Dentures

Dentures, a type of removable dental prosthetic, serve as a practical solution for individuals experiencing missing teeth and damaged surrounding oral tissues. Typically constructed from acrylic resins and occasionally fortified with metal attachments, dentures are designed to mimic the appearance of natural teeth closely.

The primary function of dentures is to restore dental functionality, enabling individuals to chew food effectively and speak more clearly. Additionally, dentures contribute to improved facial aesthetics by supporting the wearer's facial muscles and filling in gaps created by missing teeth.

The carefully crafted, custom-fit design ensures a comfortable and secure fit, allowing individuals to carry out their daily activities with ease. At Black Point Dental, our team is dedicated to helping you find the right denture solution.

Dentures come in various forms to accommodate different needs. At Black Point Dental, Dr. Patrick Ferguson will carefully evaluate your case and develop a personalized treatment plan that best suits your unique requirements.

Complete dentures are recommended for patients who have lost all their natural teeth, whereas partial dentures are utilized to fill specific gaps when only some teeth are missing.

During your consultation, Dr. Ferguson will perform a thorough examination, including X-rays, to confirm that no dental issues could hinder your ability to receive dentures.

If you have suffered significant tooth loss as a result of trauma, periodontal disease, or an accident, you may be an excellent candidate for complete dentures. Conversely, if you have a few gaps in your teeth but still possess some natural teeth, partial dentures might be the ideal solution for you.

The fabrication of dentures involves a multistep procedure that necessitates several appointments, with intervals between each visit. The process unfolds as follows:

• Dr. Ferguson takes precise impressions of your jaw and mouth.
• Wax models mirroring the final shape of your dentures are crafted, allowing for a trial fitting and any required adjustments.
• The finalized denture model is dispatched to a laboratory, where it is produced using acrylic materials in the chosen color and size.
• Once completed, the dentist carries out any necessary modifications to ensure a comfortable and secure fit for you.

When you start wearing your new dentures after your gum tissue has healed, you may experience some mouth soreness or irritation. This discomfort will gradually subside as your tongue and cheek muscles adapt to holding the denture in place. 

If irritation persists after a few weeks, consider scheduling a denture adjustment with Dr. Patrick Ferguson at Black Point Dental.

For partial denture wearers, continue wearing them while awaiting adjustment appointments, as your remaining natural teeth may shift into the gaps, needing a reshaping process.

Adapting to eating with dentures may take time. We recommend the following:

• Begin with soft foods.
• Cut food into small pieces.
• Chew on both sides of your mouth.
• Gradually reintroduce other foods into your diet.
• Avoid sticky, hard, and spicy foods.
• Drink liquids with meals.
• Be mindful of hot food temperatures.

Some discomfort while speaking may occur initially, but with time and practice, these issues will resolve.

Proper denture care is essential. Follow these recommendations:

• Brush dentures daily with a soft-bristled brush and denture cleaning solution. Avoid toothpaste, as it may stain dentures.
• Handle dentures carefully and clean them over a towel or water-filled sink.
• Keep dentures moist when not in use with cleanser-soaking solution or water.

With proper care, your dentures can last 5 to 10 years before needing replacement. Maintain regular dental appointments for progress monitoring.

Denture adhesive can secure dentures in place and form a seal preventing food particles from getting trapped. 

Apply a small amount of adhesive to clean dentures before placing them in your mouth. Clean dentures thoroughly after removal. Do not use adhesive as a substitute for denture adjustments, as it may negatively impact your oral health.