FULL & PARTIAL DENTURES - Flowood, MS

Denture Candidacy in Flowood, MS

Schedule Your Appointment

Get Started

Assessing Your Eligibility for Dentures

Dentures are a popular solution for individuals who have lost teeth due to decay, injury, gum disease, or aging. However, before getting dentures, determining whether they’re the right option for you requires careful evaluation of your specific needs and circumstances. At Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly Dental Clinic, our experienced Flowood team conducts comprehensive assessments to evaluate your candidacy for dentures, identify any obstacles that might need addressing first, and recommend the best path forward for restoring your smile. The decision to get dentures is personal, and we’re here to guide you through every step.

Wondering if you’re a good candidate for dentures? Call our Flowood dental office at 601-939-4100 to schedule your candidacy evaluation. We proudly serve patients from Jackson, Pearl, Brandon, and throughout central Mississippi.

Comprehensive Restorative Solutions for Every Patient Near Jackson

What truly sets Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly apart is our full-service approach to denture candidacy. Many dental practices evaluate candidates and simply say “yes” or “no” to dentures. We go much further. Our practice offers the full range of services needed to prepare your mouth for successful denture treatment, all under one roof. This means no referrals to multiple specialists, no coordinating between different offices, and no delays in your care.

"I am in need of some restoration work and they knew exactly my concerns without me saying a word and they took me to a private room and went through all the issues and the fixes by 3D modeling and built my plan and quote right there in front of me. Nothing hidden and all procedures and steps fully shown and explained. The best visit I've ever had at a dentist."
B. Bennett

Factors That Determine Denture Candidacy

Several factors affect whether dentures are the right tooth replacement solution for you. Understanding these considerations helps set realistic expectations and prepare for the evaluation process.

The extent of your tooth loss directly influences which type of denture our Flowood team recommends. Partial dentures work well when you’re missing several teeth but still have healthy natural teeth remaining. Complete dentures are the solution when you’ve lost most or all teeth in one or both arches. If you’re missing just one or two teeth, alternative options like dental bridges or implants might be more appropriate. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate the pattern and extent of your tooth loss to recommend the most effective restoration.

Good denture candidates typically have adequate jawbone density to support their restoration. Your jawbone provides the foundation that dentures rest upon, and sufficient bone structure helps create stability and a proper fit. If you’ve experienced significant bone loss—common after tooth loss or long-term denture wear—you may need bone grafting or other preparatory treatments before receiving new dentures. Alternatively, implant-supported dentures might provide better results by anchoring to implants rather than relying solely on bone structure.

Healthy gums are essential for successful denture wearing. Your gum tissue needs to be free from active infection or disease to tolerate the pressure and friction of dentures. Patients with untreated gum disease must address these issues before denture placement. We’ll also evaluate any remaining natural teeth—decayed or damaged teeth may need extraction or treatment before creating your dentures. Good oral health provides the foundation for comfortable, long-lasting denture success.

Active gum disease significantly affects denture candidacy. Inflamed, infected gum tissue won’t tolerate dentures well and can lead to pain, poor fit, and continued deterioration. Our Flowood dentists will evaluate the extent of any gum disease and determine whether treatment is needed before proceeding with dentures. In many cases, we can treat periodontal disease through professional cleanings, scaling and root planing, or other interventions, then move forward with denture fabrication once your gums have healed.

Successful denture candidates understand what dentures can and cannot do. Dentures dramatically improve smile appearance and help with chewing and speaking, but they won’t feel or function exactly like natural teeth. There’s an adjustment period, and some foods may remain challenging. Patients who approach dentures with realistic expectations tend to adapt more successfully and feel satisfied with their results. During your consultation, we’ll discuss what you can realistically expect from your dentures based on your specific situation.

Your general health affects denture candidacy, particularly if you’re considering implant-supported dentures that require surgery. Certain medical conditions, medications, or treatments may make surgical procedures risky. For these patients, removable dentures offer a safer, non-invasive alternative. We’ll review your complete medical history during your consultation to identify any health factors that might influence your treatment options and recommend the safest, most effective approach.

Schedule regular dental checkups at our Flowood office at least twice yearly, even if you have complete dentures. During these visits, we examine your dentures for signs of wear or damage, check your gums and remaining natural teeth, and assess whether your dentures still fit properly. As your mouth changes over time, we may recommend adjustments, relining, or replacement to maintain optimal fit and function.

Denture Alternatives to Consider

If dentures aren’t the right solution for your situation, our Flowood team can recommend several effective alternatives that might better suit your needs.

Dental implant illustration showing titanium screw and crown placement in jaw, emphasizing dental restoration process and effectiveness of dental implants.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are titanium posts surgically placed in your jawbone where they fuse with the bone to provide a stable base for replacement teeth. Implants look and function like natural teeth, can last for decades with proper care, and help preserve jawbone by providing stimulation that prevents bone loss. While more expensive than dentures, implants offer superior stability and don't require removal for cleaning.

Full arch dental implant model with prosthetic teeth attached to implants, illustrating fixed tooth replacement solution for enhanced oral function and aesthetics.

Implant-Supported Dentures

For patients who don't qualify for traditional dentures due to bone loss or who want superior stability, implant-supported dentures combine the comprehensive coverage of dentures with the stability of implants. Several implants are placed in your jawbone to anchor your denture, eliminating slipping and providing much better chewing function than traditional dentures. This option costs more than conventional dentures but less than replacing every tooth with individual implants.

dental bridge model

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are artificial teeth anchored in place by neighboring natural teeth. They're a good option for patients missing one or more teeth in a row who still have healthy, natural teeth on either side of the gap. Dental bridges are fixed restorations, rather than removable, and provide excellent function and aesthetics. While less invasive and less expensive than implants, bridges typically don't last as long and require altering adjacent healthy teeth to serve as anchors.

Flipper (Temporary Partial Denture)

A flipper is a removable partial denture used as a temporary tooth replacement solution. Usually made of acrylic and less expensive than other options, flippers work well as immediate solutions while waiting for permanent restorations or as temporary replacements following extractions. However, they're not durable enough for long-term use and should be considered a short-term solution only.

During your consultation at our Flowood office, we’ll discuss all appropriate alternatives and help you understand the pros, cons, and costs of each option based on your specific situation. Call 601-939-4100 to start your consultation today.

What to Expect During Your Candidacy Evaluation

Your denture candidacy evaluation at Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly involves several components that give us a complete picture of your oral health and needs.

1. Comprehensive Oral Examination: We’ll thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and oral tissues, checking for decay, gum disease, infections, or other issues that might affect denture candidacy or require treatment first.

2. Dental X-Rays and Imaging: X-rays help us evaluate your jawbone structure, identify hidden problems like root fragments or bone loss, and plan the best approach for your restoration. Our advanced imaging technology provides detailed information that guides treatment recommendations.

3. Medical and Dental History Review: We’ll discuss your medical conditions, medications, previous dental work, and any concerns you have about dentures. This information helps us identify factors that might affect your candidacy or treatment approach.

4. Discussion of Goals and Expectations: Understanding what you hope to achieve with dentures helps us recommend the most appropriate solution and set realistic expectations about outcomes, adjustment periods, and maintenance requirements.

5. Treatment Plan Development: Based on our findings, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan that either proceeds directly to denture fabrication or addresses obstacles first. You’ll receive clear explanations of recommended procedures, timelines, and costs before any treatment begins.

oral examination
Dental consultation with dentist explaining gum disease treatment options to patient, dental X-ray images displayed on monitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Individuals with well-preserved natural teeth, healthy gums, and sufficient jawbone support might not need dentures; other, less extensive options would serve them better. Patients seeking more stable, permanent solutions might prefer dental implants over removable dentures.

However, active oral health problems don’t permanently disqualify you. Untreated gum disease, severe decay, or active infections need addressing before denture placement, but once these issues are resolved, most patients become good candidates. At our Flowood practice, we help patients overcome obstacles that initially prevent denture candidacy.

Insufficient jawbone can lead to poor denture fit, discomfort, and instability, but several solutions exist. Bone grafting procedures can enhance bone volume to provide proper denture support. Implant-supported dentures offer another option—the implants anchor in available bone and don’t rely as heavily on extensive ridge structure.

In some cases, well-crafted conventional dentures with proper adjustments can still function adequately even with moderate bone loss. During your evaluation at our Flowood office, we’ll assess your bone structure and recommend the best approach for your situation.

Yes, partial dentures are specifically designed for patients who still have healthy natural teeth but are missing several teeth. The partial denture fills gaps while preserving your remaining teeth. If your existing teeth are severely decayed or damaged, we may recommend extracting them and providing complete dentures instead, which can sometimes offer better overall function and appearance. We’ll evaluate your remaining teeth during your candidacy assessment and recommend the approach that delivers the best long-term results.

Most candidacy evaluations are completed in a single appointment lasting 45 to 60 minutes. We’ll examine your mouth, review necessary X-rays, discuss your goals, and provide our assessment before you leave. If you’re a good candidate, we can often begin the denture process immediately. If preparatory treatments are needed first, we’ll outline the timeline for addressing those issues and moving forward with dentures.

SWhile general dentists can evaluate basic candidacy, seeing a Prosthodontist like Dr. Tharp offers significant advantages. Prosthodontics is the dental specialty specifically focused on tooth replacement and restoration. Dr. Tharp’s advanced training allows him to evaluate complex cases, identify solutions for challenging situations, and develop comprehensive treatment plans that general dentists might not consider. For the most thorough candidacy evaluation and the widest range of options, seeing a specialist makes sense.

Smiling mature woman with short hair, representing patient satisfaction and confidence in dental implants at Smiles in Jackson.
Patient Story

QUICK LINKS

MEET OUR DOCTORS

OFFICE LOCATION

Discover Your Path to a Complete Smile With Drs. Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly

Whether you’re an ideal candidate for immediate denture placement or need preparatory treatments first, Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly Dental Clinic provides the comprehensive care necessary to restore your smile. Our Flowood team’s full-service approach, combined with Dr. Tharp’s Prosthodontics expertise, ensures you receive honest candidacy assessment and effective solutions regardless of your starting point. We’re committed to finding a path forward for every patient who walks through our doors.

Ready to discover if dentures are right for you? Call our Flowood dentists at 601-939-4100 to schedule your comprehensive candidacy evaluation. We welcome patients from Jackson, Pearl, Brandon, Florence, Canton, and throughout central Mississippi. Your journey to a complete smile starts here!

I understand the information disclosed in this form may be subject to re-disclosure and may no longer be protected by HIPAA privacy regulations and the HITECH Act.

schedule appointment