Full dentures are placed for patients who are missing all of their teeth while partial dentures are used when a patient is only missing some teeth. Whenever partials are placed, all of the remaining teeth must be healthy enough to support the dentures since this is where the false tooth will be anchored. There are times when this may need preliminary dental work to strengthen and prepare the remaining teeth before the fitting. When dentures become damaged or break, they are a need for it to be fixed. Many partial denture repairs can fix breaks and chips within days. In this article, it will be the process of making the dentures will be briefly described. There will also be explanations of how to adjust to them and what should be done when they break or become damaged.
Having partials created usually requires at least four or five visits. At the first visit, a dentist will take x-rays to examine the structure of your jaws, teeth, and tissues. Then, he or she will create impressions or mold from which to make the dentures. The second appointment is required to reshape the teeth and you should not worry too much since the reshaping is often minor. During the third visit, your dentist will test the shape and will try to fit your new dentures and there will be adjustments that are likely to be necessary to do until it is perfectly fit. The fourth visit is when the newly-adjusted dentures are fitted and actually worn. Your dentist will want you to come back in a few days to report any soreness caused by the new dentures.
Dentures break easily and it usually happens by accident. Dropping them to the floor or knocking them off a shelf can easily cause chips, cracks or fractures. Your dentist can repair broken dentures if the damage is kept to the minimal. But, if there’s a major fracture in the frame, a tooth falls out, or several teeth break, you may need to send them to a dental laboratory for repairs. Even partial denture repair work requires specific tools that are not found in your dentist’s inventory of equipment.
At first, your dentures will feel odd in your mouth. They might seem bulky or ill-placed and it will really take time for your tongue to be accustomed to them. You will probably need to practice speaking for a couple of weeks in order to regain your speech patterns. Also, your mouth will produce more saliva in the beginning. In time, your brain will recognize the dentures as a permanent part of your mouth and produce less saliva so this means less embarrassment on your part. Finally, eating will probably feel uncomfortable at first. You must start eating soft foods to reduce the occurrence of soreness.
For emergency dental services, call 973 627-3617 to book an appointment.