Dentures

What are dentures?

Dentures are prosthetic replacements for missing teeth. Dentures help restore your dental health when you have lost teeth due to decay, periodontal disease, bone loss, or trauma. Dentures should look and work like your natural teeth and fit comfortably when you talk and eat.

Dentures may replace some or all of your teeth and may be removable or secured by dental implants. When you have several missing teeth but also have some healthy teeth in your upper or lower jaw, you may get partial dentures. If all or most of your teeth are missing or need to be removed, you may need a full or complete set of dentures.

The team at Serenity Dental Laser PC helps you understand all of your options and explains each step of the process of getting dentures, from preparing your mouth, taking impressions, fitting, to denture care.

What does the process of getting dentures entail?

Depending on the type of dentures you need, the process is slightly different. In most cases, getting new dentures requires several steps and multiple visits. The Serenity Dental Laser PC team takes time to explain the process and helps you have reasonable expectations along the way. 

Initially, the team prepares your mouth for dentures by removing decayed teeth or getting rid of any infection or possible source of infection. If you are getting a complete set of dentures, they remove all of your teeth and place a temporary set of dentures while your bone and gums heal, which could take 8-10 weeks. 

Once your mouth is healthy, the team takes measurements and digital impressions of your mouth to create a mold for your new set of dentures. Before creating your permanent set of dentures, you test a sample version made of wax or plastic. 

Once your permanent set of dentures is complete, you return to Serenity Laser Dental PC and the team fits your dentures and educates you about how to care for them. 

How do I care for my dentures? 

Proper care of your mouth and dentures ensures your mouth and gums stay free of infection or injury. 

To care for your mouth and dentures, you must rinse, brush, and clean your dentures, gums, tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth twice daily. When not wearing your dentures, you should keep them in a secure place covered with water. 

If your dentures require you use an adhesive, only use products that are approved by the American Dental Association. If your dentures aren’t fitting well or your gums are irritated or sore, it’s important you let your dental team know. 

To learn how dentures can help restore your smile, call or schedule an appointment online with Serenity Laser Dental PC today.