A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Two types of dentures are available — complete and partial dentures. Complete dentures are used when all the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.
Complete Dentures
Complete dentures can be either “conventional” or “immediate.” Made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has begun to heal, a conventional denture is ready for placement in the mouth about eight to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed.
- Conventional. This full removable denture is made and placed in your mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed, which may take several months.
- Immediate. This removable denture is inserted on the same day that the remaining teeth are removed. Your dentist will take measurements and make models of your jaw during a preliminary visit. You don’t have to be without teeth during the healing period, but may need to have the denture relined or remade after your jaw has healed.
- Overdenture. Sometimes some of your teeth can be saved to preserve your jawbone and provide stability and support for the denture. An overdenture fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth after they have been prepared by your dentist. Implants can serve the same function, too.
New dentures may feel awkward for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them. The dentures may feel loose while the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place. It is not unusual to experience minor irritation or soreness. You may find that saliva flow temporarily increases. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, these problems should go away. Follow-up appointments with the dentist are generally needed after a denture is inserted so the fit can be checked and adjusted. If any problem persists, particularly irritation or soreness, be sure to consult your dentist.Like your teeth, your dentures should be brushed daily to remove food particles and plaque. Brushing also can help keep the teeth from staining.
Denture Care Instruction
- Use your dentures every day.
- Always hold the denture tightly in your hands, so that it doesn’t fall down on the floor.
- Clean your dentures with soap water; brush it with a cleansing brush or an old toothbrush.
- Do not eat anything solid for next 3-4 hours till numbness goes away.
- Keep your dentures in a fitty dent denture cleansing powder mixed with water .
- Keep it closed in a box.
- Do not apply toothpaste on the dentures.
- After eating your food, remove your dentures immediately and wash it under running water.
- After removing your dentures, rinse your mouth, brush and floss your teeth thoroughly.
- Do warm salt water gargling twice a day to maintain good texture of the oral mucosa.
- You can then wear your dentures after cleaning teeth as well as dentures.
- Your teeth supported by dentures will be at great risk for cavities and gum disease if you prolong the removal of your dentures after eating you food .
- Avoid eating anything sticky with your dentures
- Always try to eat from both sides of your dentures ; it will help maintain the balance and avoid breakages.
- Remove your dentures before you go sleep or lie on the bed .
- Visit your dentist once in 3 months to check your supporting teeth as well your dentures.
- Your dentist will help you identify any problem while using the dentures ;keeping it nice and tight and make comfortable using it .
- Apply gumpaints on your gums while using your dentures everyday to keep gums healthy.
- If you lose/extract a tooth while using dentures please go for new dentures.
- If you have pain discomfort or ulcers caused due dentures ,stop wearing it for 3 to 4 days and immediately visit your dentist.
- Avoid using loose dentures ,as it carries risk to your health .
- Faulty fitting dentures when goes unnoticed for a long time ,can cause seriours local and systemic illnesses.
- Keep a hand on your mouth covering the dentures while sneezing or coughing
- Any doubts regarding the dentures, feel free to call your dentist and clarify them
- Dentures are fragile and susceptible to breakage .Take good care of your dentures.