Dentures are a removable replacement for a missing tooth or teeth and the surrounding tissue. There are many reasons for tooth loss, even with today’s social consciousness around oral health.
An active lifestyle or repetitive motions can lead to tooth fracture and loss; Cavities, tooth decay, and infections like Gingivitis - a buildup of bacteria in plaque - can cause gums to become inflamed and to easily bleed. Uncared for this may lead to Periodontitis, also called gum disease, and tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue and bone that surrounds your teeth. There are any number of health reasons that would require you to consider getting dentures. There are two types of dentures - partial and complete. Both require your dentist or specialist to make a model of your teeth by taking impressions. The models are used to custom-make your dentures. Partial dentures are also known as “removable partial denture prostheses” or “partials”. Partial dentures are made up of one or more artificial teeth held in place by clasps that fit onto nearby natural teeth. A precision partial denture is removable and has internal attachments rather than clasps that attach to the adjacent teeth. This is a more natural-looking appliance that can be removed at night for cleaning. Complete dentures are what we most often refer to as “false teeth” or “full dentures” and are used when all your natural teeth are missing. Complete dentures are removable as they are held in place by suction. They can cause soreness at first and take some time to get used to. They can be either “conventional” or “immediate”. Made after the teeth have been removed and the gum and jaw tissue has begun to heal, a conventional denture is ready for placement in the mouth about eight to 12 weeks after the teeth have been removed. Immediate dentures are made before your teeth are removed. Your Edmonton dentist takes measurements and makes models of your jaws during your first visit. Once your teeth are extracted, your dentist inserts the immediate dentures. The benefit of immediate dentures is that you are not without teeth during the healing period, which can take up to 6 months. A disadvantage of immediate dentures compared with conventional dentures is that they require more adjustments to fit properly during the healing process and generally should only be considered a temporary solution until conventional dentures can be made. Dental implants are becoming the alternative to dentures but not everyone is a candidate for implants. Consult your Westmount Dental Centre dentist for advice. Regardless of cause, dentures benefit patients of any age who are missing teeth for a variety of reasons. If you need a denture clinic in Edmonton, call Westmount Dental Centre at 780-454-1269.