How to Get Dentures

Dentistry has come a long way in the last few decades as new research and technology have made it possible for individuals of all ages to maintain an optimal level of oral health which allows them to keep their teeth in great condition. However, some people still have problems with their teeth, and they often have to be removed due to decay or disease. Since teeth play an important in role in appearance, eating and other aspects of a person’s life, dentists use false teeth when the actual teeth are no longer available. Although getting dentures can be frightening understanding the procedure beforehand can take away some of the anxiety. Here’s how to get dentures.

Things You'll Need

• $300 to $8,000

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Instructions

• 1

  One of the first things you must do in order to get dentures is to consult with your regular dentist about whether or not dentures are the best option for you. Most dentists recommend that you preserve and care for your natural teeth as long as possible, and they view dentures as a last resort. They may have other options and procedures they can use to help you maintain your original smile.

• 2

  If you and your dentist do decide dentures are the best option, you will need to determine who will perform the procedure. Some general practice dentists have education and training in dentures, while others may recommend that you see a specialist.

• 3

  After determining who will be performing the denture procedure, it is important that you have a consultation with them. This will allow them to discuss the different options available to you with dentures as well as answer any questions you may have. For example, you may find out that you only need partial dentures for a certain side or level of your mouth instead of an entire set. During this meeting your dentist will most likely take an impression of your mouth and your bite. This allows them to develop your dentures and have them ready to install the same day as your procedure.

• 4

  On the day of the procedure your dentist will spend most of his or her time extracting the teeth that remain in the area of your mouth where the dentures will be located. This is generally considered a major surgery, so expect anesthesia and someone to drive you home. It may even include the removal of a little bit of bone to ensure the dentures hold in place well.

• 5

  After the teeth have been extracted, the dentist will insert your dentures in your mouth if you are getting immediate dentures. There are many benefits to using immediate dentures, which is why more and more dentists are recommending them to their patients. They allow patients to walk out of their office with a brand new smile rather than wait a few weeks for the swelling from the extraction to go down in order to fit them in their mouth. In addition, they also help reduce the amount of swelling and bleeding that does occur after a major teeth extraction.

• 6

  A follow up appointment will be necessary after a few weeks or months depending upon how long it takes you to heal from your extraction surgery. Permanent dentures can be placed in your mouth if you didn’t opt for immediate ones as soon as the swelling has reduced and they can be properly fitted and cemented in. Individuals that did opt for immediate dentures can return for an appointment in a few months in order to make adjustments to their dentures now that the swelling has subsided.