Dentures
Dentures are used to replace missing teeth. Conventional dentures are removable and
come in the form of either a partial denture, in the case of several missing teeth, or a
complete denture where all teeth are missing. Dentures not only improve a patient’s
ability to chew and eat functionally, they also enable the patient to retain their esthetic appearance restoring their self-confidence and healthy social life.
It is crucial to the preservation of oral health to restore missing teeth as the remaining teeth may shift to fill in the empty space. The results, if not treated, can cause difficulty biting and chew properly as well as an elderly appearance as the facial skin will tend to sag without the support of the teeth. Dentures today are designed to look as natural as possible, allowing patients the comfort and functionality of a full set of teeth.
Our dentist will help you determine whether treatment with dentures is right for you.
Dentures Procedures
The dentist will begin by first examining your gums and supporting jaw structure to
develop a treatment plan best suited to your individual needs. There are some cases
which may require oral surgery to correct bony ridges to ensure the stable placement of
the final denture and most comfortable fit. Other cases may require tooth extraction in
order for the dentures to be placed. Once your dentist has determined that dentures are
in fact the best route of treatment available to you, he/she will create a mold from your
gums to ensure that every ridge and crevice is identified to allow your permanent
denture to fit as comfortable as possible.
Patients requiring extraction will need immediate dentures to allow the gum tissue
surrounding the extraction sites to properly heal. This healing process will usually take
anywhere from four to six months. It is important to allow the proper amount of time for
the healing period as the gum will shrink following the removal of teeth. The denture will act as a bandage for your sensitive gums and will further promote their healing. The
immediate denture may need adjustment during this period which can be easily addressed by your dentist. The immediate denture will be fabricated from a shade which is closest matched to your natural tooth color.
Once the gums are fully restored to health, the finalized dentures will be provided and checked for color and fit. Any modifications necessary will be made and this point to
ensure the patient’s comfort. To improve stability and retention, the denture may be
secured to any remaining teeth or tooth roots with plastic or metal anchors.
Caring for Your Dentures
A1 Dental Centre can help you on your way to regaining the radiant smile and taking
back control of your oral hygiene. Dentures will not only restore your smile and
confidence but allow you to regain the functionality of a full set of teeth. In the
beginning, your denture may seem to lose or awkward. This is normal and temporary; your
muscles will learn to adjust to the prosthetic to keep it in place. You may experience
some soreness and slight irritation at first which is also to be expected and will soon
fade as you adjust to the dentures.
It is advised that patients initially soft foods and liquids, cutting food into bite-sized portions, etc. As you become more and more accustomed to functioning with your
dentures you may gradually return to your normal diet.
It is important that your denture is taken out at night to allow saliva to bathe the gum
tissue to maintain good oral hygiene. Patients should clean their dentures daily by using
a tooth brush and denture solution to remove food particles, plaque and prevent the
dentures from staining. After brushing the denture should be rinsed and placed
overnight in a denture cleaning solution. When cleaning your denture be sure to always
use cold or lukewarm water as hot water may cause damage. If you feel any
discomfort, see your dentist for minor adjustments.
