Dentures

About the Procedure

Dentures are an oral prosthetic designed to replace the functionality of lost teeth. These teeth may have been lost due to injury, tooth decay or some form of dental disease. Dentures can be classed into two broad categories: complete and partial.

Complete dentures are what most people think of when they hear the word “dentures”. They consist of a gel-like gum-colored plastic and a full arch of acrylic false teeth. They are molded to fit snugly, but comfortably over the patient's natural, toothless gums. This is achieved by taking a mold of the patient's mouth and their bite. These molds are then used to fabricate the dentures. Such appliances are completely removable.

Partial dentures are quite different. They are useful for patients who have some teeth still intact. Some partials are removable. They include a small group of synthetic acrylic teeth attached to false gums similar to those used in complete dentures but they are fastened to a metal framework that is supported by the existing, healthy teeth. Another more permanent solution is a bridge. Bridges are used to fill gaps between healthy teeth. A crown is attached to the end of the healthy teeth on either side of the gap, and then a set of synthetic teeth are cemented to them using polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). This is meant to be a permanent solution and such dentures are not removable.

While there are alternatives that offer more stability, convenience and aesthetic quality, such as dental implants, there are inherent advantages to deciding on dentures instead. Dentures require little to no surgery of any kind, making them ideal for people who are not in sufficient health to undergo surgery or who simply wish not to do so. They are also far less expensive and unlike dental implants, dentures are very often covered under the patient's insurance. Additionally, dentures are usable by all people; where as dental implants may not be advisable for certain candidates.

What to Know Before the Procedure

If you are having all of your teeth removed due to decay or disease, it is important to choose when you would like your complete dentures put in. One may opt for immediate placement which means the dentures will be put in directly following the removal of the teeth. While this seems ideal, it usually results in several adjustments having to be made to the dentures due to the fact that the bone and gum tissue will change shape and size throughout the healing process. This will cause discomfort while wearing the dentures as well as problems with chewing food and speaking.

The alternative, which is more commonly practiced, is to let the bone and gums heal for 6 to 12 weeks before placing dentures in. The disadvantage is that the patient will be without teeth for a significant period of time. However, once the dentures are put in, they will fit much more comfortably and only require minimal adjustment. Discuss the needs of your daily life with your doctor to decided which course of action is best suited to your lifestyle.

What to Know After the Procedure

Living with complete dentures takes some time to acclimate to. It is likely that certain sounds while talking will become difficult to make with your dentures in place. Practice how to make these sounds frequently so that your mouth muscles can learn how to compensate properly.

Eating will require some work at first. It is best to cut your food into smaller pieces than you may have ordinarily before you used dentures. Try to stick to soft foods at first. Both of these measures are temporary. As your mouth becomes more adjusted to using the dentures you will be able to return to your normal eating habits. Keep in mind that it is normal for you to salivate excessively for the first 24-48 hours after using your dentures for the first time. This is due to your body's reaction to the dentures as food. Eventually your body will realize the dentures are not food and the increased salivation will subside.

On average, a patient will go back to their doctor twice to fine tune the dentures to eliminate any discomfort or instability. In the long run, more adjustments may eventually become necessary, as the shape of the mouth and gums can change over time.

If you Need to Travel Outside of your Local Hospital

The fabrication of dentures is so common that there are people qualified for it almost anywhere. The cost is also not prohibitive given how long the dentures will continue to be effective. While you do want to keep in mind the fact that you will have to make return trips for adjustments, dentures pose no travel difficulties. Make your travel decisions based mostly on convenience and cost.