Tooth loss can cause many dental and health problems. Patients with misaligned teeth might not be able to eat all they can or should because they are unable to chew well. Improper or incomplete chewing habits can lead to indigestion and even more serious conditions like malnutrition. Losing even one tooth may cause the remaining teeth to shift their position, altering an individual’s bite pattern and leading to pain in the head, neck and jaw. This is why anyone with a missing tooth should explore having the tooth restored, which can be done via dentures fitted by a Dayton or Bellbrook dentist, denturist or prosthodontist.
There are two denture options for the patient who is missing teeth: A partial denture or overdenture to replace a couple of teeth, or a full denture which can replace all the teeth in either jaw. Partial dentures clip onto a clasp attached to two abutting teeth (one on either side) and, so are removable, and are most appropriate for people have a few lost teeth. While overdentures are removable, too, they use the roots of the existing teeth to stay in position.
Dentures have to be custom fitted to the jaws and gums of each patient. The dentist has to evaluate the gums and jaw bones of the patient to plan out the shape of the anticipated denture. Some patients may require extraction of remaining teeth or shaping of the areas of the jaw to allow dentures to fit comfortably. Sometimes, during the extraction or shaping process swelling may occur in which case a temporary denture is inserted for six to twelve months before a permanent denture is made so that it fits properly.
Dentures can be crafted from a variety of materials, and it is up to the patient in consultation with their Dayton or Bellbrook dentist to select their material of choice as it greatly affects cost and appearance. For example, plastic dentures are less durable than the polymer dentures which are also more natural looking. Many people opt to pay the higher cost for the polymer in order to enjoy the benefits. Some dentures will require the use of various metals to make them fit better, and this, too, will increase the cost.
Denture care is quite simple, and should be incorporated into a traditional dental hygiene plan. Like the remaining teeth, gums and palate, dentures should be brushed and cleaned more than once a day. There are two reasons dentists advise their patients to remove the denture at night: One, it permits the saliva to access the gums to ensure a healthy natural environment and, two, to soak the dentures in a disinfectant solution to rid the denture of germs and food particles brushing may have missed. Good oral hygiene is necessary so that food particles and bacteria caught in the dentures do not irritate the soft tissues (gum) lining the mouth. Poor oral hygiene in combination with dentures can lead to gum disease and infection as well as other more serious medical problems.
Most denture wearers find that their dentures require a bit of maintenance every five to seven years, and will need to visit their Dayton- or Bellbrook-area dentist regularly to monitor the condition of their gums and their dentures.