Quantcast
Channel: Blog – Dentists Boston MA: Congress Dental Group 160 Federal St, 1st Floor, Boston, MA 02110 (617) 574-8700
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 37

Dentures

0
0

Tooth loss can occur because of gum disease, tooth decay and injury. This can affect a person’s ability to chew and speak and cause sagging of facial muscles around the jaws. Dentures are removable appliances that resemble natural teeth. They are used as a restorative measure to treat problems of missing natural teeth by replacing the lost teeth, filling out the facial appearance and making it easier to speak and eat. There are various types of dentures available today, namely immediate, conventional and over dentures.

Conventional dentures

These are full removable dentures that are placed in the mouth to replace the natural teeth. If there are remaining natural teeth in the mouth, they are usually removed. The surrounding tissues are allowed some time, up to several months, to heal before the conventional dentures are placed.

Immediate dentures

These dentures are also removable but unlike the conventional dentures, they are inserted into the mouth on the same day the remaining natural teeth are removed. This means that one doesn’t have to go for a while without teeth. During the preliminary visit, the dentist takes measurement of the jaw and makes a model which is used to create to determine the right sized dentures. Once the tissues have healed after removal of the remaining teeth, the dentures may have to be relined to fit the jaw perfectly.

Over dentures

Where the remaining teeth are in good condition and can provide a stable enough support for dentures, a doctor may prefer to preserve the jaw bone by not removing them. The natural teeth are prepared before the over dentures are fitted over a number of natural teeth.

Once the dentures have been inserted, they may feel awkward and loose for several weeks before the cheek muscles and tongue learn to hold them in place. Minor irritation, soreness and increased saliva flow may be experienced temporarily. These symptoms often disappear on their own but it is important to keep the follow-up dental appointments so that the fit of the dentures can be checked and relined accordingly. The dentures should also be well taken care of by ensuring that they are properly cleaned and maintained.

Cleaning and maintaining the dentures

  • Brush the dentures daily to remove particles of food left behind as well as to prevent plaque buildup. Brush the tongue, gums and roof as well.
  • Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a cleanser that is nonabrasive.
  • Keep dentures from warping when they are not worn by safely keeping them covered in water.
  • If you are using adhesives ensure that you use them according to instructions. You can ask your dentist to recommend appropriate adhesives and cleaners. You should also ensure that the adhesives you use have the ADA acceptance seal.
  • Thoroughly clean and rinse the mouth to remove plaque and food particles that increase chances of having oral irritation or bad breath.
  • Should the dentures become damaged or stop fitting your jaws well, contact your dentist so that they can be adjusted.
  • Finally, ensure that you go for regular dental checkups.

Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 37

Latest Images

Trending Articles





Latest Images