- (276) 466-9800
- Monday—Thursday 8:00am-5:00pm
Prosthodontics focuses on replacing missing teeth and restoring your smile’s function and appearance. Whether you’re missing one tooth, several teeth, or all your teeth, we offer custom prosthetic solutions designed to give you back the ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
At South Holston Dental Designs, we combine advanced technology with skilled craftsmanship to create dentures, bridges, and implant-supported prosthetics that look natural, fit comfortably, and restore your quality of life.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures replace all the teeth in your upper or lower arch (or both). Modern dentures are far more comfortable and natural-looking than the dentures of decades past. We create custom dentures that fit your mouth precisely and match your facial features for a natural appearance.
Traditional Complete Dentures:
After your remaining teeth are extracted, your gums need time to heal before we can create your dentures. This typically takes 8-12 weeks. During this healing period, we may provide temporary dentures so you’re never without teeth.
Once healing is complete, we take detailed impressions and measurements, create a try-in denture to verify fit and appearance, and then fabricate your final dentures.
Immediate Dentures:
If you prefer not to go without teeth during healing, immediate dentures are made in advance and placed the same day your teeth are extracted. While they require more adjustments as your gums heal and change shape, they ensure you’re never without teeth.
What to expect:
New dentures require an adjustment period. Your mouth needs time to adapt, and you’ll need to practice eating and speaking. Most patients adjust within a few weeks. We schedule follow-up visits to check your fit and make any necessary adjustments.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures replace several missing teeth when you still have healthy natural teeth remaining. They clip onto your existing teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments, filling the gaps and restoring your smile’s function.
Types of partial dentures:
Cast Metal Partial – The strongest, longest-lasting option. A metal framework supports prosthetic teeth and clips onto your natural teeth for stability.
Flexible Partial – Made from a flexible, gum-colored material instead of rigid acrylic. More comfortable and less noticeable but not as durable as cast metal.
Acrylic Partial – Often used as a temporary solution. Less expensive but also less durable and stable than other options.
A dental bridge literally “bridges” the gap created by missing teeth. We create a custom prosthetic tooth (or teeth) and anchor it to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Bridges are permanently cemented in place—they don’t come out.
Types of bridges:
Traditional Bridge – Crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap support the replacement tooth in the middle. The most common type.
Cantilever Bridge – Used when there’s only one adjacent tooth to support the bridge (less common, used only in low-stress areas).
Maryland Bridge – A conservative option for front teeth. Metal or porcelain wings bonded to the back of adjacent teeth support the replacement tooth, requiring minimal tooth preparation.
Implant-Supported Bridge – Dental implants rather than natural teeth support the bridge. The strongest, most durable option that doesn’t require altering healthy teeth.
Benefits of bridges:
Creating a traditional bridge typically requires two visits. First, we prepare the supporting teeth, take detailed impressions, and place a temporary bridge. Our lab then fabricates your permanent bridge—a process taking about two weeks. At your second visit, we remove the temporary and permanently cement your custom bridge.
With proper care, bridges typically last 10-15 years or longer.
Implant-Supported Dentures and Bridges
Dental implants can support dentures and bridges, dramatically improving stability and comfort compared to traditional options. Rather than resting on your gums alone, implant-supported prosthetics attach to titanium posts anchored in your jawbone.
Implant-Supported Dentures:
Just 2-4 implants can secure a complete denture, eliminating slipping and the need for adhesives. You can choose removable snap-on dentures or permanently fixed dentures (like All-on-4).
Benefits over traditional dentures:
When replacing multiple adjacent teeth, implants can support a bridge without affecting healthy teeth. This eliminates the need to grind down adjacent teeth as required for traditional bridges.
See our Implant Dentistry page for more detailed information about implant-supported options.
Denture Repairs and Relines
Even well-made dentures occasionally need repairs or adjustments. We provide comprehensive denture services to keep your prosthetics fitting properly and functioning well.
Common repair needs:
Breaks or Cracks – Dentures can break if dropped or from normal wear over time. We can often repair breaks the same day.
Tooth Replacement – If a tooth breaks off your denture, we can replace it.
Relines – As your gums change shape over time (especially after extractions), your denture may become loose. Relining adds new material to the tissue side of your denture for better fit.
Adjustments – If your denture causes sore spots or doesn’t fit comfortably, we can adjust it for better comfort.
When to get a reline:
Typically, dentures need relining every 2-3 years as your mouth changes. Regular relines extend the life of your denture and maintain comfortable fit.
Choosing the best way to replace missing teeth depends on several factors:
Number of teeth missing – One tooth? Several? All of them?
Condition of remaining teeth – Are they healthy enough to support a bridge or partial?
Bone density – Do you have adequate bone for implants, or would grafting be needed?
Budget – What can you invest in your smile?
Lifestyle – Do you want a removable or permanent solution?
Oral hygiene – Can you maintain the care required?
During your consultation, we’ll discuss all your options, explain the pros and cons of each, and help you make the choice that’s right for your situation.
Digital Impressions
We use advanced impression materials and techniques—and in many cases, digital scanning—to capture precise details of your mouth. Accurate impressions are essential for properly fitting prosthetics.
CAD/CAM Technology
Our CAD/CAM system allows us to design dentures and prosthetics digitally for exceptional precision. Computer-aided design helps us create restorations that fit better and look more natural.
Custom Crafting
Whether fabricated in our office or at a trusted dental laboratory, every prosthetic is custom-made for you. We carefully select tooth shade, shape, and size to complement your facial features and look as natural as possible.
Try-In Appointments
For dentures, we create a try-in version that allows you to see and feel how your final dentures will look and fit. This gives you the opportunity to request any changes before we create the final version.
Adjustments and Fine-Tuning
We don’t consider your treatment complete until you’re completely satisfied. We schedule follow-up appointments to check fit, make adjustments, and ensure your comfort.
Adjustment Period
New dentures require patience. Your mouth needs time to adapt, and you’ll need to practice eating and speaking. This is completely normal. Most patients adjust within a few weeks.
What to expect:
We’re here to support you through this adjustment. Call us if you experience persistent pain or fit issues.
Clean daily – Remove and brush your dentures daily with a denture brush and mild soap or denture cleaner (never regular toothpaste—it’s too abrasive)
Soak overnight – Keep dentures moist to maintain their shape; place in water or denture solution
Clean your mouth – Even without teeth, brush your gums, tongue, and palate daily to maintain oral health
Handle carefully – Dentures can break if dropped, so place a towel in the sink when cleaning
Regular checkups – Visit us twice a year so we can check your denture fit and oral health
When to Replace Dentures
With proper care, dentures typically last 5-7 years before needing replacement. Your mouth continues to change over time, and denture teeth wear down from normal use. Signs you need new dentures include:
Bridge Care
Care for bridges like natural teeth: brush twice daily and floss carefully around the bridge. Special floss threaders help you clean under the false tooth portion. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential.
Partial Denture Care
Remove and clean your partial daily. Brush both the denture and your natural teeth thoroughly. If your partial has metal clasps, take care not to bend them when cleaning.
Cost Considerations
Prosthodontic treatment is an investment in your quality of life. The cost varies significantly depending on the type of restoration:
Partial Dentures: $1,000-$2,500 depending on type
Complete Dentures: $1,500-$3,000 per arch
Dental Bridges: $2,000-$5,000 depending on number of teeth
Implant-Supported Options: Higher initial investment but superior stability and longevity
Insurance typically covers:
We provide detailed estimates before beginning treatment and will file insurance claims on your behalf. Financing options are available to help make treatment affordable.
Experienced in Complex Cases
We have extensive experience creating dentures, bridges, and other prosthetics for patients with complex needs. Our team knows how to handle difficult cases and achieve excellent results.
Advanced Technology
Our digital impressions, CAD/CAM design, and modern fabrication techniques result in prosthetics that fit better and look more natural.
Custom Craftsmanship
We never use one-size-fits-all approaches. Every prosthetic is custom-designed for your unique mouth, facial features, and aesthetic preferences.
Ongoing Support
We don’t hand you dentures and send you on your way. We schedule follow-up visits, make adjustments as needed, and provide long-term support to ensure your success.
Comprehensive Options
From traditional dentures to implant-supported solutions, we offer the full range of prosthodontic options under one roof.
Don’t Live with Missing Teeth
Missing teeth affect more than just your smile—they impact your ability to eat, speak, and feel confident. They can also cause remaining teeth to shift and lead to further dental problems.
Modern prosthodontics can restore your smile and your quality of life. Whether you need a simple partial denture or a complete smile reconstruction, we can help.
Whether it’s a routine cleaning, a dental implant, or a complete smile transformation
– our team is ready to help. Accepting new patients. Same-day emergency