If you’ve lost all of your natural teeth from periodontal disease, tooth decay or injury, complete dentures can replace your missing teeth and your smile.
What can dentures do for me?
Replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health in a variety of ways. Some benefits dentures can provide are:
– Prevention of facial sagging that can happen without the support of a full set of teeth.
– A younger looking face.
– Restoration of basic functions like chewing and speaking.
What is the process like?
There are several steps involved in getting a complete set of dentures.
During the preliminary visit, the dentist will take a series of measurements of the patient’s jaw, which will then be used to create models used in the creation of the actual dentures.
The next visit will involve removing any remaining teeth and inserting an immediate, complete denture that can be worn until the permanent denture is finished. The full denture will not be inserted until the tissues have completely healed; this process can take up to several months.
The final visit will involve fitting you with your complete set of dentures.
How do I care for my dentures, and my mouth?
Even if you wear full dentures, you still must take good care of your mouth.
Brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures to stimulate circulation in your tissues and help remove plaque.
Care for the dentures themselves by keeping these points in mind:
– They must be handled with care. Avoid dropping your dentures, as they can break if you drop them.
– Brush your dentures daily. Your dentures need to be brushed just like your regular teeth. Be sure to use a soft-bristled brush. Do not use toothpaste, as it is generally too abrasive for the surface of your dentures.
– Clean with a denture cleaning solution. There are several solutions available here, but in a pinch, dish soap can work just fine.
– Take care of them even when you are not wearing them. Dentures need to be kept cool and moist to keep them from losing their shape. Ask your dentist about what method of storage is best for your dentures.
For more questions about dentures, contact Eagle Falls Dentistry today.