Tooth removal and dentures are always an unpleasant experience, but sometimes it's necessary to improve oral health and overall quality of life. Without all your teeth, however, you could face difficulty chewing certain foods and speaking clearly. It's important to get dentures to replace the teeth that are missing so you can keep eating the same foods and speaking without worrying about pain or embarrassment. Keep reading for additional info for those considering tooth removal and dentures.
Tooth removal can be a relatively quick procedure, but not always. It all depends on how many teeth are being removed at once, whether you're getting a simple extraction or having a wisdom tooth extracted under general anesthesia, and what your recovery goals are.
If you're having one tooth extracted under local anesthesia, you can expect to be in and out of a dentist's office within an hour. If you're planning on having a wisdom tooth or all tooth removal and dentures, it'll take a bit longer because it will require general anesthesia, which increases risk compared to other extraction procedures.
Dentures are temporary or permanent replacements for missing teeth. They're made of plastic, metal, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Sometimes dentures can be used immediately after tooth removal; other times, they're worn while jawbone grafts are healing to make room for implants later. Sometimes there isn't enough bone left in your mouth to hold onto dental implants, so you need dentures in that case too.
Dentures work like your teeth, to bite, chew, speak and smile. They're removable, so you can clean them as well as eat while they're out of your mouth. If a denture becomes loose or falls out accidentally, that's okay — put it back in right away. Dentures don't have to be uncomfortable or difficult to care for. With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, most people find that their dentures last for many years.
Cleaning your dentures can be tricky. If they seem dirty, soak them in warm water before brushing them, then give them a good scrub. There are also products designed to clean dentures; consult your dentist for recommendations. Rinse with cool water afterward to remove any remaining residue. If you have dentures that aren't fitting right or aren't comfortable, talk with your dentist about getting new ones made.
Maintaining your dentures should be as simple as keeping them clean. Stains on your teeth can happen when you eat certain foods like blueberries, cherry tomatoes, or anything with a deep red color. Be careful while eating these kinds of foods because they tend to get stuck in your denture easily. Brush your teeth after meals and remove any leftovers from your mouth using a toothpick.
Also, be very careful while brushing your teeth with your hands, as you may end up knocking off some food particles, which can land right in between your teeth. While washing your denture, use warm water instead of hot water. Hot water can lead to the shrinkage of materials used to make dentures. If you are using a homemade cleaning solution of salt and baking soda, then mix it well before using it on your denture, as sometimes lumps are formed due to uneven mixing leading to damage or stains on dentures.
If you have wanted to restore the look and function of your teeth, call your dentist today. They can work with you to develop a complete understanding of your options. This helps patients improve their quality of life and get back to enjoying the things that matter to them.
Request an appointment here: https://magnolialanedental.com or call Magnolia Lane Dental at (636) 614-1667 for an appointment in our O'Fallon office.
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