Special Treatments
Dentures (Prosthetics)
A very common restoration option for seniors, dentures are used for patients who have lost both upper and lower sets of teeth. These dental prosthetics have many benefits like curbing these negative effects often caused by loss of teeth:
- Difficulty eating and speaking
- Gum and jaw deterioration
- Face sagging and an older appearance.
With prosthetic teeth, the jawbones are supported, and premature aging is prevented. To get dentures and partials, we will advise letting your gums and jawbone stabilize first after an extraction.
At Wortley Road Dental, we take an impression of your fully-healed gums, then create a model with this data to create your customized teeth prosthetics. Alongside a lab technician, your dentist will start molding the dentures in your mouth to ensure a perfect fit, which could take around four weeks and involve multiple dental visits.
Making the Decision to Get Dentures
To have dentures made at our dental office in London Centre, we suggest booking an appointment first so we can assess your teeth, gums, and mouth. Our professionals will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for dentures. You will likely need to wear temporary ones while waiting for your permanent dentures to be ready. This means you leave our office with substitute teeth on the same day of your removal!
Types of Dentures: Partial and Complete Dentures
Complete dentures are otherwise known as “false teeth” or “full dentures”. At our London dental clinic, we use these for patients who are missing all of their real teeth. They may create some irritation in the initial stages, as it takes a short while to adjust, but they can be removed entirely.
Our dentists will likely recommend partial dentures for patients who are not good candidates for bridges or who are missing some (but not all) of their teeth. These fit on your real teeth and consist of at least one false tooth that stays in place with clasps. They can also be removed as needed and should be cared for the same way as real teeth or complete dentures.
Denture Care 101
Properly caring for your dentures is essential to avoid stains, bad breath, plaque and tartar buildup, cavities, and gum disease. Unfortunately, plaque on your dentures can transfer to your original teeth and gums. Clean dentures regularly and maintain regular visits to the dentist so we can adjust or reline them.
To Clean: rinse dentures with water and gently brush with a wet denture brush or soft-bristled regular toothbrush and denture cleaner or mild soap. Be sure to reach under the clasps and avoid damaging the plastic or attachments. Clean and massage your gums while dentures are removed, gently brush and floss any remaining teeth, then rinse your dentures again in clean water.
At Night: Our dentists recommend taking your dentures out every night while you sleep. Soak them in warm (never hot) water whenever you are not using them, and add denture cleaner overnight if desired, but not if your dentures have metal clasps. Stand over soft surfaces when caring for them so they will not break if dropped, and inspect your dentures regularly for cracks.
Have You Decided? Contact Us Today
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile and want to improve or restore it, our dentists will be happy to meet with you to discuss. Our team is ready to create a wonderful set of dentures or partials for you, if that is the option you decide on. Call or email us today to learn more and schedule a visit to Wortley Road Dental. We look forward to seeing you!
