subject: Dentures Restore Your Smile When Most, Or All, Teeth Are Missing [print this page] Tooth loss can make you feel overwhelmed and confused about the options available to restore your smile as closely as possible to your natural teeth. However, there is no need to panic. With advancements in dentistry, dentures are no longer for the elderly-as most might think. Dentures today are designed to be more comfortable and functional than ever before, making them an ideal solution to missing teeth. Similar in appearance to natural teeth, dentures can significantly improve your smile or facial appearance today.
Understanding Dentures
During your initial visit to your dentist in Port St. Lucie to evaluate the need for dentures, your dentist will examine your gums and supporting bone structure to identify the appropriate treatment plan. In some cases, oral surgery is performed to correct bony ridges that may interfere with the stability of the denture and other cases, the remaining teeth may need to be extracted before the dentures can be placed. Once your dentist has assessed your need for dentures and decided that they are right for you, he will make an impression of the gums to identify every ridge and crevice to ensure the best fit possible.
Complete dentures are made when gums are restored to a healthy condition and sufficient time has passed for healing. Complete dentures will replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaws of the mouth. Your gums will naturally shrink during the healing process of tooth loss, which typically takes from six to 12 months and during this period dentures may require adjustments to accommodate the changes in the gums and underlying bone structure.
An overdenture is a removable dental prosthesis that covers and rests on one or more remaining tooth roots while a removable partial denture replaces only some teeth and is built around existing natural teeth. Both overdenture and the removable partial denture may be connected to remaining tooth roots or remaining natural teeth with anchors made of metal or plastic.
How to Take Care of Your Dentures
While wearing dentures, it is extremely important to practice healthy dental hygiene. With improper hygiene you run a greater risk of developing more serious medical conditions should an oral irritation result from. These conditions often include periodontal disease, fungal infections, and leukoplakia, which is thickened white, potentially precancerous patches on the mucous membranes, also called smoker's tongue.
Your gums, tongue and palate should be brushed with a soft bristle brush every evening when the dentures are removed and each day before you insert your dentures to stimulate the gums and remove plaque accumulation. When removing your dentures before bed, be sure to brush them carefully in order to remove any loose debris and plaque, as well as soaking them in a cleansing solution.
If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth, contact you're Port St. Lucie dentist for further consultation. Dentures are not for everyone, but your dentist will be able to assess your teeth and generate a proper treatment plan for restoring your smile.
by: Gen Wright
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