dentures- full and partial replacement
Though many advances have been made in dentistry, loss of teeth is still an ongoing problem. In India, 26% of adults between the ages of 60-75 years have lost all their teeth. Full and partial dentures are removable options for people who have lost several consecutive teeth or even all the teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Using latest materials and techniques, we can replace your missing teeth with a cosmetic denture that can restore your beautiful smile.
1. What to expect?
- The process of restoring missing teeth first begins with a thorough clinical examination and discussion with our denture specialist (prosthodontist) to determine your functional and cosmetic goals. Following the treatment plan discussion, dental impressions are taken and the multi-step process in fabricating the removable denture begins.
2. What types of dentures are there?
- Dentures can replace all or some missing teeth while providing support to the cheeks and lips. The dentures that replace all the teeth are known as complete dentures. Dentures that replace some but not all teeth are known as partial dentures. The stability and retention of both these dentures can be improved with the use of dental implants. An immediate denture is fabricated and inserted immediately after the teeth and extracted and the tissues are allowed to heal under the denture.
3. What is the fixed option to replace all missing teeth?
- No one wants to deal with the hassle of removable prosthesis and therefore, dental implants have revolutionized tooth replacement. Implant secured dentures are typically placed using a process called ‘All On Four”. This involves the planned and strategic placement of smaller dental implants that can be completed within a day and will hold a hybrid denture securely in place for a stable and permanent smile.
4. I have lost multiple teeth and do not want to grind my remaining healthy teeth. What are my options for a fixed replacement?
- A thorough clinical examination is required to determine your treatment options. Multiple missing teeth can be replaced with dental implants for a lasting result that will also support and improve your long term oral health. An implant supported bridge offers a secure result and functions like your natural teeth. It can last a lifetime with proper dental care. Benefits include-
the neighbouring healthy teeth will not be touched/ grinded
is a fixed stable option which allows normal chewing and speech
stabilizes bone and reduces jaw shrinkage
In case you require a denture- dental implants can also be placed under dentures to support and fix them. There is no need for daily maintenance and the denture will not become loose over time since the implant stabilises the jaw bone, thus reducing changes in the fit and bite of your dental prosthesis.
5. I have had dentures for a while and now they have dark stains on them. Can I ‘whiten’ my dentures?
- It is not advisable to ‘whiten’ your dentures like you would natural teeth since they are made up of porcelain and acrylic and will not ‘whiten’ the same way. In order to minimize staining, be sure to properly clean your dentures everyday to remove food deposits and plaque. Brushing will help prevent dentures from becoming permanently stained and will keep your mouth healthy. Use only a soft to medium bristle brush since a hard-bristle brush can damage your denture by scratching the acrylic and making the teeth dull. Also, the denture may be soaked in a denture- cleansing solution (except if the denture has a soft-lining layer). Visit us at Summit Dental and our denture specialist will give you step-by-step instructions on how to clean your denture.
6. I just got new dentures two weeks back but my mouth feels sore and my dentures are uncomfortable. Is this going to improve?
- Anything which is new is going to feel unfamiliar and uncomfortable for a while till you get used to it. When you are first fitted for new dentures, it is normal to experience minor irritation which will slowly fade away as your mouth becomes accustomed to them. This period of soreness varies among individuals- if you have previously worn dentures and now have a new set then this may take longer. Similarly, if you had some teeth removed and dentures immediately placed, the extraction areas maybe be painful for a few weeks. When you first get your dentures, you should focus on eating soft foods which do not require much chewing. As you become adjusted to your denture and learn how to adjust your tongue to help hold the denture in place, add some other foods and then finally you can go back to your regular food and normal diet. Also chew on both sides of your mouth using the back teeth only. Regular visits to our denture specialist (prosthodontist) is required to adjust the dentures as you go through the normal healing process.