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Baltimore Same Day Dentures & Partials

A denture is a removable dental appliance and a replacement for missing teeth and surrounding tissue.  They are made to closely resemble your natural teeth and may even enhance your smile.

There are two types of dentures - complete and partial dentures.  Complete dentures are used when all of the teeth are missing, while partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain.  A partial denture not only fills in the spaces created by missing teeth, it prevents other teeth from shifting.

A complete denture can be either “conventional” or “immediate.”  A conventional type is made after the teeth have been removed and the gum tissue has healed (usually takes 4 to 6 weeks).  During this time, the patient will go without teeth.  Immediate dentures are made in advance and immediately placed after the teeth are removed, thus preventing the patient from having to be without teeth during the healing process.  Once the tissues shrink and heal, adjustments will have to be made.

Dentures are very durable appliances and will last many years but may have to be remade, repaired, or readjusted due to normal wear.

Reasons for dentures:

  • Complete Denture - Loss of all teeth in an arch.
  • Partial Denture - Loss of several teeth in an arch.
  • Enhancing smile and facial tissues.
  • Improving chewing, speech, and digestion.

What does getting dentures involve?

The process of getting dentures requires several appointments, usually over a period of several weeks.  Highly accurate impressions (molds) and measurements are taken and used to create your custom denture.  Several “try-in” appointments may be necessary to ensure proper shape, color, and fit.  At the final appointment, your dentist will precisely adjust and place the completed denture, ensuring a natural and comfortable fit.

It is normal to experience increased saliva flow, some soreness, and possible speech and chewing difficulty, however this will subside as your muscles and tissues get used to the new dentures.

You will be given care instructions for your new dentures.  Proper cleaning of your new dental appliance, good oral hygiene, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new dentures.

 

Post-Operative Instructions for Denture Care

Immediate Care:

  1. Wearing Your Dentures:

    • Wear your dentures as instructed by your dentist. Initially, you may be asked to wear them all the time, even during sleep, to help identify any sore spots. After the initial period, remove them at night to allow your gums to rest.

  2. Handling Soreness and Discomfort:

    • Some discomfort, sore spots, and increased salivation are normal during the initial adjustment period. These issues typically resolve within a few days to a week.

    • If sore spots persist or become painful, contact your dentist for adjustments.

Cleaning Your Dentures:

  1. Daily Cleaning Routine:

    • Rinse your dentures after meals to remove food particles.

    • Brush your dentures daily with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner to remove plaque and prevent staining. Do not use regular toothpaste as it can be too abrasive.

  2. Soaking Your Dentures:

    • Soak your dentures overnight in a denture cleaning solution (ie Efferdent tablets, Dentural liquid cleaner, etc…) to keep them moist and maintain their shape. Rinse them thoroughly before wearing them again.

Oral Hygiene:

  1. Cleaning Your Mouth:

    • Clean your gums, tongue, and palate with a soft toothbrush or a damp cloth every morning and evening to remove plaque and stimulate circulation.

  2. Regular Dental Visits:

    • Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor your oral health and the fit of your dentures. Your dentist can make necessary adjustments to ensure comfort and functionality.

Diet and Eating:

  1. Adapting to Eating:

    • Start with soft foods cut into small pieces while adjusting to your new dentures. Chew slowly and evenly on both sides of your mouth.

    • Gradually reintroduce harder foods as you become more comfortable.

Potential Risks and Complications:

  1. Soreness and Irritation:

    • Dentures can cause sore spots and irritation, especially during the initial adjustment period. Persistent discomfort may require adjustments by your dentist.

  2. Difficulty Speaking and Eating:

    • It may take some time to adapt to speaking and eating with new dentures. Practice speaking slowly and eating soft foods initially.

  3. Infections and Sores:

    • Poor oral hygiene and improper denture care can lead to infections, mouth sores, and fungal infections like oral thrush. Clean your dentures and mouth regularly to prevent these issues.

  4. Bone and Gum Changes:

    • Over time, the shape of your gums and jawbone may change, affecting the fit of your dentures. Regular dental visits are essential to adjust the fit and avoid discomfort.

  5. Allergic Reactions:

    • In rare cases, allergic reactions to the materials used in dentures can occur. If you experience unusual reactions, contact your dentist immediately.

  6. Denture Slippage:

    • Dentures may slip or move while talking or eating. If this persists, your dentist can adjust the fit or recommend denture adhesives.

Additional Tips:

  • Handle with Care:

    • Handle your dentures carefully to avoid dropping and breaking them. When cleaning, fill the sink with water or lay down a soft towel as a cushion.

  • Denture Storage:

    • When not in use, keep your dentures in a denture-soaking solution or water to prevent them from drying out and losing their shape.

  • Avoiding DIY Repairs:

    • Do not attempt to adjust or repair your dentures yourself. Always seek professional assistance from your dentist for any adjustments or repairs.

By following these post-operative instructions and being aware of the potential risks and complications, you can help ensure a comfortable and successful adjustment to wearing dentures. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact your dentist.



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