The Process for Getting Dentures

Lafayette, CA

People may find it difficult to hear that they need dentures. After all, losing a few teeth can cause enough difficulty. The very notion that one is going to need artificial teeth instead can be difficult to adjust to. Fortunately, we have the tools and expertise to help patients adjust to dentures in order to live a comfortable lifestyle. In fact, dentures can provide a natural appearance and remain fully functional.

The type of issues an endodontist treats

Resorption and tooth loss

Following the loss of one’s teeth, resorption will begin to take effect. Adult teeth stimulate the jawbone, sending signals throughout the body. Once teeth fall out and stop stimulating the jawbone, the body will absorb the calcium in the jawbone to distribute to other areas of the body. Due to this, many people will experience a change in facial structure after losing some or all of their teeth.

This is a main reason for why we recommend partial or full dentures to replace missing teeth. People who do not replace teeth will notice sagging or an indent in their cheek due to the jawbone weakening. While there are a variety of aesthetic changes, people will also find physical issues with missing teeth, including:

Difficulty eating and speaking
Sensitive areas of the mouth where the tooth used to be
Risk of gum disease
Need for more frequent visits to the dentist

Contrary to popular belief, people who try to live with a missing tooth or teeth will still risk contracting oral infections such as gum disease. Normally, plaque will catch between the teeth and spread infection if left untreated. Without teeth, people are still at a risk for acquiring an infection. The best option for many patients is to seek customized dentures from a professional.

The Dentures Process

To begin the dentures process, we will need to examine the patient and determine the best choice from full dentures, partial dentures, or another option. In some cases, if the remaining teeth are infected or weak, we will recommend a tooth extraction first. By removing the remaining teeth, we can then provide a set of fully-functional artificial teeth by installing dentures.

Once we determine the best course of action, we will clean the teeth and remove any, if necessary. We will then make a mold and take measurements of the mouth. We will use this mold to develop the dentures and ensure they are a custom fit to the individual patient. This way, patients will not have to spend as much time worrying about the dentures falling out or being uncomfortable.

It is important to note that there will be an adjustment period for the patient when first wearing the dentures. Following the appointment, the patients may need to wear temporary dentures until the new ones are complete. However, this step in the process can vary per each situation. We will send the mold and measurements to a dental lab that will create the custom dentures.

After we complete the dentures, we will have the patient come in for a fitting. During the fitting process, we will make sure that the dentures fit properly and make any necessary changes. We will also go over proper care for the dentures and recommend the time for the next appointment to keep an eye on the dentures. There are a few things that patients need to know about the adjustment period.

It will take around two weeks to completely adjust to the dentures and using them. The first step will be to avoid eating hard or chewy foods such as nuts and caramel. Proper oral hygiene will involve removing the dentures at night and leaving them in a special solution overnight. The patient will still need to brush the gums and ensure that there are no bits of food in the dentures.

During the first few weeks, there may be some minor irritation and discomfort. However, the discomfort will subside after the adjustment period. The patient may need more adjustments in the months ahead, which we will be happy to schedule when necessary.

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Questions Answered on This Page

Q. What happens after losing an adult tooth?

Q. How does the dentures process begin?

Q. How long will it take me to adjust to the dentures?

Definition of Dental Implant Terminology

Alveolar Bone

The alveolar bone is the bone surrounding the root of the tooth that keeps the tooth in place.

Denture Base

The denture base is the part of the denture that connects the artificial teeth with the soft tissue of the gums.

Fixed Full Arch Restoration

A fixed full arch restoration is a common treatment option for edentulous patients who are missing either all or at least an entire arch of their teeth.

Full Arch Rehabilitation

Full arch rehabilitation involves using the All-on-4 ™ to help patients maintain and use a new set of teeth that look natural.

Graftless Procedure

A graftless procedure is a dental implant procedure that does not require the use of a bone graft prior to placing the dental implants.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the gingival tissues and membrane of the teeth, leading to tooth loss without professional treatment.

Resin/Acrylic

Resin and Acrylic are resinous materials that can be components in a denture base.

Clasp

A clasp is a device that holds a removable partial denture prosthesis to the teeth.

Edentulous

Edentulous is a term that applies to people who do not have any teeth.

Fixed Provisional Bridge

A fixed provisional bridge is a dental bridge that a dentist cements in place for a temporary amount of time to see if it works properly before making the bridge permanent.

Full Arch Treatment

Full arch treatment is the treatment process of replacing an entire arch of missing teeth and ensuring that everything fits properly.

Nobel Biocare

Nobel Biocare is a company that manufactures dental implants and continues to innovate the market with new products and designs.

Stomatitis

A resin bonded bridge is a dental bridge that professionals fix to the surrounding t teeth with a type of resin to provide patients with a long-lasting solution.

Pontic

Pontic is another term for an artificial tooth on a fixed partial denture.

Helpful Related Links

American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Terms. 2015
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2015
WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2015

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