Full Dentures
If most or all of the patient’s teeth have been lost, a full denture may be the answer. Without teeth, speaking, eating, and appearance can all suffer. Removable dentures can restore function to the mouth and restore the facial profile and smile. At times, there are a few remaining teeth. During consultation with your dentist, it may be decided that these teeth require removal because a full denture is the most effective option. Dentures cannot be created and applied until healing from the removal of these remaining teeth is finished. All of the oral tissues must be fully healed before dentures are fitted. Dentures are created for your mouth and fitted throughout a series a visits to the dentist. At first, they may feel strange and difficult to get used to. They may cause excess saliva production and even some irritation.
Your dentist will make changes to help with the irritation and the saliva production will decrease as you get used to the appliance. Just because a patient has dentures or “false teeth” does not mean that oral hygiene may be ignored. Gums, tongue, the roof of the mouth, and inside of cheeks should be brushed daily to decrease bacteria. Dentures should also be brushed thoroughly to remove any food that may be caught or stuck to them. Using a soft brush will ensure that they do not get damaged. When they are not being worn, store dentures in a covered container filled with water so that they retain their shape. Adhesives may be used to increase confidence that dentures will not slip in the mouth. Adhesives are available in pastes, powders, creams, strips, and other forms. Read instructions carefully for insertion, removal, and cleaning of dentures and mouth when using these products. In many cases involving dentures, implants can be used to stabilize the dentures.
