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How long do I need to wait after extraction
of teeth to get my dentures?
It is advisable to wait for at least 4 weeks after the extraction of teeth
before the dentist can initiate the process of denture construction. This
gives sufficient time for the extraction wound to heal and for the underlying
bone to remodel.
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What is a complete denture?
A complete denture is a dental prosthesis that replaces all the teeth and
contiguous oral tissues in order to help restore the function, health and
the appearance of the patient. Complete dentures can be made for the lost
upper and the lower teeth.
Under certain circumstances only the upper or the lower denture is made
and this is called a single denture.
Complete dentures fabricated before the extraction of the teeth and inserted
soon after the extraction are called immediate complete dentures. |
What are dentures made of?
All dentures are made of a denture base and teeth. The denture base is usually
made of acrylic resin, which is usually colored pink to resemble the oral
gum tissues. Sometimes the base can also be made of metals such as chromium
cobalt alloy or certain titanium alloys.
The teeth are made of acrylic resins, which is the most preferred, or porcelain.
Teeth are available in various sizes, forms and colors to suit the needs
of the patients. |
How do complete dentures stay in place?
Dentures are made to stay in place by their close fit to the underlying
tissues. When the dentures are manufactured so that they adapt closely to
the underlying tissues, it creates a vacuum seal that retains the denture
in place. The thickness and quantity of saliva plays an important role in
the retention of the denture.
Dentures can also be made to stay in place by using mechanical means such
as springs, magnets, or by use of denture adhesives. |
Do you need to replace dentures after a
few years?
Ideally dentures have to be replaced every 5 years. With the passage of
time there will be a change in the shape and form of the tissues that hold
the dentures. So in due course of time the dentures loose their exact fit
and can cause injury and irritation to the underlying tissues. In addition
the acrylic artificial teeth also wear off in due course of time and they
no longer cut and chew food as effectively as before.
So it is advisable to replace the dentures after every 5 years |
Do new dentures cause sores?
Yes very often the new dentures may cause areas of soreness in the underlying
tissues. Even the most nicely made dentures may cause some irritation when
newly worn. These are usually due to a sharp spot on the denture that irritates
the tissue or may sometimes be due to a sharp bony area in the tissues.
These areas of irritation should be brought to the notice of the dentist
to do the necessary modifications in the denture to relieve these areas. |
What is denture sore mouth?
Denture sore mouth is an inflammatory condition of the tissues beneath the
dentures. The tissues appear reddish and the patient may complain of a burning
sensation. This condition may be due to an allergic reaction to the denture
base material and sometimes superimposed with bad oral hygiene and unclean
dentures. |
