Dental Code D5520: Replace missing or broken teeth - complete denture (each tooth)

Dental Code D5520 refers to the procedure of replacing missing or broken teeth with a complete denture. This code specifically pertains to the replacement of each individual tooth within the denture. 

On average, patients pay $190 for this D5520 service at the dentist's office, with as little as $120 charged for this in less expensive cities and as much as $290 in more expensive cities.

Low cost of living	Medium cost of living	High cost of living
Memphis (Tennessee), Cincinnati (Ohio)	Miami (Florida), Denver (Colorado), Austin (Texas)	(New York (New York), San Francisco (California)
$120	$190	$290

However, the price for the service D5520 depends not only on the region where you live, but also varies from dentist to dentist. Therefore, it makes sense to compare prices before choosing a dentist. The best way to do this price comparison is at Dr. BestPrice and save a lot of money. 

The first step in the process of replacing missing or broken teeth with a complete denture involves a consultation and thorough examination by a dentist. During this visit, the dentist will evaluate the condition of your oral health, assess the need for a complete denture, and determine the number of missing or broken teeth that need replacement. They will also consider factors such as the health of your gums and jawbone.

The consultation is an essential step as it allows the dentist to understand your specific dental needs and concerns. They will ask questions about your medical history, previous dental treatments, and any existing dental issues. The examination may involve X-rays, impressions, and photographs to gather detailed information about your oral structures.

Once the decision to proceed with a complete denture has been made, the dentist will take impressions of your mouth. These impressions serve as molds to create a custom-fitted denture that matches the shape and contours of your oral cavity. Additionally, measurements will be taken to ensure the denture provides proper alignment and a comfortable fit.

During this step, the dentist will use a tray filled with a soft material, usually a dental putty, and place it over your upper or lower dental arch. You will be asked to bite down gently while the putty sets and captures the shape of your mouth. This process may be repeated for both arches if a complete denture is needed for both the upper and lower jaws.

Based on the impressions and measurements, a dental laboratory will fabricate the complete denture. Skilled technicians, known as dental lab technicians, will use high-quality materials to create a durable and natural-looking prosthetic. The denture will be designed to fit securely in your mouth and mimic the appearance of natural teeth.

In the laboratory, the impressions are poured with a special dental stone to create stone models of your oral structures. These models serve as a precise replica of your mouth, allowing the dental lab technicians to fabricate a denture that fits precisely. They will use various materials, such as acrylic resin or a combination of metal and acrylic, to create the denture base and individual teeth.

The denture base is typically made from acrylic resin, a strong and biocompatible material that closely resembles gum tissue. The dental lab technicians will shape and polish the base to ensure it is comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. The individual teeth, which are made from either acrylic or porcelain, are color-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth or desired tooth shade.

Once the complete denture is ready, you will return to the dentist for the fitting. The dentist will place the denture in your mouth, making adjustments as necessary to ensure a proper fit and optimal comfort. This may involve modifying the shape of the denture or adjusting the bite alignment. It is important to communicate any discomfort or concerns during this stage, as adjustments can be made to enhance the denture's functionality.

During the fitting appointment, the dentist will assess how the denture fits against your gums and the opposing dental arch. They will evaluate the stability, occlusion (bite), and overall comfort of the denture. Adjustments can be made by adding or removing material from the denture base to improve its fit. The bite alignment may also be adjusted to ensure that the upper and lower teeth come together properly when you bite down.

After the complete denture has been fitted and adjusted, your dentist will provide you with instructions on oral care and maintenance. It is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene by regularly cleaning the denture and your remaining natural teeth, if any. Additionally, you may be advised to remove the denture at night to allow your gums to rest.

To clean the denture, you should brush it gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive denture cleaner or mild soap. Avoid using toothpaste or harsh cleaning agents, as they can damage the denture's surface. It is also important to rinse the denture thoroughly after eating to remove any food particles.

Moreover, it is recommended to schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor the condition of your denture and address any issues promptly. During these visits, the dentist will examine your oral tissues, evaluate the fit and function of the denture, and make any necessary adjustments or repairs.

Dental Code D5520 entails the replacement of missing or broken teeth with a complete denture. This procedure involves several steps,starting with a consultation and examination to assess your oral health and determine the need for a denture. Impressions and measurements are then taken to create a custom-fitted denture, which is fabricated in a dental laboratory using high-quality materials. The denture is designed to fit securely in your mouth and mimic the appearance of natural teeth.

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