At some point, for one reason or the other, some people get their teeth removed. A dentist can remove one or more teeth if they are broken or rotten. A person can also lose his/her teeth in an accident. After losing one or more teeth, a gap remains in the jaw. These gaps can sometimes bring about other problems. For this reason, temporary teeth can be used to fill up the empty gaps. The temporary teeth, or dentures, can either be full or partial. Full dentures are used to cover a whole jaw in case the patient loses all his teeth on that jaw. These are made in the shape and size of the patient’s jaws. They can be fixed on either the upper or the lower jaw, or both. Partial dentures are used in case of removal of one or more teeth. They are used to cover the gaps that remain in between the teeth after the removal of affected teeth. They need to be fixed to fit the gaps.
The Denture Fitting Process:
The process of fitting dentures in place can be done immediately the teeth are removed or later on after some time. Immediate fitting means the dentures are fitted as soon as the teeth are removed, in which case they may need to be reshaped or replaced after healing of the jaws and gums. This is because the jaws and gums change shape as they heal from tooth removal. Fitting the dentures after healing means allowance for the jaws and the gums to adjust before fitting the dentures. This ensures that the new dentures can remain for a long time as they are not affected by the healing process.
– Fitting Full Dentures: –
It is done when a person has all his teeth on a jaw are removed. Fitting a full denture can be done immediately after teeth removal. It can also be done for a replacement of an old denture. A dentist will usually take measurements and the impressions of the patient’s mouth. He will then order the denture. From the measurements, a denture will be sent for trial. After examination by the dentist and the patient, special instructions will be sent for modification to obtain the perfect fit, which then the dentist will fit on the patient’s jaws.
– Fitting Partial Dentures: –
The partial dentures are designed to fit into one or more gaps where the teeth have been removed. These types of dentures are either made of metal or plastic material where artificial teeth are fitted. They can be fit by clipping on some of the teeth and can easily and securely be removed from the mouth anytime. The material used for making the partial denture is made with the color of the teeth or the gum. It is up to the dentist to measure the patient’s teeth and gaps to decide the size of the required dentures. He will then order the denture to fit on the patient.
Apart from the regular dental checkup, the patient may want to promptly see the dentist if any problem arises from his dentures. Some of the signs that show that the patient needs attention of his dentist include:
- The clicking of dentures while talking: – This indicates that they may have been broken.
- Discomfort on the jaws/gums: – This could be an indicator that the dentures are damaged and may harm your gums.
- Dentures feel loose or tend to slip: -This can happen if you had a full denture fitting immediately after teeth removal. When the jaws and gum heals, they become loose and will need a replacement. New dentures can be made with new measurements.
- Dentures get worn out: – Since dentures are not teeth, they can easily get broken, or wear as they are in use. They will definitely need replacements.
- Signs of infection of the gums or teeth: – If your gums start bleeding, it indicates something is wrong. You need to see your dentist to ascertain the problem and administer proper treatment.
Always see your dentist to help you on how to maintain your dentures and advise on the best time for replacements. It is good to take great care for dentures since they are more fragile and brittle than ordinary teeth. Please do not do anything that you are not sure of on your teeth. Always consult your dentist for any question other than relying on random information.