Dentures

uppers.

The teeth in the bottom of your mouth may be referred to as "lowers."

If your dentures only replace a few teeth, it may be called a partial denture or partial for short.

An overdenture combines the use of an implant to attach the denture to. This is most often used on lower dentures.

The muscles in your face and tongue as well as suction hold your dentures in place. Partial dentures may be secured to your remaining teeth. Overdentures are secured to small pegs inserted into your jawbone. ‚

What will the results be?

Dentures may help you eat the foods you enjoy. You may have more confidence and chewing may be easier. Dentures may improve your smile and chewing, but they require practice and patience. Dentures are foreign objects and it will take time for your cheek and tongue muscles to adapt. Eating, speaking, and singing will take practice the first time you have dentures. ‚

What happens before the procedure?

Your dentist will take your history and do an exam.
Other tests, like an x-ray of your mouth, may be ordered. Your dentist may make a mold of your mouth.
Talk to your dentist about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the dentist about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any other allergies, like metal allergies.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your dentist if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your dentist about them.
Tell your dentist if you are pregnant or you think you are pregnant.
Your dentist will decide how many appointments you may need for your dentures. Some people need surgery to have teeth removed before having dentures made.
- Most often, you will need 3 or more visits to complete your dentures.
- Each visit may take 30 to 60 minutes.

What happens during the procedure?

What happens during the procedure is based on the type of denture you will be having and if you need to have teeth pulled to fit your denture. Talk with your dentist to make sure you understand what you need to have done.
If you need to have teeth pulled:
- Your dentist will help you stay pain free and comfortable during the procedure.
- Most people get a shot to numb the mouth. Sometimes, you may have a drug to make you sleepy and pain free. This may happen if you are having many teeth pulled or your teeth are harder to pull.
- The dentist will remove any gum tissue or bone that is in the way and gently remove the tooth. You should feel pressure, but not pain.
- Blood will clot in the empty socket. Your dentist will put a gauze pad over the socket to help healing.
- Your dentist may need to make a few stitches to close the gum edges.
- The procedure most often takes 1 hour, but may take longer.
If you are going to have an overdenture that uses implants:
- Your dentist will numb your jaw. Then the dentist will make a small cut in your gum to see the jawbone. Next the dentist drills a hole in the bone and puts the implant in the hole.
- During your next visit, your dentist will uncover the implant and put on an extension. This is called a healing collar and lets your gums heal around the implant. You wear the healing collar while your denture is being made.
You will need to wait for your body to heal and the swelling to go down in your gums and jawbone. Talk with your dentist about how long this will take.
Your dentist will make a mold of your mouth in order to make your denture. This will be done when your mouth has had enough time to heal.
- This will allow the dentist or dental lab to shape your dentures to fit your mouth exactly.
- You may have temporary dentures to wear right after having your teeth pulled.
The dentist will put the new denture in place.

What happens after the procedure?

If you had a tooth pulled:
- Some bleeding is normal and should get less and less until it stops the next day.
- Right after your tooth is pulled, bite firmly but gently on a moist gauze pad to stop the bleeding. Bite on the pad for 45 minutes. Then replace it. You may need to repeat these steps until the bleeding stops.
- Avoid smoking and eat a soft diet. Do not use a straw.
- Your dentist will give you drugs to help with pain.
If you had an implant:
- You may feel some pain afterwards.
- Your dentist will recommend regular dental check-ups to make sure your implant remains healthy for your lifetime. You may need to have regular x-rays of your mouth during these visits.
- See your dentist for regular checkups of your dental implant parts.

What drugs may be needed?

The dentist may order drugs to: ‚

Prevent infection
Help with pain and swelling

What problems could happen?

Pain or sensitivity
Allergic reaction to the denture or implant material
Appearance of dark line on crowned tooth next to the gum line
Infection around the healing implant
Implant failure
Implant becomes loose
Need for replacement of dentures or implant parts. This is most often not needed until after years of use.
Dentures become loose or cracked
Tooth becomes loose on denture

Where can I learn more?

Academy of General Dentistry ‚
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=D&iid=186&aid=1230 ‚
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry ‚
http://aacd.com/index.php?module=cms&page=580 ‚
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/Dentures ‚

Last Reviewed Date

2014-06-12 ‚

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Dental
Gastrointestinal

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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