(727) 531-4462Dentures that fit and stay put.
Full and partial dentures made and adjusted by Dr. Craig Baker, plus an implant-retained option stabilized in-house by board-certified periodontist Dr. Cecilia Perera. Serving Clearwater, Palm Harbor, and Pinellas County.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Craig Baker, DMD · General Dentist · AACD Member · Last reviewed Care covered.
Full dentures
A full denture replaces all the teeth in an upper or lower arch. It restores chewing, supports the lips and cheeks, and is designed to look natural. A settling-in period is normal as your mouth adjusts.
Partial dentures
A partial fills the spaces left by several missing teeth while your remaining natural teeth stay in place. It clasps discreetly and keeps the other teeth from drifting into the gaps.
Getting the fit right
A denture that fits well is the difference between comfort and frustration. We take careful impressions and bite records, then refine the fit so the denture is stable when you talk and eat.
Adjustments and relines
Gums change shape over time, especially in the first year after extractions. Periodic adjustments and relines keep a denture snug, which is why follow-up visits are part of the plan rather than an afterthought.
Implant-retained dentures
When a lower denture in particular slips, two to four implants can anchor it so it snaps firmly into place. Dr. Cecilia Perera, a board-certified periodontist, places the implants in-house.
Caring for your denture
Dentures are cleaned daily, kept moist when out, and handled over a towel or water so a drop does not crack them. We show you the routine and check the fit at recall visits.
The team behind the work.
Dr. Craig Baker designs, fits, and adjusts full and partial dentures at the Safety Harbor office. When a denture is stabilized with implants, Dr. Cecilia Perera, a board-certified periodontist and Diplomate of the American Academy of Periodontology, places the implants in-house.
Consider implant-retained dentures.
When a denture slips, two to four dental implants can anchor it firmly. Dr. Cecilia Perera, a board-certified periodontist, places the implants in-house so the same team stabilizes your denture.
Questions we hear often.
How long does it take to get used to dentures?
A few weeks is typical. Speaking and eating feel different at first, and minor sore spots are common early on. Follow-up adjustments smooth those out, so keep those appointments.
What is the difference between a full and a partial denture?
A full denture replaces every tooth in an arch. A partial fills the gaps around teeth you still have and clasps to them, which also keeps those remaining teeth from shifting.
My denture slips. Can that be fixed?
Often, yes. Some slipping is solved with a reline as the gums change shape. For persistent looseness, especially a lower denture, implants placed by Dr. Perera can anchor it so it stays put.
What are implant-retained dentures?
They are dentures that snap onto two to four dental implants instead of resting only on the gums. They hold firmly, preserve jaw bone, and let you eat and speak with far more confidence than a conventional denture.
Do dentures need adjustments over time?
Yes. Gums and bone change shape, so periodic relines and adjustments keep the fit snug. Regular recall visits catch a loosening denture before it causes sore spots or trouble chewing.
Can I get dentures if I have gum disease?
In cases where gum disease is present, obtaining dentures may still be possible, but the existing oral health conditions must be addressed first. Dr. Baker will assess the severity of the gum disease and create a customized treatment plan to reduce the effects of gum disease on oral health.
How is gum disease treated before getting dentures?
Before dentures can be considered, addressing gum disease is paramount. The dentist may recommend treatments such as scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar, or more advanced procedures like gum surgery in severe cases. It's crucial to stabilize the oral environment before proceeding with denture placement to ensure a successful outcome. In more advanced cases, the remaining natural teeth may be severely damaged and require extraction.
How do I keep my mouth healthy with dentures after gum disease?
After obtaining dentures, maintaining oral health remains crucial, especially for individuals with a history of gum disease. Regular dental check-ups, proper cleaning of dentures, and meticulous oral hygiene practices are imperative. Brushing, flossing, and using antimicrobial mouthwash help prevent complications and ensure the longevity of both the dentures and the remaining natural teeth.
Are dentures the same as teeth?
While dentures are designed to replace missing teeth, they are not identical to natural teeth. Dentures are removable prosthetics, whereas natural teeth are anchored in the jawbone.
Serving Clearwater, Palm Harbor & the Pinellas coast.
Our office is in downtown Safety Harbor, a short drive from Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Oldsmar, and Westchase. Patients come from across Pinellas County for specialist care they would otherwise be referred out of town for.
Let’s get you in the chair.
Call (727) 531-4462 or request a visit online. We will verify insurance and email you the new-patient paperwork before your first appointment.
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
Wed: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fri, Sat, Sun: Closed