Dentures may have been put in the backseat with the sleek technology of dental implants, but they still make the best option for some people. If you have been missing teeth for a great while, and this has led to a depletion in jawbone density, implants may not be a viable option for you. It’s a good thing, then, that dentures exist to restore form and function to someone who is missing all of their teeth. Your Pella, IA dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Allen, would like to tell you what to expect if dentures are your teeth replacement of choice.
Dentures: An Overview
Dentures are made out of acrylic and composite or porcelain materials. Your dentures are custom-made to fit the shape of your mouth and fashioned with color-matching so that they look just like gum tissue and natural teeth. Your dentures will be fit based on thorough measurements and impressions, but because of the bone density changes that are likely to occur over time, your tight, stable, and firm dentures can suddenly become loose, wobbly, and ill-fitting. If this occurs when eating or talking to people, you are certain to feel very embarrassed. Your Pella, IA dentist would recommend that you make periodic checkup appointments to have your dentures realigned, refitted, or even replaced. A good rule of thumb is every 5 to 7 years for replacement. However, you should call Dr. Allen immediately if you experience pain, discomfort, clicking, constant slipping, looseness, whistling, wrinkling around your mouth, or sunken in cheeks.
Denture Maintenance
Your dentures will require some special care, but you will get the hang of it in no time. If you are new to dentures, Dr. Allen can offer you tips on what products to use and how often to clean your dentures. Even still, you must maintain regular dental appointments as mentioned above. You probably don’t need to stay on the same biannual schedule as people with natural teeth, but once a year is a good rule-of thumb. You will definitely need to have your dentures examined for the health of your mouth, and also undergo an oral cancer screening in spite of the fact that you don’t have the teeth you once did.
Dentures from Pella, IA Dentist
Your Pella, IA dentist provides comfortable dental care, including dentures, to patients of all ages. Contact our 50219 dentist office to schedule a checkup and cleaning, restoration consultation, or second-opinion visit. We are located on the west side of the historic town square in Pella, IA. Please see the map for directions.