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Calgary Denture Specialists
Frequently asked questions about dentures and denture care
Studies have shown that dentures may require relining every two to three years and replacement every five to eight years. We recommend that you see a denturist for the following reasons:
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Your mouth is continuously changing. The shape and size of your gums are not the same as the first day you received your dentures. For this reason, it is important to have your dentures checked yearly.
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Regular checkups by your denturist may be the only way to detect oral cancer in the early stages.
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We tell you if your dentures are wearing at an acceptable rate as denture wear over time can cause difficulty in chewing and speech.
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.Ill-fitted dentures and an incorrect bite can cause TMJ symptoms: Ringing in the ears, dizziness, popping or cracking sound in the jaw joint, and neck pain to name a few.
Missing Teeth
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Missing teeth can be more than a cosmetic problem. Missing teeth can cause bone loss and the jawbone to shrink. Significant bone loss can shrink the contours of the jawbone, causing wrinkled lips and a sunken mouth and chin. This physical change to your face can also affect the clarity of your speech. An important step toward developing an attractive smile is the replacement of missing teeth with a natural-looking prosthesis. A dental prosthesis can be a permanent or removable complete or partial denture.
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What is a partial Denture?
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A partial denture is a dental prosthesis (a device for replacing natural teeth) that is installed by the denturist and can be removed and inserted as the wearer chooses.
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Will wearing a partial denture change my lifestyle?
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It will certainly improve it. You will look better and your mouth will function better. Your denturist will be happy to make recommendations based on a complete dental examination and consideration of your situation.
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Your dentures are an investment in your well-being. Market research has shown that 92% of adults consider an attractive smile to be an important social asset. An improved smile is an asset to your lifestyle. Don't miss out on enjoying the foods you enjoy.
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What are immediate dentures?
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Immediate dentures are a dental prosthesis constructed to replace the lost teeth and associated structures of the upper and or lower arch that are inserted immediately following the removal of teeth.
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Advantages:
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Social - The patient can carry on both business and social obligations without interruption.
Physiologic- The immediate complete dentures contribute to the physical health of the patient in the following ways:
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Controls bleeding and swelling - the denture acts as a splint.
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Protects against trauma - lessens pain and prevents irritation from the outside environment and tongue.
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Prevents loss of muscle action and tissue tone.
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Maintains normal speech and tongue habits.
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Inter-jaw relations can be more accurately recorded and maintained.
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Promotes better ridge maintenance.
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Prevents possible TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) disorders.
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Disadvantages:
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The primary disadvantages are:
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More office visits are required, especially during the adjustment period.
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No opportunity to observe anterior teeth at the try-in appointment; therefore, the denture cannot be fully assessed until insertion
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Less accuracy in the initial fit.
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Post-operative instruction and care
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The patient is seen by the denturist within 24 hours after extraction to assess swelling and discomfort.
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The patient should take medication (if any is prescribed).
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Eat a high calorie, soft diet.
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It takes 1-6 weeks for your extraction sites to heal sufficiently to allow the placement of a temporary liner called a "tissue conditioner".
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Once the tissue has completely healed anywhere from six months to one year, then should a permanent reline be done. After that, the dentures should be relined every 2-3 years.
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Since the time and the severity of the healing process varies from patient, the temporary and final relines, which have to be done, will not be included in the price of the dentures.
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The importance of regular check-ups for denture wearers
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Most patients have been indoctrinated into seeing their dentist every six months for most of their lives up to the point of getting dentures. However, once a patient's natural teeth are gone they are generally of the opinion that they no longer need any sort of regular oral check-ups. What this means to the denture wearer is that no matter how perfect your dentures fit when you first get them - eventually, they will have to be adjusted to harmonize with the changes in your gums and ridges, which provide support for the dentures.
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Denture and oral health
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The following are a few of the important things we check for at your recall visits:
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Changes in tissue. Your mouth is continually changing. The shape and size of your gums are not the same as they were the day your dentures were made. For this reason, it is important to have the fit of your dentures checked regularly and adjusted.
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Check for oral cancer: Oral cancer can arise at any time and be found in many patients wearing dentures. At a regular check-up, your denturist may be the only way to detect oral cancer in the early stages.
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Update medical history: Medications can greatly affect the tissues of the mouth as well as affect saliva and the ability to combat bacteria in the oral cavity.
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Check for denture wear: Dentures can wear over time, causing difficulty in chewing and speech. We can tell you if your dentures are wearing at an acceptable rate and make any corrections that may be needed.
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Check for TMJ Syndrome: TMJ is a condition involving pain in the jaw joint that might be caused by ill-fitting dentures and an incorrect bite. Symptom: ringing in the ears, dizziness popping or cracking sound in the jaw joint, and neck pain - to name a few.
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Normally an adjustment for irritation or a relining for looseness may be the answer to your denture discomfort. We all change and our gums are no exception.
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Regular visits to your denturist's office will help identify problems. Improve fit and extend the life of your dentures. Your dentures are an investment in your well-being. Why would you compromise with something so important to your well-being?
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Canadian Dental Care Plan - Dental Benefits Guide - Click here to see details for coverage
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