Refuting Denture Myths and Misconceptions

Posted on: 6 January 2017

Dentures are a popular solution for correcting dental complications that come with losing multiple teeth. While dentures are a fairly common option, patients will frequently lack accurate information when they are considering whether or not dentures will represent a prudent investment for their needs.

Myth: You Will Receive Your Permanent Dentures the Same Day

When patients are needing to have multiple teeth replaced, it can be easy to understand why they would want their new dentures ready as soon as possible. Unfortunately, this can lead to patients expecting to have their permanent dentures when they leave the dentist after the first visit.

Unfortunately, it can take several days to a week or longer for your permanent dentures to be completed. This time is required so that your dentures can be made to match the contours of your gums as closely as possible. To help minimize you embarrassment and functional problems while waiting for your permanent dentures, your dentist may issue temporary dentures. While these will be effective, they may not be as comfortable as your permanent dentures, and they may be more prone to coming loose or slipping.

Myth: You Must Choose Either Dental Implants or Dentures

In addition to dentures, dental implants are another option that is frequently used. However, patients will often think that they must choose between dentures or dental implants. Yet, it is actually possible to combine both of these treatments. The dental implants can be necessary when the patient is lacking teeth to serve as anchors for the dentures. By your having a few implants installed, your dentist may find it easier to craft dentures that will be secure and comfortable in your mouth.

Myth: Dentures Should Be Kept Dry When You Are Not Wearing Them

While you are likely to wear your dentures for much of each day, there will be times when you will not need them. More precisely, this can be the case when you are sleeping. Whenever you are not wearing your dentures, you need to ensure that they are soaking in a sanitizing solution. Otherwise, it will be possible for bacteria to take hold on the surface of the dentures. These bacteria can contribute to the dentures tasting foul and to your developing bad breath. Furthermore, these bacteria may result in permanent stains developing on the dentures, and these can be eyesores when you smile. These sanitizing solutions can be extremely effective, but you will still want to make sure that you are thoroughly brushing your dentures in the morning and evening.

Talk to a professional, such as one at Dental Care Of Scottsburg - Randol O Woolbright Jr DDS, for more information.

Share

Providing Children With Dental Knowledge

When my three children were young, they were all excited to go to the dentist. The dentist's office was great fun with a large fish tank and a variety of puzzle toys in the waiting room. I liked the pediatric dental office so much that I jumped at the chance when I was offered a receptionist job. Many of the children who came to see the dentist were not nearly as happy as my children. Most kids were scared and anxious, and I learned fairly quickly that the children were worried because they had no idea what to expect. The dentist at the office provided me with a set of dental tools that I could show to the children. I explained how each of the devices worked. This eased the fears, and I started this blog so parents could share dental information with their children before dental visits.