People may find it difficult to hear that they need dentures. After all, losing a few teeth can cause enough difficulty. The very notion that one is going to need artificial teeth instead can be difficult to adjust to. Fortunately, we have the tools and experience to help patients adjust to dentures in order to live a comfortable lifestyle. In fact, dentures can provide a natural appearance and remain fully functional.
To begin the dentures process, we will need to examine the patient and determine the best choice from full dentures, partial dentures, or another option. In some cases, if the remaining teeth are infected or weak, we will recommend a tooth extraction first. By removing the remaining teeth, we can then provide a set of fully-functional artificial teeth by installing dentures.
Once we determine the best course of action, we will clean the teeth and remove any, if necessary. We will then make a mold and take measurements of the mouth. We will use this mold to develop the dentures and ensure they are a custom fit to the individual patient. This way, patients will not have to spend as much time worrying about the dentures falling out or being uncomfortable.
It is important to note that there will be an adjustment period for the patient when first wearing the dentures. Following the appointment, the patients may need to wear temporary dentures until the new ones are complete. However, this step in the process can vary per each situation. We will send the mold and measurements to a dental lab that will create the custom dentures.
After we complete the dentures, we will have the patient come in for a fitting. During the fitting process, we will make sure that the dentures fit properly and make any necessary changes. We will also go over proper care for the dentures and recommend the time for the next appointment to keep an eye on the dentures. There are a few things that patients need to know about the adjustment period.
It will take around two weeks to completely adjust to the dentures and using them. The first step will be to avoid eating hard or chewy foods such as nuts and caramel. Proper oral hygiene will involve removing the dentures at night and leaving them in a special solution overnight. The patient will still need to brush the gums and ensure that there are no bits of food in the dentures.
During the first few weeks, there may be some minor irritation and discomfort. However, the discomfort will subside after the adjustment period. The patient may need more adjustments in the months ahead, which we will be happy to schedule when necessary.
Following the loss of one’s teeth, resorption will begin to take effect. Adult teeth stimulate the jawbone, sending signals throughout the body. Once teeth fall out and stop stimulating the jawbone, the body will absorb the calcium in the jawbone to distribute to other areas of the body. Due to this, many people will experience a change in facial structure after losing some or all of their teeth.
This is a main reason for why we recommend partial or full dentures to replace missing teeth. People who do not replace teeth will notice sagging or an indent in their cheek due to the jawbone weakening. While there are a variety of aesthetic changes, people will also find physical issues with missing teeth, including:
Contrary to popular belief, people who try to live with a missing tooth or teeth will still risk contracting oral infections such as gum disease. Normally, plaque will catch between the teeth and spread infection if left untreated. Without teeth, people are still at a risk for acquiring an infection. The best option for many patients is to seek customized dentures from a professional.
Discover the passion and commitment that drives our dental team
Dr. Adam Kwiatkowski, a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, has received multiple awards for his outstanding achievements in cosmetic and implant dentistry. He is a recipient of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists’ Pre-doctoral Student Achievement Award and a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society.
Dr. Hearne, originally from Las Vegas, was inspired to become a dentist at the age of 12 by a close family friend who was a renowned dentist. With a foundation in customer service and excellence from his early career in the hotel industry, Dr. Hearne was further inspired to become a compassionate caregiver for his patients after the passing of his younger brother to cystic fibrosis at the age of 7.
I was born in Ogden, Utah and always knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. After serving an LDS mission in South Africa and getting married, I studied biology at Weber State University and attended the prestigious Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska. There, I received multiple awards for clinical excellence before settling down in St. George with my family.
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