In most cases, patients opt for dentures when they have at least a few teeth left in their mouth. Using these remaining teeth, impressions and measurements are taken to prepare a denture that fits the patient’s dental makeup. In the initial appointment, the mouth is numbed, all the remaining teeth are removed and a set of dentures known as ‘immediate dentures’ are provided and placed in right away.
When a patient first starts to use a denture, the feeling will be different and a learning curve should be followed to get used to things like talking and eating. However, with the passage of time, the tissue in the mouth will get adapted to the dentures. Then the patient’s tongue and cheek will be comfortable in holding the denture, which will, in turn, make the patient feel comfortable.
There are some patients who feel that their dentures are loose even though the dentist has made the dentures retentive by using all the techniques to gain retention from the patient’s gums. The reason behind the denture instability in such patients may be attributed to severe bone loss, which has resulted in very inadequate amounts of bone or gum tissue to hold the dentures in place. In such cases, the use of a denture fixative or adhesive is prescribed to hold the dentures firmly in place. Apart from a fixative, dentists are also able to place dental implants at certain positions so that a firm hold for the denture is achieved.
A denture which is supported by dental implants is identified as an overdenture. In patients who use this type of denture, dental implants are placed and integrated into the jawbone initially. Once the integration process is complete, the dentures are connected to the implants through a connector and in the upper denture; the palate is cut away so that it will be very slim and comfortable for the patient. As a result of dental implants, dentures are firmly set in place, giving the patient the chance to eat and chew more comfortably and confidently.
