Why is this procedure done?
Missing teeth can change your smile and affect how you are able to eat. You may be missing only one tooth or you may be missing many teeth. You may have had a tooth pulled or a permanent tooth never grew in place after your baby teeth fell out. You may have had very bad dental or gum disease and had to have all of your teeth pulled. � �
Your dentist may suggest dentures to replace one or more of your missing natural teeth. Dentures are removable objects that may replace a few or all of your teeth. They also have a gum colored part that looks like your natural gum. � �
- A full set of dentures would replace all of your teeth in your mouth.
- If you only needed to have the teeth on the top of your mouth replaced, these dentures are often called "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 called implants. � �
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your dentist what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the dentist says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- If you had teeth pulled, learn how to take care of your healing mouth:
- If your mouth starts to bleed again, apply gentle pressure for 10 minutes. Use a wet tea bag, moist piece of gauze, or a clean wet wash cloth to apply pressure to the area.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- You may want to sleep with a towel over your pillow. Sometimes a small amount of blood can appear on your pillow in the morning after surgery.
- You may have stitches in your mouth. Some stitches need to be taken out and others fall out on their own. Ask your dentist what kind of stitches were used in your mouth.
- Follow the dentists instructions about eating and drinking. Avoid smoking and sucking on straws. These may help you avoid more bleeding or the chance of developing a dry socket. A dry socket is a painful condition that can happen a few days after surgery.
- Most often you will start eating a soft or liquid diet after you get your dentures. Use extra care when chewing. Ask when you can go back to your regular diet.
- Ask what foods are good to eat. You may want to avoid:
- Food and drinks that are very hot
- Sticky or chewy foods like chewing gum or candy
- Hard foods like peanuts or chips
- Follow your dentist's orders about how to best care for your dentures.
- Brush your dentures over a bowl of water or a towel to prevent damage in case you drop them.
- Clean your dentures after every meal, along with any remaining natural teeth you have.
- Rinse your dentures before you brush them. This will help to get rid of any loose food.
- Brush all areas of your dentures with a soft toothbrush and a denture cleaner.
- Avoid using boiling water on your dentures. This can cause them to change shape.
- When you are not wearing your dentures, you may soak them in denture cleaner and water or a small cup of water.
- Never wear your dentures to sleep.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your dentist may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need to go back to the dentist after you heal from the surgery. Then the dentist can adjust the dentures to your healing mouth. � �
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
When do I need to call the doctor?
Call your dentist if: � �
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 � �F (38 � �C) or higher, chills.
- You notice a sore spot in your mouth. Your denture or bridge may need to be adjusted.
- Swelling or pain that cannot be controlled with the drugs or instructions given to you by your dentist
- Your denture breaks or cracks or a tooth becomes loose
- Your denture does not seem to be fitting the right way anymore
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: � �
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you how to take care of my healing mouth.
- I can tell you when I can go back to my normal diet.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a sore place in my mouth, swelling, or pain.
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 � �
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 providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
Copyright
Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �