Dentures: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

When a patient suffers from the issue of a missing tooth then he or she may be required to take that particular tooth out and then have dentures put back in its place which act as replacements. In the very beginning dentures can take some time to get used to. But once you have gotten used to it dentures can be very easy to wear, and also very natural to look at.

There might be a number of reasons why you might end up needing dentures. These are; one, if you have inflamed, red and bleeding gums then you should know that these are basic symptoms of inflammation of the gums. If you leave your gum inflammation issue untreated then it might lead to loss of bone and subsequently loss of tooth. The second reason for getting dentures is when the patient has loose teeth or even teeth with gaps in between. A loose tooth generally means that the patient has gum problems. The third reason includes having a recurrent and harsh toothache. Toothaches that occur right at the nerve center of the tooth can be dealt with by easy filling options when it is still in the initial stages of tooth decay. However, if it is in the advanced stage, treatment options tend to be on the costlier side. Therefore, in such cases, dentists might think of opting for dentures. Other reasons for getting dentures might include when you face trouble with chewing hard or really chewy food items. This means that you are probably suffering from gum diseases, or cavities or even broken tooth.

Dentures are generally of two types; partial and full. Whether you will require a partial denture or a full one will be determined by the doctor based on the severity of your condition. In a full denture procedure, an acrylic base that resembles the body flesh will be fitted right over the gums. The upper base of the denture will cover the portion of your palate and the lower one will be in the shape of a horseshoe that will help to accommodate the tongue.

A full denture procedure is a rather conventional one that will be put in the mouth after all the remaining teeth have been taken out and the tissues have been subsequently healed. This healing procedure can take up to a few months. During this while the patient will be required to stay minus the teeth.

In an immediate full denture procedure the denture will be put in only when all the excess teeth have been successfully removed. Dentures might need replacing of the lining some months down the line when the bone holding up the shape and structure of the teeth heals and causes the dentures to loosen and fall out.

Partial Denture procedure will rest on the metal framework. This framework happens to be joined to the natural teeth. When crowns are inserted on top of the natural teeth they help to serve the purpose of anchors.

Any person who is suffering from dental problems such as loose teeth, gum diseases, cavities or cracked or missing teeth is eligible to go ahead with a denture procedure, partial or full depending on the discretion of the dentist.

People who are not suffering from any tooth loss or are experiencing problems with their gum tissues or have a weak jaw bone should refrain from getting dentures and consult with your dentist regarding what you should do. Also, people who stand the risk of developing certain allergies from the ingredients that will be used during the denture treatment or hold a record of poor oral health should not get dentures.

Post the denture treatment patients may suffer from certain temporary side effects such as the dentures may tend to slip off. When that occurs, bite hard onto the denture, followed by swallowing. Patients may also feel that their dentures are loosening, in such a scenario make use of an adhesive on the recommendation of the doctor. Patients may feel difficulty talking and also difficulty eating. Patients might also feel nauseous and may experience an alteration with the saliva production levels.

Immediately following your denture treatment ensure to take proper care of both your existing natural teeth as well as the inserted dentures in order to prevent infections of any sort. Remember to brush the natural teeth at least twice daily with toothpaste that contains fluoride. Also, make sure to clean the tongue, gums and roof of the mouth. When cleaning your denture soak it to remove any particle of food and follow it up by cleaning it on top of a bowl containing water. When cleaning the dentures, do not scrub them too hard and also use a fizzy cleaner in order to remove any harsh stains.

Refrain from using bleach while cleaning your dentures as it can damage them heavily. When taking out your dentures at night, ensure to soak them in a vessel containing water, preferably a drinking glass. Actions such as coughing and sneezing can dislodge the dentures from their place due to creation of high air pressure.

After the denture procedure the patient can take anywhere between a few weeks to a few months to get adjusted with the denture inserted in the mouth.

The cost of dentures range from Rs. 20,000 to 52,000 depending on if your are getting partial or full denture. And the cost of denture adhesives in India can range from Rs. 200 to Rs. 1000.

The results of the treatment are not entirely permanent. Over time the denture treatment will need to be followed up by relining or rebasing caused as a result of wear and tear. The procedure of rebasing is very simple; it basically involves getting a new base. With age and wear there are changes in the mouth which resultantly loosen the dentures. In such a situation the patient is advised to get a medical check up done.

The alternative to a dental denture is an implant and also cemented bridges thus doing away with the requirement of a denture. Implants and cemented bridges are more natural in terms of their feel and look but are also costlier as compared to dentures.