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Have you chosen dentures to address tooth loss? If so, you probably have some questions. Once you adjust to your replacement teeth, you will enjoy custom, lifelike new teeth that increase oral function and improve your appearance. While life without teeth is difficult, life with prosthetic teeth is much easier. There is an adjustment period, however, when it comes to getting used to dentures. Fortunately, adjusting to dentures only takes a couple of weeks if you consider the following tips. Cleaning Dentures Dentures are cleaned in soaking solutions and with special brushes. A person’s dentures should be cleaned very frequently and kept in water when not in use. This is because dentures should be kept moist. If the materials used to mimic the gums dries out, a person’s denture can crack. Wearing Dentures When you begin wearing dentures, you might feel some discomfort at the end of the day. It takes some time for your gums to adjust to the weight of dentures. Soreness from dentures will subside but it is important to continue to wear your dentures during the day (with small breaks throughout, if necessary) so that your gums can adjust to the sensation of dentures. Report Changes in the Way Dentures Fit Your permanent dentures are made just for you. They are designed to accommodate the curves of your gums and jaw, fit perfectly inside your mouth, and complement your smile without appearing unnatural. However, the way dentures fit can change over time – especially if a person has developed bone atrophy. Bone loss can result in dentures that fit poorly. In the case of changes, patients should make an appointment with their dentist. Sometimes dentures require relining or must be replaced altogether if they do not perform as they should. Receiving dentures can be a life changing experience. Our practice understands the delicate nature of treating tooth loss. We treat all our patients with dignity and provide quality care for people in our area. Call the office of Dr. Barry Buchanan today to schedule a tooth replacement consultation.
Have you been considering making an appointment with an implant dentist? If you have lost teeth, it is important to review your tooth replacement options quickly and carefully. Losing a tooth increases your odds for losing further teeth. Dental implants are the most revolutionary tooth replacements available to the public. These prosthetics, and the restorations attached to them, will look and function like biological teeth. This means that patients can enjoy incredibly durable replacement teeth that allow for optimal oral function and a beautiful aesthetic. The Effects of Tooth Loss Losing teeth has lasting effects on your oral health and general wellbeing. Not only are daily activities like eating a balanced meal more difficult, a person’s self-confidence can plummet due to embarrassment over the appearance of his or her smile. Moreover, losing teeth can negatively affect your oral anatomy. Without the roots of teeth to keep the jaw stimulated, patients missing teeth ultimately end up losing bone – to a noticeable extent in many cases, often making a person look much older than he or she should. Many foods are difficult to eat without teeth. Those with total tooth loss or those with uncomfortable prosthetics can develop malnutrition due to tooth-loss induced food restrictions. Improper diets affect every facet of a person’s wellbeing. Dental Implants, a Lifelike Alternative to Teeth With dental implants, a person enjoys replacement teeth that address the loss of the biting surfaces of teeth and their roots. This is accomplished by embedding a dental implant into the jawbone. Over time, bone will stabilize the implant by fusing to it. After the implant is stabilized, a permanent restoration is attached to the dental implant. The restoration will fill in the empty socket of a missing tooth so that the biting surface is restored. Restorations on dental implants won’t budge, either. With implants, a person can eat a full, balanced diet with ease and smile again with confidence. For more information about dental implants, call us today to schedule a consultation with our implant dentist.