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Dentures last for an average of 7 to 10 years.
Dr. Parikh will examine your teeth to determine what denture is right for you and will take x-rays to rule out active oral health problems.
If you are getting full dentures, we will extract all of your remaining teeth. It takes about 8 to 12 weeks to heal from these extractions. You will receive immediate temporary dentures to wear in the meantime to assist with chewing.
After your teeth have been extracted for full dentures or as the first step in the partial denture process, we will take impressions of your mouth. These are sent to the dental lab that fabricates your dentures.
We will then take a jaw record which is the measurement of how your bite fits together and how much space is between them. This is also sent to the dental lab so they can fabricate a custom-made denture that perfectly fits inside of your mouth.
Once we have set your dentures in wax, we will hold a trial fitting for you to test how your dentures fit and feel. Adjustments are usually needed after the first try-in. You can let us know if anything needs to be altered. A few adjustment periods may be needed until they’re just right.
Once all adjustments have been made, we will hold one final denture fitting before sending you off with your new set of teeth along with aftercare instructions.
A partial denture is a type of denture that only replaces a few missing teeth in the mouth rather than all of the teeth. A pink plastic or acrylic base is fabricated to mimic the appearance of gums and attached to this is a series of artificial teeth that are connected through a metal wire framework.
This denture hooks onto the abutment teeth (natural teeth next to the gap) with metal clasps. A partial denture can replace teeth on both sides of the mouth and prevents the nearby teeth from moving.
A full denture will only ever be recommended to patients who are experiencing extensive tooth loss with very few natural or healthy teeth left. Full dentures replace one or both arches of teeth but require the extraction of their remaining teeth in that arch.
These dentures can be placed about 8 to 12 weeks after the tooth extractions, once the gums have fully healed. You will be able to wear temporary dentures while you heal and your official dentures are being fabricated.
We carefully take impressions and measure your jaw relationship to ensure that your dentures fit snugly and are not loose. Full dentures do not clip on through clasps and are not cemented in place. They are held in place through suction that forms from a natural seal around the gums.
Partial dentures are a removable version of dental bridges.
Dentures need to be handled with care and regularly cleaned. You will also need to remember to take them out and soak them overnight. This is for two reasons – your dentures need to stay moist to prevent them from drying out and you cannot wear your dentures for 24 hours because your mouth needs rest from the pressure.
While you can soak your dentures in water overnight, we recommend soaking them in a mild denture-cleaning solution so that they’re staying moist and get cleaned at the same time. You will need to brush your dentures twice a day with a soft bristle toothbrush like you would with natural teeth.
Use a denture cleaning solution and scrub all of the surfaces of the dentures with your toothbrush. You should also be cleaning the soft tissues in your mouth to prevent gum disease. Remember to rinse your dentures when you take them out and before putting them back in.
Never soak or expose your dentures to hot water, which can morph their mold and may require replacement. Attend regular dental checkups every 6 months to ensure you’re in good oral health and to check on the condition of your dentures. If you’re due for a checkup, contact us at BayBreeze Dental today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Parikh.
There will be an adjustment period when it comes to eating with your dentures. Directly after receiving a new set of dentures, you will likely feel discomfort or tenderness and won’t be able to eat hard foods.
It can take up to a month to get used to the feeling of dentures and we recommend that you stick to soft foods during this time. Soft foods involve minimal chewing and give your gums and bones a break from the constant pressure.
Start by eating foods like mashed potatoes, pudding, applesauce, and eggs. Over time, you can start to incorporate more solid foods. However, you should cut these foods into small pieces and carefully chew them. You may also want to avoid foods at extreme temperatures.
Try to be conscious of distributing the chewing forces equally on both sides of the mouth. After a few weeks to a month, you’ll be able to eat most foods. However, you should be careful with hard, sticky, and crunchy foods.
These foods may always be more difficult to eat with dentures and should either be kept to a minimum or eaten very carefully.
After your teeth are extracted, you will deal with some minor bleeding, swelling, and discomfort for a few days. You will need to bite down on gauze, keep your head elevated, ice the area, and take anti-inflammatory pain medication.
It takes 8 to 12 weeks for the gums to fully heal after the extractions and you will be given immediate temporary dentures during this time to help you speak, eat, and smile. Your gums will feel swollen and your bite may shift as the sockets heal, changing the way your dentures sit or feel. You may need to have the temporary dentures refitted during this process.
You’ll need to stick to mostly liquid and soft foods as your gums heal. Once you are fitted for your official dentures, you may still experience increased salivation, tenderness, sounding louder than normal, difficulty chewing, and difficulty pronouncing certain sounds.
It takes about 30 days to get used to your dentures and these problems will subside with time. You can suck on hard candy to encourage swallowing, take anti-inflammatory pain medication and rinse with a saline solution to relieve swelling and practice reading out loud to get used to speaking with dentures.
Overdentures are different than traditional dentures. There are different types of overdentures but they all function off the same principal — they are supported with dental implants. This means they are more secure and a great long-term option for many patients.
Unfortunately, they are subject to some of the same wear and tear issues of regular dentures. Whether you need repairs to the overdenture itself or the points of attachment, Dr. Parikh at BayBreeze Dental can help. Call us today to schedule an appointment and get your overdentures repaired. We proudly serve Wesley Chapel, Land O'Lakes, and other surrounding areas!
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us at (813) 377-1822 to speak with our team!
Taking care of your dentures is essential to ensure their longevity and maintain good oral hygiene. Here are some tips to help you care for your dentures properly:
1. Remove and rinse: After eating, remove your dentures and rinse them under running water to remove any food particles or debris.
2. Brush daily: Just like natural teeth, dentures also need to be brushed daily to remove plaque and prevent stains. Use a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive denture cleaner or mild soap to clean your dentures. Avoid using regular toothpaste as it can be too abrasive and damage the denture material.
3. Soak overnight: Dentures need to be kept moist to prevent them from drying out and losing their shape. Soak your dentures in a denture cleaning solution or plain water overnight. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific soaking solution you are using.
4. Handle with care: When handling your dentures, make sure to hold them securely and avoid dropping them. Dentures can break if they fall on hard surfaces.
5. Regular dental check-ups: It is important to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleaning of your dentures. Your dentist can also examine your mouth and dentures to ensure they are fitting properly and make any necessary adjustments.
Yes, with proper adjustment and practice, you can eat normally with dentures. However, it may take some time to get used to eating with dentures, especially if you have just started wearing them.
Here are some tips to help you eat comfortably with dentures:1
. Start with soft foods: When you first get your dentures, it is advisable to start with soft and easy-to-chew foods. This will help you get accustomed to eating with dentures and build your confidence.
2. Cut food into small pieces: Cut your food into smaller pieces to make it easier to chew and prevent strain on your dentures.
3. Chew slowly and evenly: Chew your food slowly and evenly on both sides of your mouth to distribute the pressure evenly and avoid dislodging your dentures.
4. Avoid sticky and hard foods: Initially, it is best to avoid sticky and hard foods that can be challenging to chew and may cause damage to your dentures.
5. Practice speaking and chewing: Practice speaking and chewing with your dentures in a comfortable and relaxed environment. This will help you gain confidence and improve your ability to eat normally with dentures.
The healing process after getting dentures can vary from person to person. It depends on various factors, such as the individual's oral health, the condition of the gums and jawbone, and how well they adapt to wearing dentures.
Here is a general timeline of the healing process:
1. Adjustment period: It is common to experience some discomfort and difficulty speaking or eating during the first few weeks of wearing dentures. This is a normal part of the adjustment period as your mouth and muscles get used to the presence of the dentures.
2. Gum soreness: Initially, your gums may feel sore or irritated as they adapt to the pressure and friction from the dentures. This discomfort should gradually subside as your gums toughen up and become accustomed to the dentures.
3. Follow-up appointments: Your dentist may schedule follow-up appointments to check the fit of your dentures and make any necessary adjustments. It is important to attend these appointments to ensure your dentures fit properly and are comfortable to wear.
4. Bone and tissue changes: Over time, the shape of your jawbone and gums may change due to bone resorption. This can affect the fit of your dentures, and adjustments or relining may be required to maintain a proper fit.
5. Oral hygiene: It is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene during the healing process. Clean your dentures daily, brush your gums and tongue, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
Remember, everyone's healing process is unique, and it is essential to follow your dentist's instructions and seek professional advice if you experience any persistent discomfort or issues with your dentures.
If you have any further questions or concerns about dentures, feel free to contact our dental practice at (813) 377-1822. Our team at BayBreeze Dental is here to help you achieve a healthy and confident smile.
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