What You Need to Know About Dentures
by Vernon Foster
Dentures can be needed by persons who have lost all their teeth or a large number of teeth, and for whom just one or two dental implants are not a solution. You may not like the idea of getting dentures, thinking they're just for "old people," but they can actually help you eat freely and speak clearly. Dentures also keep the bones of the jaw stimulated so you have less risk of bone loss after you have suffered the loss of teeth. Note a few things you need to know about getting and wearing dentures so you know what to expect once they're fitted.
What are replacement versus immediate dentures?
Immediate dentures are a short-term replacement for lost teeth or for when you need teeth extracted, such as because of a traumatic injury to the mouth or advanced gum disease. When you visit the dentist to have teeth extracted, he or she may fit you with immediate dentures that allow you to eat more readily, and which protect your gums from an infection due to the extraction process. These dentures are not meant to be worn long-term; your dentist will then work on a set of replacement dentures, or send you to a clinic where replacement dentures are formed. These will be the dentures you wear for the next few years.
Why do dentures need to be replaced so often?
Even replacement dentures, meant to last for several years, are not a permanent solution for tooth loss. They are meant to fit the shape of your face exactly, and everyone's face shape changes over time. This change might be faster if you have any type of health condition that causes bone loss, such as osteoporosis. Additionally, the soft material of dentures can get scratched over time so that you need a new set; those scratches may harbor germs and bacteria. To ensure you have a healthy mouth and safe set of dentures, talk to your dentist about how often you should be visiting the dental clinic for a new set.
Why visit a dentist if all teeth are removed or gone?
You need to visit a denture clinic regularly to ensure your dentures are in good repair and fit properly, and to note if they are causing irritation to your gums or other parts of your mouth. However, a dentist does more than clean your teeth; he or she should also examine your gums to look for signs of gum disease, and examine the inside of your mouth for signs of oral cancer. Always keep up with recommended dental visits even after getting dentures.
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About Me
Hello, my name is Peter and I live in Western Australia with my wife on our pet dogs. This is my blog which details how to deal with various medical emergencies and other conditions. Last year, several friends and members of my family suffered from various different kinds of medical problems. Some of them, such as my uncle had to be rushed to the hospital for immediate treatment that saved his life. Lots of my friends had minor problems which had a big impact on the quality of their lives. I take an active interest in first-aid and other medical matters so I decided to start this blog.