Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Frequently Asked Questions About Dentures


      At PaducahDental Care, we are dedicated to helping you keep your teeth healthy. In some cases, a patient may need a partial denture or a full denture. Dentures are appliances that replace missing teeth. All dentures are removable and made to fit your mouth.
           
      A partial denture replaces missing teeth while several natural teeth remain in the mouth. A full denture, standard or immediate, replaces all of your natural teeth. The standard denture is made after extractions and several months of healing. The immediate denture is made before extractions and placed the same day teeth are removed. You never have to go without teeth with an immediate denture.
            
     With each custom made denture, several appointments are scheduled to ensure the denture is made to fit only you.

Appointment procedures

Standard Denture:  
 
Appointment 1: Impressions.
            A series of impressions are taken. The impressions are used to make a replica of your mouth.
 
Appointment 2: Bite relationship.
            At this appointment, multiple measurements are taken. These measurements include the center of your smile being set as well as making sure you are not closed or open too far. The size, shape, and color of your denture teeth are chosen as well.
 
Appointment 3: Wax Try In/ Viewing
            During this appointment, you are able to see what your denture will look like before the final product. You will be able to try in the wax denture and make any changes before the denture is sent to be completed.
 
Appointment 4: Deliver Denture.
            The day has come for you to receive your custom denture. At this time, the denture is placed and minor adjustments can be made for fit and comfort. All at home instruction and tips are given to you as well.
           
Immediate Dentures
 
            The series of appointments are the same for an immediate denture up until you reach the day of delivery.
 
Appointment 1: Impression
Appointment 2: Bite Relationship
Appointment 3: Was Try In/ Viewing
Appointment 4: Delivery Denture
            On this day, you receive your denture and remove all remaining teeth. After extractions are complete, the denture is then seated over the top of the extraction sites after adjustments are made. The patient is expected to wear the denture until the following appointment on the next day.
 
Appointment 5: Post Op- Next Day Appointment
            On this day, the denture is removed by the dental staff and adjustments are made if there are any sore spots.
 
Appointment 6: Suture Removal
            This appointment is one week from the day the teeth are extracted. During this appointment, any sutures that were placed during appointment 4 are removed. Healing is checked and any adjustments needed are made. Multiple adjustments may be made to relieve sore spots. Temporary liners may be needed to accommodate the healing process. With an immediate denture, it is necessary to have a permanent reline to ensure proper fit and many changes may occur during the healing process. This reline can occur about 6 months after extractions, depending on the time it takes for complete healing.

What to Expect the First Month

Day 1: Your journey begins. There will be a lot of adjusting and challenges. Don’t worry! You are not the only one.
 
Day 2-14: Your mouth is adjusting to dentures. You will experience differences such as more salivation and you may experience sore spots. Rinse with warm salt water if soreness continues, adjustments can be made in our office to help relieve and sore areas. Expect longer healing time if teeth were just extracted.
 
Day 15-29: You are still learning how to live with dentures. Eating and talking with dentures are big changes. The more you wear your denture, the quicker you will adjust to it.
 
Day 30: You have made it one month with your denture! Reward yourself. Remember to visit us regularly for your denture to be checked.

At Home Care and Tips
 
            After you have received your new denture, you will need to cleanse and care for it at home. Below are some tips for keeping your denture and mouth clean.
 
*Clean your denture everyday with a denture brush and denture cleaner followed by rinsing with warm water.
*NEVER clean your denture with bleach.
*Brush your tongue, gums, and remaining teeth with fluoride toothpaste and rinse with mouthwash.
*Never adjust your denture yourself. Schedule an appointment.
* Visit your dentist yearly for cleanings and exams even if you do not have natural teeth.
* Wear your denture as much as possible.
* Distribute adhesive evenly and remove excess.
*Remove your dentures before going to bed and place them in a moist environment.

Eating with Dentures
 
            One thing you look forward to after getting a new denture is eating and enjoying your favorite foods. Adjusting can be difficult at first, but with a little practice, you should be eating your favorite foods in no time. There are many things to remember when eating with dentures. As you adjust to your dentures, you might have trouble sensing hot foods and drinks. Be careful not to burn your mouth. A good rule to remember is to start with soft foods and take small bites. You want to ease your way back into eating what you love. You also want to distribute food evenly on both sides of your back teeth and chew in an up and down motion. As a new denture wearer, be confident in yourself. Having a new denture comes with learning new habits. With the right mindset, you will conquer each stepping stone you come upon.

Dentures and Implants

            Those who have been wearing dentures for many years, along with those who are new to wearing dentures, may find it difficult to keep their dentures in place. The lower denture, or what may be called a floating denture, can be the most difficult to wear. Many will often lack confidence when speaking and eating when their denture is not firmly seated in the mouth.
 
            Denture stabilization implants are also known as mini dental implants. They are small titanium posts that provide a secure fit for a denture. There are also standard size implants that can be used if there is enough bone to allow proper fit. With both types of implants they are gently placed into the bone of the upper or lower jaw. It’s a relatively painless procedure that can be done in little time and results in a tight fitting denture. The denture is still removable to allow for proper cleaning of the implants, as well as the gums, tissue, and tongue. There are many benefits of having implant dentures, including the ability to eat and speak with confidence. You can eat things you once couldn’t before and there is no worry of the denture dislodging while speaking. Dentureimplants also eliminate the need for a messy adhesive.

Visit Paducah Dental Care to learn more!