Restoring Your Smile: Getting Dentures After Prolonged Tooth Loss

Are you tired of hiding your smile or avoiding certain foods because of missing teeth? Tooth loss can be a difficult and embarrassing issue, but dentures may be the perfect solution for restoring your confidence and ability to eat comfortably. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about getting dentures after prolonged tooth loss. From the types of dentures available to the restoration process itself, we’ve got you covered. Say goodbye to self-consciousness and hello to a brand-new smile!

Causes of Prolonged Tooth Loss

There are many different reasons why someone might experience prolonged tooth loss. One common reason is due to poor oral hygiene. If plaque and tartar are not removed from teeth on a regular basis, it can lead to tooth decay and eventually tooth loss. Another common cause of prolonged tooth loss is gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can destroy the tissue and bone supporting the teeth. If not treated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Other causes of prolonged tooth loss include injury to the mouth or teeth, certain medical conditions, and wear and tear from grinding or clenching the teeth. No matter what the cause, prolonged tooth loss can have a major impact on your oral health and your overall quality of life.

Types of Dentures Available

There are four types of dentures available: complete dentures, partial dentures, fixed dentures, and implant-supported dentures.

Complete Dentures

If you’ve lost all of your teeth, whether from gum disease, tooth decay, or injury, complete dentures can give you back a smile you can be proud of. Complete dentures are either “conventional” or “immediate.” Conventional dentures are made after the teeth have been removed and the gums have healed, which usually takes several weeks. During this time, you will go without teeth. Immediate dentures are made in advance and can be placed as soon as the teeth are removed. However, since the bones and gums shrink over time, immediate dentures may require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process.

Partial Dentures

If you’ve lost some of your natural teeth but still have some remaining, a partial denture is right for you. A partial is a custom-made appliance that fills in the spaces created by missing teeth and prevents other teeth from shifting position. Partial dentures attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or they can be attached to crowns (caps) on your natural teeth. In some cases, implants can be used to support a partial denture.

Benefits of Dentures

There are many benefits that come with getting dentures, especially after prolonged tooth loss. Dentures can help improve your ability to eat and speak, and also give you a more natural-looking smile. They can also help support the facial muscles and prevent sagging skin.

Preparing for a Denture Procedure

If you’re missing all or most of your teeth, dentures can help restore your smile and make eating and speaking easier. But before you can get dentures, you’ll need to have a few dental procedures. Here’s what you can expect during the process of getting dentures. 

Your first step will be to schedule a consultation with your dentist. During this visit, your dentist will examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine if dentures are the best solution for you. If so, they’ll develop a treatment plan and let you know what to expect. 

The next step is to have any remaining teeth removed. This is usually done by an oral surgeon. You’ll be given either local anesthesia (which numbs the area) or general anesthesia (which puts you to sleep). Once your teeth are removed, you may need to wait a few weeks for your gums to heal before getting dentures. 

In some cases, your dentist can place immediate dentures right after removing your teeth. Immediate dentures are also an option if you’re getting extractions as part of a more extensive dental procedure, such as dental implants. With immediate dentures, you don’t have to wait for your gums to heal before getting new teeth. 

Once your gums have healed or if you’re getting immediate dentures, it’s time for fittings and impressions. Your dentist will take measurements and make models of your jaws and remaining and will get you the perfect dentures.

What to Expect During the Denture Procedure

When you come in for your denture procedure, the first thing our team will do is review your medical history and medications with you. We’ll also take some X-rays to assess the condition of your jawbone.

Next, we’ll numb your gums and make impressions of them. These impressions will be used to create a model of your mouth, which we’ll use to custom-design your dentures.

Once your dentures are ready, we’ll schedule you for a follow-up appointment. At this appointment, we’ll check to make sure the fit and function of your dentures are satisfactory. We may need to make some adjustments before they’re just right.

Caring for Your New Dentures

Your new dentures are a valuable investment that will help you enjoy many years of good oral health. To keep them in top condition, it is important to practice good oral hygiene and take care of your dentures properly. Here are some tips for caring for your new dentures:

Rinse your dentures after each meal. This will help remove food particles and plaque that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Clean your dentures daily with a mild soap and brush. Be sure to brush all surfaces of the denture, including the teeth, gums, and roof of the mouth. Rinse well afterward.

Soak your dentures overnight in a mild cleansing solution to keep them clean and fresh.

Be gentle when handling your dentures. Avoid dropping them or knocking them against hard surfaces, as this can damage or break them.

See your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. This will help ensure that your dentures fit properly and remain in good condition.

Summary

All in all, getting dentures after experiencing prolonged tooth loss can be a beneficial and rewarding process. Not only are dentures an affordable solution for replacing missing teeth but they also help restore your smile and improve the overall function of your mouth. With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy having natural-looking teeth while still being able to eat the foods you love. So if you’re dealing with tooth loss, consider speaking with Your dentist to learn more about what options are available to restore your beautiful smile!