Dentures and partial dentures are most commonly associated with seniors, but many young people wear them too. According to the CDC, adult tooth loss has been on the decline for roughly 70 years. Even so, many Americans rely on dentures to improve not just their smiles but also their speech and ability to chew food comfortably. Dentures and partial dentures fill any tooth loss gaps with false teeth.
Dentures and partial dentures are available at DeSalvo Dental in Englewood and the surrounding area. We offer a range of tooth replacement options.
If you are ready to learn more about the available options, reach out to us by phone at (201) 244-7658.
The need for tooth replacement can arise for a variety of reasons. Some people lose teeth due to a traumatic injury or an illness such as diabetes. Others develop problems with their teeth to the point where a dentist may recommend extraction. Whatever the cause, dentures offer several benefits as a tooth replacement option:
Dentures and partial dentures can provide an effective solution for many problems missing teeth can cause. Leaving gaps can promote bacterial growth, which can lead to cavities in the remaining teeth, gum disease, and infections. Neighboring teeth can also become weaker from the lack of structural support on the side of the gap.
Many people also have concerns about their appearance. Even when the missing teeth are closer to the back and not immediately visible when a person smiles, they can affect facial muscle tone over time. According to an article on dental health and headaches by the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, the muscle strain from a missing tooth can cause ongoing headaches.
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Since the teeth play a crucial role in multiple aspects of one's life, it is essential to keep up one's oral health routine. If one tooth has an infection, then there is a chance of it spreading to other teeth and the jaw. Plaque that remains on the teeth long enough can cause decay and lead to tooth loss. Fortunately, we can use dentures and partial dentures to restore a smile and boost oral health.
Along with functioning in the same way teeth do and providing the appearance of a natural smile, dentures can replace damaged teeth that cause the patient pain. While the patient can take necessary steps to prevent tooth loss, oral hygiene may not be enough once the infection reaches a more severe stage. In other cases, patients may have a gap or several gaps due to missing teeth.
Once permanent adult teeth fall out, there is no way to grow new ones. Thankfully, we can use dentures or partial dentures to replace them. Dentures will replace an entire row of teeth along the upper or lower jaw, while partial dentures can replace several teeth or half of a row of teeth.
As discussed in an article by the Oral Health Foundation, there are differences between full and partial dentures. Full dentures are a good option for patients who have no remaining teeth, or whose damaged teeth are beyond repair or salvaging.
Meanwhile, a partial appliance makes sense when the person still has some natural teeth remaining. At DeSalvo Dental, we can fit patients with either one of these mouth appliances.
There are forms of permanent dentures as well, though these may not be as common as the removable type. Permanent dentures can be more secure and durable. With permanent dentures, we anchor this apparatus to the jaw with implants. People choose these dentures to help avoid the embarrassment of the appliance slipping out while speaking or eating.
Living without teeth can be difficult, both physically and emotionally. People who are missing teeth recognize the need to replace them but may not know which option is right. Patients should speak with our staff about dentures and partial dentures, along with other possibilities.
We can help patients who are researching the pros and cons of each tooth replacement option. If there are any concerns or questions about dentures, patients can ask our staff.
The doctor should speak openly to their patients about dentures and partial dentures. Patients need to understand the benefits and possible drawbacks of this treatment. Unlike implants and bridges, dentures are removable. This apparatus consists of a gum-colored acrylic base and artificial teeth.
The teeth usually consist of metal, covered in plastic. The patient will fit the dentures over the gums. Denture adhesive products are available to help keep the appliance firmly in place in the mouth. After a few days to adjust, the patient should not experience discomfort or irritation when wearing the dentures. If pain persists, contact your dentist.
Our dentist will first meet with the patient to discuss the treatment and what to expect. Team members will take X-rays and make impressions of the patient’s mouth. These will go to a lab technician who can customize the appliance for the patient. At this first appointment, our dentist may remove any decayed or severely damaged teeth. If necessary, this may occur at a subsequent appointment.
Once the dentures are ready, the patient will return to DeSalvo Dental for the fitting process. This appointment will also happen after the gums have healed following any tooth extractions. In making sure the dentures fit correctly, we will also make any adjustments when necessary. Once complete, the patient will be able to bite down without issue.
All types of medical and dental procedures have potential side effects. Fortunately, getting dentures is less risky than other tooth-replacement options. It can take some time for the wearer to adjust to having dentures in the mouth. After several days, the wearer should feel comfortable. There may also be some minor pain, soreness, and irritation in the gums. Patients should contact our office right away if these problems persist.
It is still essential for patients to visit our office for regular dental appointments, even after getting dentures. Our dentist will examine the patient’s gums and will also make sure the dentures still fit well and are functioning correctly. Once the appliance starts to wear out, we can make a new one for the patient.
Dentures have been improved in design for over a hundred years. Today they are a viable option for patients of all ages, whether one tooth needs to be replaced or many. At DeSalvo Dental, we can advise patients on when this treatment would suit their oral health needs. At our office, we can also advise you on other options for replacing missing teeth. Each type of tooth replacement has distinguishing qualities. There are two primary categories of tooth replacement other than dentures:
A set of dentures represents a significant investment and is vital for your health and comfort. Taking good care of them can help them last longer. Proper maintenance is also essential to avoid problems with oral health that may otherwise arise.
Patients who have removable dentures must be careful to avoid dropping them when they are out. Otherwise, they can become chipped or cracked. Make it a habit to handle them over a folded towel or other soft material in case they slip out of your hand.
Dentures are designed for the moist environment of the mouth. Exposing them to dry air can warp their shape. When taking out dentures for a period of time, such as overnight, store them in water or an appropriate denture cleansing solution. However, do not use hot water as that can also affect the dentures' shape.
Make sure to clean the dentures daily. Just as with natural teeth, the build-up of food debris and plaque can encourage bacterial growth and compromise your oral hygiene. You also do not want permanent food stains on your new teeth.
Rinse out dentures with water after every time you eat to remove bits of food. In addition, brush the set once a day using a soft brush specially designed for dentures. Clean all surfaces of the dentures gently, taking special care with the bend attachments.
Do not use regular toothpaste to clean dentures, as it is too abrasive. Use a special denture cleaning solution such as these tablets from Efferdent®, Polident®, and Secure®. You may also use a mild dishwashing liquid but no other types of household cleaners. However, before choosing a cleaner on your dentures, consult a dentist.
Some people like to use ultrasonic cleaners for dentures. These devices typically consist of a container with a water solution inside. When the dentures are put inside, the cleaner uses sound waves to clean them gently. The dentures still need to be brushed thoroughly on a daily basis in addition to the ultrasonic cleaner.
One of the most common myths we hear about dentures is that once a patient gets their dentures created and placed, they are set for life. Remember that dentures typically last for 5-10 years. Since this is a wide span of years, patients may wonder how to know when they need new dentures. If the color has changed dramatically or there is physical damage, dentures may need replacement. The most telling sign, however, is when they no longer fit securely.
Some people may also believe that if they remove all their teeth and get full dentures, they’ll never need to set foot in a dentist’s office again. The truth is that dentists are in the best position to tell patients whether or not they need to get their dentures repaired or replaced. In fact, the dentist may adjust dentures during annual or bi-annual visits to keep them fitting correctly. Dentists also pay keen attention to gum health. If the patient smokes or suffers from illnesses that may affect the gums, this is even more important.
Q. Are there different types of dentures?
Q. Are there dentures to replace a few of my teeth?
Q. What are the benefits of dentures?
Q. How do I take care of my dentures?
Q. What do I do if I damage my dentures?
Q. What do I need to know about making adjustments to my dentures?
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