What Questions to Ask a Dentist About Dentures

Dentures are the manufactured alternative to real human teeth and gums. Whether you already have dentures, or are just interested in learning about them, there's a lot to know about dentures. To live soundly with dentures, it's important to talk one-on-one with your dentist about any questions you may have.

Types of Dentures

• Ask your dentist about the types of dentures available. Seeing before and after pictures of other denture customers, or studying an actual sample of the dentures, might be helpful in making your choice. There are four different types of full dentures: standard, immediate, implant retained and Cu-Sil. Standard dentures are for people who are missing all of their teeth. To have standard dentures made requires around four appointments, according to Doctorspiller.com. Immediate dentures are made immediately, while patients still have their natural teeth. Natural teeth are extracted and the dentures are immediately placed in. Over time, immediate dentures may cause pain and many patients seek standard dentures. Implant retained dentures initially begin as holes drilled into the jaw bone with titanium screws placed in the holes. Over months, the titanium screws settle and dentures with a special attachment may be locked in place. Cu-Sil dentures are for patients with a few healthy teeth left. Special custom-fit holes are made in the dentures so you can still keep the healthy teeth. Cu-Sil dentures are very stable and can be transformed into standard dentures if patients lose all of their healthy teeth after getting the dentures. It is good to know how each denture works, the amount of care involved and how many appointments are necessary to get a final set of dentures made and fitted.

Life Changes

• Dentures change how you live and look, and may change other aspects of your life. Ask your doctor about how the dentures you chose will feel and look in your mouth. Inquire about the daily routine of caring for them, as well as how long you're allowed to wear them each day. Also ask your dentist if there are any foods or drinks you're not allowed to consume while wearing the dentures, and if there are any activities you can't do while wearing them. You may also want to find out how long you'll be out of work after having the dentures put in, if surgery is involved. Allow your dentist to explain the benefits and challenges of having dentures, such as the side effect of dry mouth or saggy skin due to a lack of facial muscle support that teeth usually give to the jaw and gums, which can make speaking and eating difficult without dentures, according to Drashleymann.com.

Costs Involved

• Price may be a deciding factor in your denture purchase. Some dentists offer senior discounts. Others offer coupons, warranties or even a certain percentage off of the total price. Have the costs of everything broken down (consultation, anesthesia, teeth removal, and the dentures themselves) and if it seems too much to handle at once, ask whether your dentist's office can help finance the cost. You may even get free cleanings for a period of time after you get your dentures.