What to Expect When Getting Dentures

Lafayette, CA

While we can customize dentures to fit a patient’s teeth perfectly at Lafayette Dental Implant Center, there are still a few key factors that patients need to understand before getting dentures. Fortunately, advancements in dental technology allow for this process to be easier than ever before.

The Dentures Process

There are different types of dentures, two of which are removable dentures and implant dentures. Removable dentures are a more traditional option that requires the patient to remove them at night when they sleep. Implant dentures are not removable since we attach them directly to the jaw. We will not recommend implant dentures unless the patient is healthy and if the patient does not have any teeth left to use.

In order to determine the best type of dentures for the patient, we will conduct a thorough examination of the patient’s teeth and current level of oral health. From there, we will continue through other steps in the process for a patient who is interested in getting dentures. Below is a list of the steps in the process.

1. A dental examination

The first step is for our team to examine the patient’s teeth and determine the state of the patient’s oral health. During this examination, the dentist will search for any signs of infection, tooth decay, previous dental work that can hinder the denture process and search for any other teeth that may need removal prior to placing the dentures.

2. Making the dentures

After the consultation, the dentist will take a mold of the teeth and measurements to ensure that the dentures fit the remaining teeth exactly. We will then send these results to a dental lab that will build the dentures to the specifications.

3. Fitting the dentures

Once we complete the dentures, we will bring the patient in for a fitting to ensure the dentures fit without issue. We will make sure that the individual can use the dentures without pain or issue. If necessary, we will make adjustments to the dentures during this appointment.

4. Adapting to dentures

While there will not be any pain, it may take some time to adapt to wearing the dentures. It may take some time to adapt to eating and speaking with the dentures, but the patient will eventually have the same function and control as with regular teeth.

Other factors to expect with getting dentures

The dentures that one gets from our office will be a custom fit to the individual’s mouth, but may take some time before the individual has complete mastery of the dentures. Dentures also require proper oral hygiene to last as long as possible. However, proper care will not involve typical brushing with toothpaste.

The proper care of dentures will require using a specific type of brush and a liquid solution that does not harm the material of the dentures. The patient will also need to soak the removable dentures in the solution at least every night when the patient sleeps. Since there are different types of dentures, we will go over the most effective care methods for the type of dentures the patient has. We will also recommend the best type of solution for cleaning the dentures and where to get it.

Just because the patient does not have any teeth does not mean the gums cannot get infected. Thus, a patient without teeth needs to brush his or her gums at least twice a day. Using water to rinse the dentures after removing them from the mouth, patients then need to gently brush the gums with toothpaste.

Regular brushing and keeping the dentures clean will help ensure that the patient does not have an infection growing in the mouth. It is important for the patient to also brush the tongue and along the roof of the mouth. While this may take some time for a patient to adjust to, proper oral hygiene is crucial for keeping dentures in the best condition possible.

With proper oral hygiene, patients also need to be careful to avoid dropping the dentures on the counter or ground in the bathroom. While dentures are sturdy, they are not unbreakable. If the patient needs repairs on dentures of any kind, it is crucial to call us and seek assistance. Attempting to repair the dentures without professional expertise can result in catastrophic results.

For more information on the denture process and if dentures are the right choice for you, give us a call at (510) 257-2284 to schedule a consultation today.

Check out what others are saying about our denture services on Yelp: What to Expect When Getting Dentures Lafayette

Questions Answered on This Page

Q. How long will it take to make the dentures?

Q. How long will it take my mouth to get used to the dentures?

Q. How do I keep my dentures clean?

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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Lafayette Dental Implant Center was established in 2004.
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