Dentures
Making a denture is mostly impressions and fittings, and none of it needs numbing. Teeth that have to come out are removed at a separate visit, with anesthetic. The sore part comes later, while you get used to wearing it.
Book an AppointmentWhat are dentures?
A full denture replaces all the teeth in one jaw and rests on the gum ridge. A partial replaces some teeth and clasps onto the ones you still have, which is why the teeth you keep matter even when several are already gone. Which one suits you depends on how many teeth are left and how sound they are. That gets settled at the exam.
If teeth need to come out, the impressions can be taken beforehand and an immediate denture placed the same day, so you do not go without teeth while the gums heal. An immediate denture needs more adjustments than a standard one, because the ridge shrinks as it heals, and it usually needs a reline once things settle.
What to expect with dentures
Comfort
Impressions and fittings need no numbing. If teeth are coming out first, that appointment is numbed and scheduled on its own.
Time
Plan on several visits spread over a few weeks. The lab needs time between steps, and that is what sets the pace.
Soreness
Sore spots in the first weeks are expected, not a sign the denture is wrong. Wear it the day before an adjustment so the marks show.
Insurance
We take most PPO plans. Denture coverage is usually partial, and plans limit how often they will pay, so we check your benefits first.
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Exam and X-rays
X-rays show the roots and the bone under the ridge. We check how your jaws meet and how sound the remaining teeth are. Full or partial is decided here.
Impressions
A tray of soft putty sits over the ridge for a few minutes to record its shape. Most cases need a second, finer impression taken in a custom tray made from the first.
Bite record and try-in
We record how your jaws close, then pick the shade and shape of the teeth with you. You try the denture in wax and look at it in a mirror before anything is finished.
Delivery and adjustments
The finished denture goes in, and we check the bite and trim any spot that presses. You come back within a week or two so we can adjust what shows up in wear.
The first few weeks
A new denture feels large at first. Extra saliva is normal for the first days, and the base almost always presses too hard somewhere and leaves a sore spot. None of that means the denture is wrong. Bring it in and we trim the spot, which takes a short visit.
Speech sorts itself out faster than eating does, and reading out loud at home speeds it up. Eating is the slow part. Start with soft food cut small, chew on both sides at once rather than biting with the front teeth, and build up from there. Take the denture out at night unless we tell you otherwise, and leave it in water so it does not dry out.
Relines and repairs
Gum ridges change shape over the years, and a denture that fit well can start to rock or rub. A reline adds new material to the inside surface so the base matches the ridge again. Usually that is one visit. If the lab does the work, the denture stays with us for a day, and a reline often puts off making a new one.
Most cracks and broken clasps can be repaired, and so can a tooth that has come off the base. Do not glue it yourself. Household glue is not safe in the mouth and it changes the fit surface, which can turn a simple repair into a remake. Bring in every piece, including the small ones.
Dr. Ion Rotaru, DMD
Dr. Rotaru holds degrees in biomedical sciences and in dental medicine. He is from Moldova and moved to the United States to practice dentistry. His work is general dentistry, which covers most of what a person needs over a lifetime: checkups and cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals, and the ordinary repairs in between.
He is fluent in English, Romanian, and Russian, and sees patients in all three languages. His approach starts with the person rather than the chart: what is bothering you, what you have been putting off, what you can manage right now. He would rather spend an extra ten minutes explaining than have you agree to something you do not understand.
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What Patients Say
Real stories from real patients who trusted us with their smiles.
Well, let's be honest. I don't know anyone who actually likes having dental work done. But if you are in need I highly recommend Dr Rotaru. He saw me for the first time after my friend and dentist Angel Lopez retired. And it was under an emergency situation. I had cracked a tooth and was in a lot of pain. He saw me on the same day and explained he would be in and out of the room as he worked me in. He is professional but kind. Understanding, respectful and listens. I am very grateful and have found my new Dentist.
Debi R.
Patient
Dr. Ion Rotaru just performed a root canal. He is compassionate, professional, and caring. He explained the entire process as he went along. That brought peace to me. I love he's my new dentist. Thank you Dr Angel Lopez for taking care of your patients until your very last day! You served the Tampa bay community for very long. May you and Betsy enjoy your retirement.
Josie S.
Patient
Dr. Rotaru was very professional and explained the procedure step by step as he was going along. He was attentive in asking if I had any discomfort as the procedure went along. He explained what I would expect and feel after the procedure. Everything went smooth and painless. Thank you so much.
Miguel P.
Patient
The dentist I had been seeing for 20 years retired. Dr Rotaru and staff were excellent and made the transition feel seamless. What a relief! Highly recommend this practice.
Susan B.
Patient
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The appointments that make the denture do not. Impressions, bite records and try-ins involve no needles. If teeth have to come out first, that visit is numbed. The uncomfortable part comes later: sore spots in the first weeks, which we trim down as they appear.