If you are at risk of losing all of your remaining natural teeth, it is important to understand all of your tooth replacement options. A full set of dentures is typically the solution of choice, and with proper planning, your dentist can help you to achieve excellent results.
For patients who are already missing all of the upper or lower teeth, a conventional denture can yield a fantastic outcome. In the dental office, a series of impressions are taken to record the shape, size, and anatomy of the gums and jaw bone. These records are used to construct a full denture that fits comfortably and securely.
Patients who are planning to have all of the teeth removed will need to wait approximately 4-6 weeks as the gums heal prior to taking impressions for the denture. This is due to the fact that the gum tissue will naturally shrink as it heals. Dental impressions that are taken too early typically result in less than accurate impressions and a poorly fitting denture. During the healing phase, denture patients will be required to manage daily life without teeth.
Understandably, most adults find it unacceptable to endure even a single day without teeth. Rather than extract the teeth and wait 4-6 weeks for new teeth, your dentist may suggest an immediate denture.
Impressions for an immediate denture are obtained prior to removing the natural teeth. These impressions provide enough information about your anatomy to enable your dentist to fabricate a full denture in advance. On the day that your teeth are removed, the immediate denture is placed into the mouth. The denture is designed to be worn during the healing period, and can be adjusted and relined as the tissues begin to shrink.
Utilizing an immediate denture is an excellent way for patients to move through the healing period with a full set of teeth.
Whether you are interested in a conventional denture or an immediate denture, discussing the options with our dental team serving Rogers AR can ensure that you are ultimately pleased with your smile. Call Ozark Prosthodontics at 479-582-3360 to schedule your appointment for more information.