If you’ve lost all
of your natural teeth, whether from periodontal
disease, tooth decay or injury, complete
dentures can replace your missing teeth
and your smile. Replacing missing teeth
will benefit your appearance and your
health. Without support from the denture,
facial muscles sag, making a person look
older.
You’ll be able to eat and speak—things that people often take for granted until
their natural teeth are lost. There are various types of complete dentures. A
conventional full denture is made and placed in the patient’s mouth after the
remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed which may take several
months. An immediate complete denture is inserted as soon as the remaining
teeth are removed.
The dentist takes measurements and
makes models of the patient’s jaws during a preliminary visit. With immediate
dentures, the denture wearer does not have to be without teeth during the
healing period. Even if you wear full dentures, you still must take good care
of your mouth. Brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a
soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures to stimulate circulation in
your tissues and help remove plaque.