Removable Dentures: Overview and Procedure

Tooth loss caused by whichever reason shouldn’t be ignored. It can lead to many problems like nutritional defects and even systemic issues. Tooth loss usually occurs due to the following reasons:

Tooth decay.

Gum diseases.

Smoking.

Lack of nutrition.

Tooth injury.

Ill oral habits.

Eating disorders.

However, dentistry has a solution to this problem. Artificial teeth in the form of removable Partial or complete dentures can help in restoring the function and appearance of the lost tooth or teeth.

What are Removable Dentures?

Removable dentures are also known as artificial teeth. They consist of set off teeth to be replaced that is placed on a pink gum-like plastic base. The bases are held by a metal framework and clamps or attachments. They are held in place by the process of suction. They help in maintaining the contour of the face and avoid it from shrinking. The main benefit of removable dentures is that it can be removed easily and at any time.

Complete and Partial Dentures

Complete dentures are made in the edentulous mouth or when all of the teeth have fallen. It can only be placed after the gums, and soft tissues have completely healed. The tissues are allowed to recover for eight to twelve weeks at least. It is done because the gums tend to shrink after removal of teeth. Complete dentures are of three types namely, immediate dentures, conventional dentures, and implant supported overdentures.

Removable dentures are used in cases where a single tooth or a few teeth need to be replaced. They replace the missing teeth and restore their function.

They fill up the space created by the lost tooth and prevents the other teeth from changing or moving their original position. Removable dentures are of two types- Transitional partial dentures and Removable partial dentures.

How are Removable Dentures Made?

Dr. Paul Kim, the best Torrance Dentist, recommends his patients to understand the procedure before undergoing it. Process for removable denture is:

Diagnostic appointment: It is always important to gain correct diagnostic information to construct a proper treatment plan. Diagnostic procedures for manufacturing a denture include taking panoramic radiograph and CBCT to analyze the amount of bone present as it required to support the denture. It is also necessary to know the condition of abutment teeth. The preliminary impression is then made of one, or both jaws to produce replicas of the arches. Apart from this, an interocclusal bite record can be made.

The second appointment: The dentist will now perform procedures like custom tray impression, guide planes, and tooth selection to determine the precise shape and position of the denture. The tooth’s color or shade is assessed before the final cast is made.

You might be called in for one or two more appointments to try the wax try-in and to mark more adjustments so that the proper facial contour is established.

Delivery of denture: The last appointment is made to adjust the final denture in the patient’s mouth. Your dentist will correct the adjustments until you feel comfortable with the denture. You might be called up for follow up visits.

What to Expect?

It is very common to have the fat and weird feeling in the mouth at first, but you will ultimately get used to it.

The denture should fit in your mouth comfortably and if it doesn't, don't bite down or force it into position as it might break the denture.

Follow the instructions given by the dentist on when and for how long should it be removed.

If you find any sore spots in the mouth due to the dentures, your dentist will fix the part of denture causing it.

You should begin with consuming soft food until you are accustomed to wearing the denture. Try to avoid sticky food as it could lead to displacement of the denture.

The denture should not interfere with your speech and should instead improve it. If certain words are difficult to pronounce, you can practice them by reading out loud.

It is very crucial to keep your dentures clean. It is recommended to use denture cleaners. You can use mild soap, but not toothpaste and harsh detergents.

Keeping the dentures moist when not worn is also very important. You should keep it soaked in water as it may lose its shape.

You should never try to repair your dentures on your own or use harmful things or glue on it.

Getting a denture seems like a big step, but you can get habituated to them in no time. So if your missing teeth are interfering with your daily activities, contact your dentist today!

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