Removable Prosthodontics (Dentures).
Sometimes the removal of a tooth or teeth is the only option left. When this occurs we need to look at replacement of these teeth for both aesthetic and functional purposes. Most often fixed options are the preferred choice however there are many instances where dentures are indicated.
Whether you need to replace one tooth or all of them we will guide you through the process and advised you on available options throughout. The denture process in full usually takes around 5-6 appointments most often spaced out over a period of around a month. This may be longer if you have had teeth extracted as part of your current treatment plan as it is very important to allow proper gum healing.
Dental Care.
Overnight:
Dentures should always be removed overnight. This will give your gums and oral tissues a chance to rest. Give your dentures a brush with a wet clean toothbrush at the same time you brush the rest of your teeth and gums. No toothpaste is necessary for cleaning dentures. Leave your dentures in a dry container and give them a brush with a wet toothbrush in the morning before placing them back in.
Maintenance:
Along with brushing your dentures every morning and night, once a week you can place your dentures in a dilute mixture of vinegar and water (in a 1:10 ratio) for 15 minutes before brushing them. The acetic acid in vinegar is proven to aid in the cleaning of soft plaques that can occur on dentures. If your maintenance is regular (every day) your dentures will be clean and this will avoid transmission of bacteria or fungi to your oral tissues.
Sore spots:
Almost all dentures will cause localised sore spots at some point in time. This is especially true for new dentures which will almost always require small adjustments or “eases” in the weeks and months following insertion. Please don’t do this yourself, let us know and we will troubleshoot the issue for you. If you have sore spots please wear the dentures for a few hours leading up to your appointment.
Retention:
If your denture is becoming loose, you may need the aid of denture adhesives which are available at any chemist and most supermarkets. If the dentures are still too loose come and see us, we will assess the problem and advise you on the necessary treatment options.