Your teeth age just as the rest of your body does and as they get older, they are prone to an increase in problems. Many of these dental problems may result in tooth loss. To avoid pain and frequent dental visits, older people often opt to get dentures to replace their natural teeth. However, many people are unaware of what is involved in getting dentures. Below is how the procedure works, possible complications, and how to best care for your dentures.
After deciding to get dentures there are several things that need to be done in preparation. The first, and often most anxiety inducing, is removing any remaining natural teeth. Once the teeth have been extracted, your gums need to be left alone to shrink, which typically takes six months. Your dentist will give you a temporary denture to wear during this waiting period.
Once your gums have shrunk, your dentist will take x-rays for a closer look at your gums and jawbone. He or she will then make impressions of your upper and lower gums – these form the molds your dentures will be made from. You may get a new temporary piece during this time or simply carry on with the current one while your permanent appliance is being made.
To stay in place, upper dentures work based upon suction. They can be tricky and often require multiple sittings to complete. Lower dentures are easier because they work using gravity to stay in place. They can usually be done in fewer sittings. Talk to your dentist about the visits required beforehand to plan the schedule.
Dentures are not cheap so be sure to talk to your dentist about payment options if you don’t have supplemental dental insurance or some kind of discount plan.
Once you have your dentures, they will take some getting used to. You may experience issues at first but with visits to your dentist you should be able to get them fitted perfectly. Here are some possible complications you may experience:
– Trouble eating certain foods
– Loose fitting dentures
– Oral discomfort or pain
– Speech impediment
Caring for your dentures is different than caring for your teeth. Your dentures should last at least four years before needing to be remade if you take proper care of them. Proper care includes:
– Rinsing your dentures after every time your eat.
– Using a denture cleaner or mild soap to clean them thoroughly once each day.
– Using a soft-bristled toothbrush for tough build up or stains.
– Removing your denture at night and soak them in solution.
– Always handle your dentures carefully so they don’t crack, bend, or break.