recommend soft foods like mashed potatoes, oatmeal, applesauce, eggs, yogurt, etc. Test heated foods before consuming — dentures do not have the nerve endings and temperature feedback capacities of natural teeth, and we do not want you to burn your mouth or tongue!

Can you sleep with dentures?

You can sleep with dentures, but you shouldn’t sleep with dentures for several reasons:

  1. Holding them in place puts a lot of pressure on the gums and underlying bone structure, and may negatively affect the shape of the mouth and in turn the fit of the appliance.
  2. Dentures provide ideal overnight accommodations for bacteria growth, which can irritate and inflame the gums leading to gum disease. 
  3. Dentures left in the mouth overnight can obstruct normal salivary flow, drying out the mouth and increased risk of developing oral thrush, a type of yeast infection of the gums and other soft tissues.
What is the cost of full dentures with extractions?

The cost of full dentures with extractions varies widely, typically ranging from $2,000 to $8,000 or more.

Basic dentures cost $600 to $1,500, mid-range $1,500 to $3,000, and premium options over $3,000. Extractions add $75 to $650 per tooth. Insurance may cover some costs, especially for extractions. Check with your provider or schedule an appointment with Dr. Mahoney for a personalized estimate. Payment plans and financing options are also available!

Where To Find Us 

📍 Address: 3915 Caughey Rd, Erie, PA 16506
 
📞 Phone:  (814) 833-3505
 

Recent Posts

More Than a Dental Anesthesiologist: Why To Choose Dr. Kevin Mahoney

Posted on April 30th, 2020 at 11:49 AM
More Than a Dental Anesthesiologist: Why To Choose Dr. Kevin Mahoney

As a practicing dental anesthesiologist specializing in family and cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Kevin Mahoney has never seen a situation quite like COVID-19. Regardless, he continues to see to his patients' unique needs, delivering quality dental care tailored to the individual — just as he has for over three decades. If you're looking to establish a routine appointment schedule once government closure mandates lift, you can trust Dr. Mahoney to provide for you safely and capably.

For emergency dental care

Oral health closely correlates to overall health, so when a dental emergency arises, it’s important to get care fast. Sleep Dentistry with Dr. Kevin Mahoney offers same-day appointments to patients and non-patients alike, to address severe pain or swelling of the mouth or jaw, infections and abscesses, or broken or cracked teeth, crowns, or fillings. Don’t fret about payment or lack of insurance — between our work with insurance carriers and our monthly payment plans, our office makes a coordinated effort to ease your financial burden.

If dental fear or phobia is preventing you from getting the urgent dental care you need, do not let it. Dr. Mahoney is the only dentist in the Erie area licensed to administer general anesthesia, characterized by a deep state of unconsciousness. You’ll feel no pain and have no memory of the emergency procedure, but the relief you feel afterward will be something to remember going forward. 

For routine dental care

Of course, trips to the dentist shouldn’t just be reserved for emergencies. It’s recommended that dental visits occur every 6 months, or at least annually — by monitoring the health of the teeth, gums, and mouth consistently, there is a lesser chance of dire situations popping up in the first place! Furthermore, by seeing you more frequently, we can hone in on achieving your best smile through our array of cosmetic (aka aesthetic) dentistry services.

We understand that even routine dental procedures like bonding and fillings can be stressful or difficult for folks with anxieties, phobias, or special needs. For these patients, Dr. Mahoney can administer sedation or general anesthesia before he performs his work, getting more done in fewer visits. He also collaborates with the compassionate canine, Dogtor Gizmo — a certified dental therapy dog who's happy to sit or snuggle with you during your procedure. Dogtor Gizmo is wonderful with children and special needs patients.

It is these efforts to reinforce calm and reduce stress that set Dr. Mahoney apart.

dr kevin mahoney sleep dentistry procedure

Kind words from our patients

We know that deciding on one dentist can seem overwhelming when there are so many options available. We encourage you to choose the dentist best for you — who you’re both comfortable with and who delivers the care you need. In the meantime, here are a few examples of why our patients feel we’re the best for them.

From our Google Reviewers (5.0 stars, 13 reviews)

“Friendly, Professional, Compassionate, Experienced”

— 5 star review from Glenn Henry (Local Guide)

“Dr. Kevin Mahoney and staff have always made me feel at ease. I quite often call myself ‘Chicken Little’ when it comes to dentistry. The Sleep Dentistry is a bonus, the main reason I started to go there. They are very professional, friendly and informative. Thank you for making my visits stress free!”

— 5 star review from Kim Tavernese

From our Facebook Reviewers (4.3 stars, 52 reviews)

“The only phobia I have bigger than spiders and needles is going to the dentist, and I must say in all my years of going to a dentist, Dr. Mahoney has made that phobia go away. I was not put to sleep [when I] didn't need to be, I had my teeth cleaned and 2 fillings done all the same day and I felt no pain and never felt the needles. Dr. Mahoney has mastered his craft and makes you feel so comfortable and anxiety free, if there were 6-star [reviews], Dr. Mahoney definitely would have got one from me!!!”

— 5 star review from Butchie Knight

“My 6-year-old had some major problems with his teeth and needed surgery, [but] he was scared of the dentist ... When we finally thought we found an answer and had scheduled a surgery, the coronavirus outbreak made his surgery get cancelled and hope was lost. Of course my son's tooth took a turn for the worse. We got into [Dr. Mahoney’s] office the same day that we called them and the next morning my son had his surgery. WHAT A LIFE SAVER! Extremely satisfied with the service not to mention sanitary conditions in the office as well!”

— 5 star review from Katie Payne

If you, a friend, or a relative need emergency dental services during the COVID-19 outbreak, call Dr. Mahoney’s office at (814) 833-3505 to arrange a same-day appointment. When routine dental care is allowed to resume, please get in touch with us! We will be seeing new patients after previously scheduled appointments are fulfilled. 

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