If you have missing teeth, dentures could be the answer to improving your quality of life. Dentures are removable dental appliances that help you eat all of the foods you miss. They also provide you with a beautiful new smile. However, there are some things you must take into consideration before getting new dentures.

Should You Get Dentures?woman getting fitted for dentures

Approximately 90% of individuals who experience toothlessness have dentures. That data further indicates that approximately 36 million individuals across the country are missing teeth. If you fall within these statistics, it might be time to consider getting dentures. The leading causes of losing teeth include:

  • Not scheduling regular checkups: Visiting your dentist for regular checkups and teeth cleanings keep your teeth healthy.
  • Bleeding gums: If you notice that you have bleeding gums each time you brush, that could be a sign of gingivitis. When you have gingivitis, you are experiencing gum inflammation, which could advance to periodontal disease.
  • Persistent toothache: If you have extensive tooth decay, that could cause a persistent toothache. Exposed dentin is another cause of persistent toothache.

What to Consider When Getting Dentures

If you are considering getting dentures, there are several things you must first take into consideration. The cause for getting dentures could be anything from an injury to suffering from gum disease or tooth decay. Choosing to get dentures not only boosts your confidence but also transforms your smile.

You do not need a full set of dentures under some circumstances because you are only missing a few teeth. In those cases, a partial set might be the ideal solution. Those are removable dental appliances featuring an acrylic base and metal framework you use to attach them to your mouth. If you need a new full set, they will include an upper and lower plate. The realistic prosthetic teeth fit onto a U-shaped piece of acrylic. Sometimes it takes between three and six months to make a full set. However, in the meantime, you will receive a temporary set.

What to Expect from the Process

During your first denture evaluation, your dentist takes a series of x-rays of your gums and jawbone. Those x-rays show the dentist whether or not your gum tissues and bone can effectively hold your dentures in place. There are circumstances where patients have too little or too much tissue. Other circumstances include the need for tooth removal. If that is the case, your dentist will schedule you for minor oral surgery.

When you receive your new dentures, be prepared for an adjustment period. That means it could take some time to get used to them. Even though your dentist took measurements, your dental appliances may not be comfortable right away. You might feel some minor soreness and irritation, or your mouth might produce more saliva. These symptoms are temporary, though, but you must visit your dentist if the pain persists.

The Treatment Process at Lovett Dental Piney Point Village

Do you have questions about the process of getting a new set of dentures? Are you considering dentures due to tooth loss or other dental issues? There is a lot to consider when getting these dental appliances. Here at Lovett Dental Piney Point Village, patients receive the following:

  • Patients undergo a thorough examination
  • Dental impressions occur to case molds of upper and lower gums
  • Measurements occur to determine the length of the teeth
  • Adjustments occur with temporary dentures
  • Patients receive their final full set of dentures

Contact one of our experts at Lovett Dental Piney Point Village at 832-242-2030 to learn more about how dentures can improve the quality of your life and give you a brand new smile.