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If you experience tooth loss, you may feel overwhelmed and confused about the options available to restore your smile as closely as possible to your natural teeth. Don't panic. With advancements in dentistry, dentures are no longer for the elderly. Dentures today are designed to be more comfortable and functional than ever before, making them an ideal solution to missing teeth. Similar in appearance to natural teeth, dentures can significantly improve your smile or facial appearance. Tooth loss typically occurs from periodontal disease (gum disease), tooth decay, or traumatic injury. It is extremely important to replace missing teeth because the ill effects of not doing so can lead to a shift in your remaining teeth, an inability to bite and chew properly, as well as a sagging facial appearance, which makes one appear older than they are.
Dentures: The Basics
During your initial visit to evaluate the need for dentures, your dentist will examine your gums and supporting bone structure to identify the appropriate treatment plan. In some cases, oral surgery is performed to correct bony ridges that may interfere with the stability of the denture and other cases, the remaining teeth may need to be extracted before the dentures can be placed. Once your dentist has assessed your need for dentures and decided that they are right for you, he will make an impression of the gums to identify every ridge and crevice to ensure the best fit possible. Complete dentures are made when gums are restored to a healthy condition and sufficient time has passed for healing. Complete dentures will replace all of the teeth in the upper or lower jaws of the mouth. Your gums will naturally shrink during the healing process of tooth loss, which typically takes from six to 12 months and during this period dentures may require adjustments to accommodate the changes in the gums and underlying bone structure. An overdenture is a removable dental prosthesis that covers and rests on one or more remaining tooth roots while a removable partial denture replaces only some teeth and is built around existing natural teeth. Both overdenture and the removable partial denture may be connected to remaining tooth roots or remaining natural teeth with anchors made of metal or plastic.
Denture Stabilization with Implants Having a loose or ill-fitting denture can create a whole set of new problems. These can include cosmetic issues and problems with chewing food or simply speaking. If you are missing several or all of your teeth, dental implants can be used to stabilize or support a denture. Worry of slipping dentures or dealing with messy adhesives will be a thing of the past with the help of dental implants. Implants will also help maintain the surrounding bone, protecting your long-term facial appearance. Many people suffer needlessly with a loose lower denture, but with the use of two dental implants placed in the front of the lower jaw, it can be tightened. The denture will be held in place securely and can be snapped in or out. Caring for Your Dentures While wearing dentures, it is extremely important to practice healthy dental hygiene. With improper hygiene you run a greater risk of developing more serious medical conditions should an oral irritation result from. These conditions often include periodontal disease, fungal infections, and leukoplakia which is thickened white, potentially precancerous patches on the mucous membranes, also called smoker's tongue. Your gums, tongue and palate should be brushed with a soft bristle brush every evening when the dentures are removed and each day before you insert your dentures to stimulate the gums and remove plaque accumulation. When removing your dentures before bed, be sure to brush them carefully in order to remove any loose debris and plaque, as well as soaking them in a cleansing solution. If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth, contact you're Ann Arbor dentist for further consultation. Dentures are not for everyone, but your dentist will be able to assess your teeth and generate a proper treatment plan for restoring your smile.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading general and implant dentist in Ann Arbor, Dr. James Lee. Voted the number one dentist in Washtenaw County in 2009 by readers of Current and Parent Magazines, Dr. Lee, family dentist in Ann Arbor, is committed to providing quality dental care for his patients. Dr. Lee and his team of professionals provide services for veneers, Botox and implants.
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