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Dr. Donkersgoed will assess your tooth loss and oral health to determine if you are a good candidate for dentures.
For full dentures, we need to extract your remaining teeth. It will take 8 to 12 weeks to heal and you will be given temporary dentures to wear in the meantime.
Impressions are taken of your mouth and sent to a dental lab along with x-rays and a jaw record which measures how your bite fits together. Using this information, the dental lab fabricates a custom denture for you.
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The first mock-up of your denture is set in wax and we will have you try it on to test how it fits and feels. You can let us know if any adjustments need to be made.
After making all the necessary adjustments, we’ll have another fitting and if everything fits perfectly you will leave with your new set of teeth.
A partial denture is a removable replacement for a single missing tooth or several. They are similar to fixed bridges except that you need to take these artificial teeth out when you sleep at night.
This enables us to replace teeth on both sides of the mouth with one prosthesis and makes them easier to clean. Partials contain metal clasps that hook onto the abutment teeth which hold the denture in place.
Do you already have extensive tooth loss? For patients who are missing most of their teeth, a full denture is the best option to restore their ability to chew and speak more clearly as well as restore their smile.
This treatment is only recommended to those who are missing most of their teeth already because we will need to extract your remaining teeth to place a denture over your gums that replace all of the teeth in that arch. An immediate denture is placed to help you eat and speak until your gums have healed. Once your gums have healed from these extractions, which take about 8 to 12 weeks, we can fit your official denture.
Sometimes, the wisdom teeth don’t emerge fully, or at all. This is known as “impaction.” Impacted wisdom teeth must be surgically extracted. This process is a little bit more complicated than a basic extraction. It involves opening up the gums to access the tooth, then cutting it into pieces and removing it piece-by-piece.
Rinse them when you take them out and before putting them back in. Always store your dentures in their storage case when you aren’t wearing them. Don’t run your dentures under hot water, which can morph them out-of-shape. You need to brush your dentures with a soft-bristle toothbrush and denture cleaner twice a day and should soak them in it at night. Avoid eating excessively hard or sticky foods.
It will take some getting used to when you first get dentures. At first you may notice that you’re producing more saliva and sound louder than normal, have a restricted diet and find it difficult to pronounce certain sounds. Your gums may also feel sore and tender. All of this will subside within about a month but you will still need to be mindful of what you eat, take your time, and cut your food into smaller bites.
Adapting to dentures means adjusting your eating habits initially. In the early stages, it's wise to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods. These can be challenging for new denture wearers and might cause discomfort or even damage to the dentures. Cutting your food into smaller pieces can also aid in the transition, making chewing and digestion easier.
Gradually, as you become accustomed to your dentures, you can start reintroducing various foods back into your diet. Begin with softer, easier-to-chew options and slowly work your way up to more challenging foods. It's a process that requires patience and practice, but most individuals with dentures eventually find they can enjoy a diverse range of foods.
It's important to remember that everyone's experience with dentures is unique. While some may adapt quickly, others might take more time to feel comfortable eating certain foods. Listen to your body, and if you experience discomfort or pain, take a step back and consult with your Spicewood dentist. They might offer tips or adjustments to make the experience more comfortable.
The timeline for receiving dentures after tooth extraction varies based on individual factors such as the condition of your gums and jawbone, the type of dentures you're getting, and your body's healing process. Generally, the process can span a few weeks to a few months. This time frame allows for adequate healing of your gums and jawbone, ensuring a better fit for your dentures.
Immediate dentures are an alternative option. These are created prior to your tooth extraction and can be worn immediately after the procedure. However, they typically require adjustments or replacements with conventional dentures after the healing process, as the shape of your gums and jaw can change significantly during this period.
The waiting period for dentures is crucial to ensure that they fit well and are comfortable. During this time, it's also important to follow your dentures dentist's instructions for oral care to promote healing and prepare your mouth for the new dentures.
Dentures are often considered when multiple teeth are missing or when existing teeth are so damaged that they can't be salvaged through other dental treatments. Deciding to get dentures depends on various factors, including the condition of your oral health, your overall health, your lifestyle needs, and personal preferences.
It's essential to understand that dentures aren't the only solution for missing or severely damaged teeth. Other options like dental implants and bridges might be more suitable for some individuals. These alternatives can offer benefits such as improved comfort, better chewing function, and a more natural appearance.
The decision to opt for dentures should be made after a comprehensive evaluation and discussion with your Spicewood dentist. They can assess your oral health condition, discuss the pros and cons of different treatment options, and help you make an informed choice that aligns with your health needs and lifestyle preferences.
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