Do you need dentures but aren't sure what to expect? Take an in-depth look at the denture process today and avoid any surprises.
Did you know that dentures are not only for senior citizens? There are about 35 million people who have no teeth in the U.S., and 90% of them
wear dentures.
The good news is that you don't lose your teeth overnight. When you practice good home care and see your dentist regularly, it lowers your risk.
People who have loose teeth or struggle to eat certain types of food may need dentures. If your gums are swollen, bleeding, and painful, your dentist may evaluate you for dentures.
You have several
options if you need dentures. These can include partial, complete, or All-On-4 dentures.
If you need dentures, you want your mouth to be comfortable and functional. Let’s discuss the denture process, start to finish.
Preserve Your Facial Structure
Having missing teeth can deteriorate your facial health and structure. Missing teeth can cause your jawbone to weaken and shrink due to the lack of use. The lower half of your face may also shrink over time.
You may also notice changes in your lips' appearance. This happens because the muscles receive no support from your jawbone. You may notice more wrinkles around this area or notice that your upper lip is more pronounced.
If you have a weak jawbone, you may not be a viable candidate for dental implants. This is where complete dentures come in. Complete dentures can help preserve and even improve your facial health.
It maintains or helps your facial muscles regain their strength. Complete dentures not only help you restore the appearance of your teeth. It can also help you restore any lost facial structure or shape.
The Denture Process Begins with Examination and Extraction
The process of getting dentures begins with an examination. Your dentist will tell you about the health of your teeth and gums. You may also get your teeth cleaned to help protect your gums.
This is because your new dentures will be resting on your gums. If they are sore and bleeding, they may take longer to heal after pulling your teeth.
An oral surgeon or dentist may extract your teeth. Oral surgeons often pull wisdom teeth since these can be more difficult to remove.
Getting your teeth pulled is a simple outpatient procedure. Your dentist will numb your mouth so you don’t feel any discomfort.
During a simple extraction, the dentist uses an instrument to loosen the tooth. It is then removed with dental forceps.
You can expect to experience a little pain and discomfort after medicine wears off. Using an ice pack can help numb the pain and reduce the swelling.
Your dentist may recommend pain medicine.
It can take a few days to a couple of weeks for your mouth to heal. The most important thing is to keep the area clean. This helps prevent infection.
It's normal for the tooth socket to ooze in the
first 24 hours. But a
clot should form within the first 8 to 12 hours.
Your dentist will advise you not to smoke, as it slows healing. They will also advise you not to rinse your mouth or drink through a straw in the first 24 hours, as doing so can dislodge the clot.
The Denture Fitting Process
The process of getting dentures takes several steps. Your dentist takes two impressions of your mouth after your gums have healed.
The dentist uses this imprint of your gums to begin building the dentures. It gives the team full details of your mouth and surrounding soft tissue.
A good first impression ensures the best fit after you get your dentures. It helps identify the landmarks and arch of your mouth. It is also used to construct a custom tray.
Your dentist uses the custom tray in the second and final impression. This helps define the tissues in your mouth and the area that will border your dentures.
After the impressions, the dentist will also take measurements of your mouth. This will help get a better fit for your dentures. During this visit, you select the shape and shade of the teeth placed in the dentures.
Teeth in your dentures that are the wrong size can change the appearance of your face. So, taking the time to find
the right set is crucial. Sometimes it helps to have someone with you for a second opinion.
During your next visit, the dentures will be set in wax. This gives you the opportunity to see your new teeth. It is also the last opportunity to approve the look and shade of your teeth.
The dentist will be sure your bite is correct. You also get the chance to speak with your dentures.
On your final visit, your teeth will be ready for you. Your dentist will help to get them to fit in your mouth. You may need to use some paste to smooth out any uneven surface against your gums.
How Long Does It Take to Make Dentures?
The amount of time it takes for the denture fitting process depends on several factors. If you cannot be without teeth for a long time, your dentist can make immediate dentures.
This process is different because the work is done while you still have teeth. You may have immediate dentures placed right after your teeth are pulled.
These need extra care, which your dentist will describe.
The first impressions for custom dentures happen after your gums are fully healed. This helps ensure a good fit.
In most cases, complete healing happens up to three months after the final tooth is pulled. The lab making the dentures may also affect timing.
It can take three to four visits to have impressions made and the final teeth delivered.
Denture Costs and Follow-up
Once you have taken your dentures home, you will need follow-up appointments. The first happens within the first three days. The length of time will depend on the
type of denture.
It is necessary that you attend this appointment. It is part of the treatment and helps ensure your dentures will not cause problems in your mouth.
As you wear your new dentures, they will settle into place. It is not unusual to develop a sore spot on your gums.
Your bite may also change. Many patients need two or three adjustments to get the dentures fitting correctly.
Your dentist will recommend you return at least once a year to have your gum tissue examined. Dentures can be relined every one to five years to help improve fit.
How much the dentures cost will also depend on several factors. If you have insurance, it will help pay for dentures after you meet your deductible.
The average denture cost varies based on the area of the country and the type of dentures you choose. If you need your teeth pulled, it can cost more.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Painful teeth and gums affect more than your smile. Your health is affected by infection, inflammation, and tooth decay. A well-fitting set of dentures can correct this problem.
We would be happy to help you through the denture process and to choose the best denture option for your situation. For more information, please reach out through our
contact page, or schedule an appointment for a consultation.
We are here to help you improve your smile and your health.
