Sometimes, a patient's natural teeth cannot be saved and must be extracted. While an extraction addresses the discomfort caused by damaged teeth, it also creates a need to protect the surrounding gums and teeth and ensure the ability to speak, smile, bite, and chew food. Oftentimes, crowns, dental bridges, or partial dentures will do the trick.
Unfortunately, in some cases, all of a patient's teeth must be extracted. In these cases, a popular solution is full dentures. For patients who, due to decay, accident, disease, or age, have lost all of their natural teeth and require full dentures, here's a look at what to expect.
What Are Full Dentures?
When all of the teeth from the upper or lower jaw, or both, are missing, complete dentures may be required. Full dentures are removable, mouthpiece-like devices, custom-made from porcelain or acrylic resin, that fit snugly over the gums and jawbone. They help to retain the form and function of a patient's natural teeth and gums and to restore their smile.
What Should I Expect When Getting Full Dentures?
Getting full dentures is a major dental procedure that involves preparatory and follow-up steps to ensure success. Here's a look at the process:
- Evaluation – to determine if full dentures are appropriate and, if so, to take impressions and measurements to ensure a proper fit.
- Tooth extractions – all-natural teeth must be extracted before full dentures can be fitted.
- Fitting – after a few weeks of healing time, another impression of the mouth is taken in order to create custom dentures. Several fittings may be necessary to ensure a proper fit.
- Adjustments – after the patient receives their dentures, adjustments may be needed to improve fit and comfort.
- Adaptation – the patient may need time to adapt to wearing dentures. They may experience soreness, discomfort, and difficulty eating and speaking. This is generally temporary, and most people adapt quickly to wearing dentures.
Dentures in New Orleans
If you're in New Orleans and want to know if dentures are right for you, contact dentist Dr. Russell Schafer and the team at NOLA Dentures and General Dentistry to schedule a consultation appointment.