The function of every single tooth is important and unique to maintain good oral health. When you have a few or all of them missing, getting dentures can contribute greatly to improving the facial appearance and enhance the capacity to bite and chew. Read on to find out more about what dentures are, what to know before getting your dentures, how they help you, and what you need to ask your dentist before you decide about getting them.
What you need to know before getting dentures:
- Maintaining the dentures –
- It is important to treat your dentures just like your regular teeth
- Dentures must be cleaned twice a day
- Proper cleaning of dentures is very important to reduce the chances of gum swelling
- What to know before getting your dentures is an important part of denture maintenance for oral health
- Dentures that contain debris may promote decay of existing teeth
- The steps in cleaning dentures involve –
- Clearing off the debris from the denture using the cleaning paste meant for denture cleaning
- Soaking the dentures- preferably overnight in a denture cleanser that comes in tablet/powder form or as a solution
- Clean the dentures after soaking
- Be gentle yet firm- Handle the dentures gently while cleaning but be firm enough to remove all the debris that promote bacterial growth
- Dentures can be uncomfortable sometimes. Consult your dentist to make amendments
- Dentures may need repair and timely replacement. Your dentist will guide you on when to repair or replace them
Top-notch dentistry houses the best dentist in South Delhi who will make sure that you have a comfortable experience and your oral health is well taken care of.
b. Choosing a denture cleaner- You need to choose a denture cleaner that will not damage your dentures in the cleaning process. Consult your dentist who will guide you in choosing the right product that will not damage the soft lining of the dentures. However, if you have metal dentures, you need to choose a product designed to clean metallic dentures. Be clear about what to know before getting your dentures and choose the right products.
c. Adopt healthy habits – Cut down on caffeinated products such as coffee that will stain
– Quit smoking
– Avoid the use of tobacco
– Use a straw if you are drinking anything that may stain your
dentures
d. Keep a regular night routine
- Always soak your dentures overnight
- Use the right cleaner for your dentures
- Sleeping with your dentures predisposes to oral yeast or fungal infections and gum inflammation
e. How long does it take to get dentures?
- Your dentist may first need to take an Xray of your tooth
- After a dental assessment, your dentist will determine the teeth that need to be extracted
- Following the extraction, a healing and reshaping period of an average of about two to three months is allowed for healing.
- After your teeth have been extracted, temporary dentures may be placed
- Immediate temporary dentures are put in place in order to retain jaw coherence
- The jaw bone shrinks after tooth extraction, so the temporary dentures are fitted to maintain the jaw appearance.
- After a few months, once the gum tissue has healed well, it is ready for fixing
- Every patient is different. Some people may require a longer wait time before a permanent denture can be placed. Some may need only a few weeks before they are ready for a permanent denture. It depends on how the gum tissue heals.
- Immediate dentures are not recommended to be used as permanent dentures
These are some of the considerations before getting dentures for the first time
How do dentures work?
The types of dentures include:
- Regular full dentures
– This includes the replacement of teeth as well as gums
– They are specially designed and custom made
– These dentures are made using special medical grade dental material after your dentist takes several measurements and impressions
– They have an upper roof part that covers the palate and a gum part that keeps it in place
- Temporary dentures
- These types of dentures are fitted immediately following the extraction
- They help to maintain the jaw bone integrity and help the gums and oral tissues to heal well
- Temporary dentures are good to diminish the waiting period and to help patients have dental support before they get custom made permanent dentures
- These dentures accelerate the healing process and facilitate permanent denture placement sooner
- Partial dentures
- When only a few teeth are removed, your dentist may recommend going in for a partial denture
- These are removable and made of special metallic and acrylic material
- They are appropriate for people who are interim for full dentures
How long will my dentures last?
- The longevity of your dentures will depend on the type of denture you have as well as how well you have maintained them
- Usually, dentures are found to last for about five to ten years
- With time and age, dentures may need minor repairs and your dentist will be able to help you with it.
- For the dentures to last longer, they must be cleaned properly by soaking them in the right denture cleanser and brushing them twice a day
- Ill-fitting or debris containing dentures may contribute to gingivitis and oral ulcers
What to expect during first-time denture fixing?
When you are visiting the dentist for the first denture fixing, you may be slightly overwhelmed with the idea of something being fitted into your mouth. While wearing new dentures for the first time,
- Your dentist will determine which of the tooth need to be removed and proceed with it
- When it is right, an impression or measurement of your mouth will be taken
- Casts or replicas of your jaw are made using special material to decide the size and shape pertaining to you
- Dental wax or casting wax is used to create dental prostheses that fit your needs
- Immediately after tooth extraction, you will be fitted with temporary dentures
- Your dentist will prescribe painkillers and antibiotics to combat any discomfort
- Do not remove the dentures for about 24 hours – This helps the gums to heal better
- At first, the dentures may feel weird and uncomfortable especially if you are having them for the first time
- It may take a while for you to bite, chew and speak with the dentures on and get used to the dentures for the first time
- After 24 hours, you must remove the dentures every night before going to sleep
- Eat soft foods until your mouth is fully adjusted
- Follow cleaning instructions as instructed by your dental professional
- You may need to get in for a few follow-ups after to see if you are adjusting well
- After the first couple of weeks, your gums, cheeks, tongue, and mouth usually adapt well to the new denture.
What questions should I ask my dentist?
Always ask your dentist the following questions and any other concerns that you might have before you get dentures.
- What types of dentures are available?
- On what basis is the dentist deciding on the right type of dentures for you?
- How do you need to maintain your dentures?
- When to come for a follow-up visit?
- Do your dentures have a chance of breaking?
- What foods are to be avoided while using dentures?
- How to prevent staining of the dentures?
- How much will it cost for the dentures?
- What products may be chosen to clean and maintain the dentures?
Takeaway
Top-notch is your best choice for dental care with the Best Dentists in Delhi. A top-notch, we make dental visits a comfortable experience as patients’ comfort and satisfaction are our utmost priority.
