Dentures & Dental Implants
Baxter Dental of Ballwin, MO provides procedure options for denture and dental implants as a replacement option for missing teeth. When you’ve suffered tooth loss due to gum disease, injury, or tooth decay, we can restore that grin. Dentures are a good option for many people who have lost teeth, and we offer full and partial dentures to patients from throughout Missouri and Illinois.
Today’s dentures are significantly different than the false teeth of days gone by. Dentures are now made with better materials and technology, and they look and feel more like natural teeth. In fact, they’re more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing than ever before.
Dentures not only fill in gaps where teeth are missing; they also help you to chew and speak, and they help to keep your face and jaw muscles from sagging, which can give you a more youthful appearance. For many of our patients, dentures have restored confidence and given them back the look and functionality they were missing.
Four Types of Dentures
There are three kinds of dentures available:
Partial Dentures
These are for patients who still have some of their natural teeth.
Full Dentures
These are often the best choice when there are no natural teeth left.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures are made prior to the extraction of the remaining teeth and then inserted immediately following extractions.
Implant Dentures
Implant dentures can be full, partial, or immediate dentures that attach to dental implants. Implant dentures can be attached to 2 or more dental implants. As more implants are used to stabilize the implant denture, it begins to feel more like teeth and less like a denture.
Your Baxter Dental Group dentist will go over your options and provide you with the information you need to decide which type of dentures are best for your unique smile.
What Happens When I get Dentures?
Often, the process of getting dentures begins with one or more tooth extractions. You may be fitted ahead of time for immediate dentures so that when you leave, you won’t have to deal with physical and emotional difficulties associated with missing teeth. This appliance will also allow your gums to heal with as little irritation as possible.
After about six to eight weeks, once you’ve fully healed, you’ll be measured again for your dentures. This may take a little time, as Dr. Woodruff or Dr. Wehrmeister carefully determine the correct alignment needed between your upper and lower teeth. Your dentist will make sure that your new dentures will fit as best as possible to help prevent clicking when you chew or speak.
On the third visit, your newly completed dentures will be tested on a rim of wax as one final step to make sure the fit is comfortable. This allows us to make any last-minute adjustments before we send them to the laboratory for their final touches.
On the fourth visit, you will leave with your new dentures, and be on your way to eating and speaking as if your teeth were natural.
How Do Dentures Feel?
Most people report that dentures feel a little awkward until they become accustomed to them. It is not unusual to experience soreness or minor irritation for a couple of weeks. You may also notice that your mouth is producing more saliva for a short time, which is a natural response.
As you become accustomed to your dentures, they will begin to feel less noticeable. However, your Baxter Dental Group dentists will check and adjust the fit of your dentures as needed at follow-up appointments. If irritation or soreness persists, consult with your dentist so he can help.
How Do I Care for Dentures?
Good dental hygiene is important, even when you have dentures. Like your natural teeth, dentures must be cleaned with a soft-bristled toothbrush every day to remove plaque and food particles, and to minimize potential staining.
When you are not wearing your dentures, store them in a glass of water to keep them from warping. Additionally, brush your gums, tongue, the roof of your mouth, and the inside of your cheeks to remove plaque and bacteria. This will keep your breath fresh and reduce the chance that you’ll experience oral irritation or infections.
Talk to your dentist about whether or not you should use adhesives, including powders, creams, strips, pads, wafers, or liquids. If you do use them, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance, and use these products only as indicated on the package.
Finally, visit Baxter Dental Group for regular check-ups. Your oral health is an important part of your overall wellness, and we are here to ensure that you continue to look and feel your best.
