Did you just lose a tooth? What should you do? Hi, I'm Dr. Myrna Lazaga here in San Diego, California. We get a lot of questions regarding dentures, so today we're going to answer the most common questions so you have a better understanding of what a denture is.
What are Dentures?
Dentures are an appliance that we use to replace a missing tooth or teeth that will help the rest of the other teeth that are still there get stable.
What type of dental professional does dentures?
Most general dentists make or do dentures, and other specialties are what we call prosthodontists. A dentist will recommend getting dentures if you are missing a tooth or more teeth. You can also get a denture in transition of replacing a tooth with an implant.
What are some alternatives?
There are a lot of alternatives to dentures. It depends on how many teeth you still have. If you lose all your teeth on the top, then you'll need a full denture. But if you have a tooth beside it, you have the option of a fixed bridge. If you have only a few teeth remaining and there's nothing on the other side to connect it, then you will have what we call a partial denture.
What type of dentures are they?
There are different types of dentures. One is a complete denture. A complete denture is used when you are missing all of your teeth on the top; this is an upper denture. Then we use what we call a full denture, which is usually removable. If you still have a few teeth remaining that we can hold on to, then you can end up with what we call a partial denture. These are the removable types. There is also what we call fixed ones, wherein you have a fixed bridge that stays in your mouth permanently. The other one is when you have a denture that's implant-supported and fixed; it's screwed in and cannot be removed by yourself, but your dentist can remove it.
How are dentures made?
Dentures are, of course, custom-fit to your mouth. The removable ones are usually made of acrylic, and there are flexible ones made of thermoplastic. The fixed ones could be porcelain or zirconia. To make them, we take an impression of your mouth and send it to the lab for fabrication.
What happens during a denture placement procedure?
We will make sure that the denture fits snugly. When it's in your mouth, we let you bite down to make sure the bite is okay and nothing hurts. That's very important. If there's any area that hurts, we need to adjust it and relieve that sore area. When I make a denture for our patients, I promise them that the denture will be pain-free. Getting used to it is up to the patient, and that's the most important part. Sometimes, folks are not ready to transition, especially those needing a full denture. It's important to let them know there should be no pain. I do believe that getting dentures should not be painful. Some patients have told me that other offices said to just get used to it, but I don't believe that. You won't get used to it if there's pain, so I promise my patients that they won't leave my office in pain.
What anesthesia options are available during the dental denture procedure?
It depends. If it's just removable, I don't need to anesthetize you because I'd check your bite. When you're numb, sometimes your bite changes. We just fit the denture that way, and you can feel if there are areas that hurt while you're still in the office, so we can adjust it. For a fixed bridge, sometimes we have to numb up if you're sensitive in that area, but most of the time, I don't use anesthetic during the insertion of dentures so you can sense better if there's discomfort or pain.
What should I expect my dentures to look and feel like?
We strive for your dentures to look natural and match your facial profile. You'll like the color and shape of the teeth. If you have a front tooth, we try to match it to the tooth next to it by color, shape, and size, so it looks natural when you have it in your mouth. A fixed denture would feel like a normal tooth, but a removable one requires some adjustments. A full denture stays in your mouth by suction, so you have to learn how to make it fit through suction. During try-ins, I let you say words to ensure we have the right length of the tooth and that it shows when you smile.
Is it more difficult to speak with dentures?
It can be difficult to speak initially when you first get your dentures, but you will easily get used to them over time. It takes adjustments, and sometimes I have to ensure the patient is ready to transition because you have to learn how to speak. Even when you have dentures, you should start eating a soft diet before moving to harder foods like corn on the cob.
Will having dentures affect my ability to eat?
Not necessarily. We try to adjust your bite, but there's no better teeth than your natural teeth. A denture is a replacement, but it doesn't exactly replace your natural teeth.
What is the best way to clean dentures?
It's better to clean them after every meal. If it's removable, take it out and brush it like your own teeth. If it's a fixed one, like a fixed bridge or implant, I highly recommend using a water pick.
What special care should I take after getting dentures?
After getting a removable denture, rinse with warm salt water—one teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water—to help your gums heal if there's a sore spot. If it's a fixed denture, do the same if any area gets irritated from cleaning or pressure to relieve any sore spot.
How long will dentures last?
It depends on how you take care of them. If you lose another tooth, your denture might need a new one or a repair. Sometimes, we can add a tooth to an existing denture. If your denture is loose and beyond repair, you'll need a new one. Normally, they last around five years, depending on care.
What if my denture needs adjustment?
If you have a partial denture and a tooth where it holds the clasp needs a crown, you'll need the crown to fit your partial. We usually borrow your denture when sending the case to the lab to customize the fit to your new crown. If your full denture is loose because your gums have shrunk, we can do a reline to make it tighter.
How long will it take to adjust to dentures?
It depends on your acceptance. As long as there's no pain, it should be easier. I tell my patients to slowly transition from a soft diet to solid foods over a couple of days to be comfortable.
What is the cost of dentures?
The cost varies depending on the type of denture. Most insurances cover about 50%, but some won't cover it due to prior extraction clauses. It's better to check with your dentist regarding insurance coverage.
When should I schedule an appointment for dentures?
You can schedule an appointment anytime. If you have a loose tooth, I recommend coming to the office. If we need to take a tooth out, we can process your denture beforehand. The sooner you make an appointment, the better, as it takes time to make a denture. It's not as simple as taking an impression and getting it the next day. There's a process, including try-ins and bite adjustments, before giving you the final denture.
We try to get all the answers possible. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to call our office at (619) 377-7586. Thank you.