Dentures & Partial Dentures in Ft. Collins

Should I Have All My Teeth Pulled to Get Dentures?

When possible, it is better to repair a damaged tooth than replace it. Extractions will only take place when it is absolutely necessary, like when a tooth is far too damaged to save as a result of decay, infection, or severe trauma that has broken off most of the enamel. If all of your teeth in an arch are decayed or infected from periodontal disease, it can be more cost effective to replace them with dentures than repair them with crowns or another restoration option. Dr. Lindsey will help you by exploring your options and determining whether or not extractions are necessary.

 

What Qualifies You for Dentures?

There are a few different types of dentures – partial dentures, full dentures, and implant-retained dentures. Here are the requirements for each one:

• Partial dentures: This type is typically used for people who still have most of their teeth. If you have lost a few teeth due to oral disease, malnutrition, or an accident, this may be a viable option.
• Full dentures: For patients who have lost most of or all of their teeth due to bone loss, severe periodontal disease, or another health issue, full dentures are recommended.
• Dental implant dentures: Implants can be used to support dentures if there is still a significant amount of jawbone density. Lost jawbone dentistry can be restored with a bone graft.

 

What Can’t You Eat with Dentures?

When you have dentures, it is a good idea to avoid sticky foods, like peanut butter and gummy candies, because they can pull dentures out of place. Foods that contain small pieces can be difficult to chew with dentures, such as popcorn, shelled nuts, and sesame seeds. It is a good idea to avoid hard and tough foods like nuts, apples, carrot sticks, corn on the cob, steak, and porkchops. You don’t want to put too much stress on your dentures.

 

Can I Have My Dentures Relined if They Don’t Fit Properly?

Dentures typically need to be realigned as their shape changes over time due to wear and tear. A soft reline is performed to add additional cushion to the prosthetic if your gums are sensitive to the weight of the dentures. Hard relines are necessary for more extensive changes and often require your dentist to send your dentures to a separate lab. If your dentures are causing sores in your mouth, a temporary reline can be performed to allow the soft tissue time to heal. Traditional dentures typically need to be fully replaced every 7-10 years. On the other hand, implant dentures never need to be readjusted or replaced thanks to their unique construction and placement.

 

Can I sleep in my dentures?

No one wants to be caught without their teeth; however, your dentist will recommend only wearing your dentures in Ft. Collins to bed for the first night after receiving them. You’ll need to keep your new dentures in your mouth for 24 hours. Once that time has passed, it’s best to remove them every night to give your gums time to rest. After a long day of supporting your replacement teeth, the circulation in the soft tissues will be reduced, which can irritate the gums. In some cases, it can even increase the rate of ridge resorption. Your gums need a break to recover to get the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Not to mention, bacteria love dark, moist environments, like in between your gums and denture. If your dentures aren’t cleaned and removed nightly, you’ll have an increased risk of pneumonia. You may also experience bad breath, and your dentures could develop an unpleasant odor. Soaking your new teeth in a denture cleaning solution nightly kills bacteria to keep your mouth and body healthy. You also won’t need to worry about bad breath.

 

Can I use regular toothpaste to clean my dentures?

Your dentures aren’t subject to tooth decay; however, you should commit to brushing and rinsing them daily. You don’t want to use a regular toothpaste because it can leave small scratches on the surface of your dentures, which can damage them over time. Instead, your denture dentist in Ft. Collins recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a mild hand soap or dishwashing liquid to clean them. You should also rinse your dentures after every meal. Don’t forget to brush your gums and tongue before putting your dentures back in. You’ll want to remove plaque that can accumulate in your mouth from wearing your dentures for too long. It will also get rid of any adhesive residue that might be lingering in your mouth.

 

Do upper dentures always cover the palate?

It’s true, a soft palate covering the top of your mouth can diminish the taste of food, which is why some upper dentures are palateless. Instead, they have a horseshoe shape, like what’s used for the lower arch. This method is also similar to an implant-retained denture. Your dentist will explain all your options during your initial consultation to find the right type for your needs and preferences.

 

Can you still kiss with dentures?

You don’t need to fret when puckering up to give a loved one a kiss. It may take a while to get used to how it feels because your dentures don’t contain any nerves like your real teeth. As a result, you might bump your partner’s mouth too hard with your new teeth. You may also have anxiety about your teeth shifting, but new advancements in dentistry will ensure your dentures stay snuggly in place. You can also use an adhesive if you want added security. After a little practice, you’ll be able to kiss without any concern because it will feel completely natural.