Oakland is Pittsburgh’s medical center, and many of the people who live and work here have complicated health histories of their own or care for someone who does. When teeth need to be removed and replaced, that history matters. Medications, heart conditions, diabetes, and cancer treatment can all affect how gums heal and whether implants are a good option.
Drs. Nicholas and Mara Mangini trained in prosthodontics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, just up the hill in Oakland, and later taught there. Today they see Oakland patients for dentures and implant dentures at our Shadyside office, a quick trip east on Fifth Avenue, and at our Downtown office on Fifth Avenue.
Complete dentures replace every tooth in the upper or lower arch. Partial dentures fill gaps between remaining natural teeth using a metal framework or precision attachments. Implant-supported dentures connect to titanium implants placed in the jaw, which keeps them from shifting and helps preserve bone.
The right choice depends on more than how many teeth are missing. We review your medical history and current medications, and when it helps, we coordinate with your physician before recommending surgery. Some patients are excellent implant candidates. Others do better starting with a well-made conventional denture. See our full dentures guide for more on each type.
A health condition does not automatically rule out implants. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found a 96.6% implant survival rate for implant overdentures in patients with complex medical histories. What it does require is careful planning, precise imaging, and a team that understands how medical factors affect healing.
Implant overdentures typically use two to four implants per arch. After placement, the bone bonds to the implants over roughly three to six months, and many patients wear a temporary denture during that time. Our implant-supported dentures page explains the full process.
If your remaining teeth need to come out, you do not have to go through the healing period without teeth. An immediate denture is made ahead of time and placed the same day as your tooth extractions. It protects the healing gums and lets you go back to work or class looking like yourself.
As the gums heal over the next several weeks, their shape changes. We reline the immediate denture as needed, and once healing is complete you can move to a conventional complete denture or add implants for more stability.
Oakland’s hospital staff, researchers, faculty, and longtime residents of South Oakland and Central Oakland tend to want clear information and efficient visits. We give you a written plan with each phase, how many appointments to expect, and the costs before treatment begins.
For general dental needs near campus, visit our Oakland dental care page, or read about dental implants near Oakland if you are considering replacing individual teeth.
Yes, in most cases. We review your medical history and medications, and we may consult your physician before extractions or implant surgery. The goal is a plan that is safe for your health and gives you a denture that works.
Yes. Immediate dentures are placed right after extractions so you are never without teeth. They usually need relining as the gums heal, and they can later be replaced with a conventional or implant-supported denture.
Many Oakland patients find our Shadyside office convenient, a short trip east along Fifth Avenue. Our Downtown office is a direct bus ride away on Fifth or Forbes and is open until 6 PM Tuesday through Thursday.
As prosthodontists, Drs. Mangini handle both the surgical and restorative sides of denture and implant care, so every step stays in one practice. They are members of the American College of Prosthodontists and the Academy of Osseointegration.
We accept MetLife, Cigna, Principal, and Ameritas and work with most PPO plans. Request an appointment at our Shadyside or Downtown office.
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