Tooth decay is a common cause of tooth loss and, unfortunately, it is 20 times more common than diabetes and five times more common than childhood asthma. If you have lost your teeth due to tooth decay and are looking for a viable solution, you’ll likely come across complete dentures. Like you, there are many patients that want to know what this option entails. To help you understand more about the process of getting a complete denture, here are five detailed answers to the most common questions.

What Is a Complete Denture?

A complete denture is an oral prosthetic device that replaces a complete arch of missing teeth. A complete denture provides full coverage if all your teeth are missing, as opposed to partial dentures that cover a specific area of your mouth, where a few teeth are missing.

Complete dentures are suctioned to the roof of your mouth, meaning they are supported by the soft and hard tissues that surround them in the oral cavity.

What are the Advantages of Complete Dentures?

If you’re looking to replace all or a few missing teeth, a complete denture is a very affordable option compared to other treatment options like implants. Once you have a complete denture, it will help support your facial muscles, which improves your appearance and boosts confidence. In addition, you’ll be able to chew and talk properly.

Are Complete Dentures Durable?

Dentures are fairly durable and can last for up to 10 years. But keep in mind that if you experience bone loss due to other health issues, the lifespan of your denture won’t be as long. Your denture will need to be relined and rebased to fit correctly over the years.

How Long Will the Process Last?

Fabrication of a complete denture typically requires up to five dental appointments. To shorten the process, it’s often recommended that you wait at least six months after tooth extraction. This gives you more time to heal and ensures your denture won’t need to be relined frequently as a result of continued bone resorption.

How Do I Maintain My Dentures?

Be sure to gently clean the denture using a soft brush specifically designed for that process. Rinse the denture using a mild soap, dish wash liquid, or denture cleaner. Avoid dropping the dentures and don’t put them in hot water as they may lose their shape.

We hope the answers we provided have satisfied any pressing questions you might have had about complete dentures. If you need more answers or would like to discuss your options further, please get in touch.