The Process for Getting Dentures Fort Pierce, FL
The more you know what to expect when getting dentures, the better prepared you will be for a smooth transition. Although there are different types of dentures, most people will still need a series of appointments before the completion of their dentures. The process for getting dentures involves having teeth extracted, impressions taken, temporary dentures fitted, and permanent dentures adjusted.
A fitting appointment is available at Fort Pierce Smiles in Fort Pierce and the surrounding area. Getting dentures may not only improve a person's appearance but also restore the ability to eat and speak normally. Although chewing power with dentures is not 100% of what it would be with healthy natural teeth, it is a significant improvement from eating with missing or damaged teeth. We can help you prepare yourself for the process of getting dentures.
At Fort Pierce Smiles, our caring and knowledgeable staff takes the time to get to know each patient. This way, we can provide the highest level of personalized care possible. Call us at (772) 232-7073 to get started on your new smile.
The Preliminary Denture Appointment
Depending on the state of a patient's health, Fort Pierce Smiles may recommend full extraction of all their natural teeth before moving on to the restoration step. However, this is not always the case. The first appointment consists of taking images and impressions of the patient's mouth, with or without extractions.
Depending on the patient's custom treatment plan, the first appointment may also involve Fort Pierce Smiles fitting the patient with immediate dentures. However, immediate dentures are only a temporary solution until the permanent dentures are ready.
“The first appointment consists of taking images and impressions of the patient’s mouth, with or without extractions.”
Getting Used to Dentures
It is critical that patients try not to rush back into their normal diet. New denture patients sometimes feel as if their food has lost its flavor; however, the delicious taste of food should return shortly. To make the transition easier, try out some of these preparatory lifestyle changes before getting dentures:
- Cut food into smaller pieces
- Start eating soft foods
- Chew half of the food on the back left side of the mouth and the other half on the back right side
- Drink liquids at room temperature (New denture wearers sometimes have trouble sensing if a drink is hot or cold, which heightens the risk of their mouth getting burned)
“It is critical that patients try not to rush back into their normal diet.”
What to Expect Following the Procedure
After a patient receives new dentures, there is a period of adjustment that follows. Following our instructions for eating with dentures can minimize initial discomfort. Patients can expect minor bleeding due to the placement of a new appliance in the mouth, but excessive or abnormal bleeding should be reported immediately.
Those who experience pain, pressure, irritation, or other problems with their mouth after receiving dentures should contact our office. After a short period of adjustment, patients should feel more comfortable with their dentures and should also be able to resume a normal diet and speak with confidence. If a patient starts experiencing difficulties, they may need a denture adjustment or repair.
“After a patient receives new dentures, there is a period of adjustment that follows.”
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The Fitting Appointment
A fitting appointment is the first step in the process of getting dentures. This appointment typically takes place at least four weeks after a tooth extraction to give the gums time to heal. Patients who choose immediate or temporary dentures will have an impression taken beforehand, so the dentures are ready at the time of the extraction. Then, patients get fitted for their permanent dentures after four to eight weeks.
At the initial appointment, our dentist performs a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's gums and oral health. Then, our team takes an impression of both the upper and lower jaws. For patients needing complete dentures, this process creates an accurate mold of the gums. Patients who only need a partial denture to replace upper or lower teeth still get an impression of both jaws. The partial denture has to fit well among the remaining teeth, so it is crucial to have an accurate mold for the entire mouth.
We also discuss optimal shape, size, and color for the replacement teeth. As reported in an article in the International Journal of Esthetic Dentistry, computer-aided design and manufacturing technology enables dental labs to produce increasingly customized dentures, which creates a more natural appearance.
“A fitting appointment is the first step in the process of getting dentures.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What happens during the preliminary denture appointment?
Q. What should I do if my dentures start to feel uncomfortable?
Q. How does one get used to dentures?
Q. What should I expect for the first few months following the procedure?
Q. What is the first step in the process of getting dentures?
People Also Ask
Q. What is the process of getting partial dentures?
Q. What are the different types of dentures?
Q. What are the types of implant supported dentures?
Q. What is a partial removable denture for one missing tooth?
Q. How can removable partial dentures replace back teeth?
Ongoing Care for Denture-Wearers
Oral health must be a priority even for a patient who has no natural teeth remaining. A patient with a full or partial set of dentures needs to visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. Any time the dentures start to shift or feel uncomfortable, the patient should make an appointment to have them examined and adjusted.
As explained in the Journal of the American Dental Association, due to changes in bone structure following extractions, patients will need their dentures adjusted within weeks of getting immediate dentures and then again several months later. After that, some patients may not need adjustments for several years; others will continue to need them more frequently. As a patient's jawbone and gums change, there are two primary methods for adjusting the dentures for optimum comfort and health:
Denture Relining
As the jaw and gums shrink, they move away from the base of the denture, creating gaps. Fort Pierce Smiles can reline a set of dentures by adding material to the existing base to fill the gaps and restore a snug fit. Sometimes, however, a patient's oral structures change so much that simple relining is not enough.
Denture Rebasing
When relining is not an option, Fort Pierce Smiles can rebase the dentures. This process preserves the existing prosthetic teeth but replaces the base material. Fort Pierce Smiles will take new images and impressions to ensure the new base will be a good fit for the patient. After the completion of the new base, fittings can continue as before.
“Any time the dentures start to shift or feel uncomfortable, the patient should make an appointment to have them examined and adjusted.”
Frequently Asked Questions About What To Expect When Getting Dentures
Q. Does it hurt when the dentist takes impressions during the fitting appointment?
A. The process is not invasive. You do have to open your mouth wide, which can cause brief discomfort or jaw soreness. Though uncomfortable for some, taking impressions is generally not painful.
Q. When do I need to go back to the dentist after completing the process of getting dentures?
A. As per the recommendation of the Oral Health Foundation, it is important to continue visiting a dentist regularly. Follow your dentist's advice as to the right schedule for you. If at any time you experience problems with your dentures or oral health, call the dentist's office promptly.
Q. Is a strange feeling in the mouth part of what to expect when getting dentures?
A. It is normal for a denture to feel a little odd or even uncomfortable for the first few days as one gets used to it. If the denture starts feeling uncomfortable again after you have adjusted to it, there may have been a change in fit.
Q. How soon after my fitting appointment will I have my dentures?
A. This depends on how complex the denture is and whether you need additional procedures. A single tooth replacement can take one appointment and as little as a week to make. A set of complete dentures may need four or more appointments and can take as long as eight weeks to be finished.
Q. Can I resume my normal eating habits immediately after getting dentures?
A. We recommend starting with soft foods and small pieces. As you get used to the dentures, you will be able to resume your usual eating habits gradually. Avoid hard or sticky foods.
Q. Do I have to buy special products to care for my dentures?
A. Denture cleaners are specifically formulated to avoid harming the materials of the dentures. Our dentist can make specific recommendations based on the make of your dentures and other factors. WebMD advises against regular toothpaste as it can be too abrasive.
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Denture Terminology
Call Us Today
Whether you are new to wearing dentures or need an adjustment to your existing ones, call us today at 772-232-7073 to make an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
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