The Process for Getting Dentures Los Angeles, CA
By understanding what to expect when getting dentures, we can help you approach the process from an informed and prepared standpoint. Many patients with missing teeth choose to replace them with dentures, removable synthetic teeth that can replace any number of missing teeth. This option offers an affordable, versatile way to maintain comfort, appearance, and one's diet.
Dentures are available at Vatan Dental Group in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. During the fitting appointment, adjustment, and eventual replacement, our team will ensure the right fit to help benefit appearance and optimal oral health.
Replacing missing teeth can play an important role in your overall health and wellbeing, and contacting our office is the first step towards getting those missing teeth replaced. Call us at (310) 906-1300 to make an appointment.
The Preliminary Denture Appointment
Depending on the state of a patient's health, Vatan Dental Group may recommend full extraction of all their natural teeth before moving on to the restoration step. However, this is not always the case. The first appointment consists of taking images and impressions of the patient's mouth, with or without extractions.
Depending on the patient's custom treatment plan, the first appointment may also involve Vatan Dental Group fitting the patient with immediate dentures. However, immediate dentures are only a temporary solution until the permanent dentures are ready.
“The first appointment consists of taking images and impressions of the patient’s mouth, with or without extractions.”
Immediate Dentures
According to an article in the journal Annali di Stomatologia, temporary immediate dentures can improve a patient's appearance as well as maintain the tone of the facial muscles and reduce post-extraction pain. Patients who receive immediate interim dentures do not have to go without teeth during the healing process while they wait for the creation of their permanent dentures.
During the recovery period, the dentist will see the patient frequently to make sure that everything is going as it should. Oral hygiene is especially important to reduce the likelihood of infection and promote healing.
“Patients who receive immediate interim dentures do not have to go without teeth during the healing process while they wait for the creation of their permanent dentures.”
Permanent Dentures
Permanent dentures are the final product that the patient will wear daily. They have a useful life of approximately five to 10 years with proper care. Therefore, a patient should expect to get new permanent dentures eventually.
As a person ages, jawbone and gum tissue tends to shrink, especially after having teeth extracted. However, this shrinkage is not a reason to get a new set of dentures, as permanent dentures can be rebased or relined to account for changes in the jawbone and gums.
“Permanent dentures can be rebased or relined to account for changes in the jawbone and gums.”
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The Fitting Appointment
A fitting appointment is the first step in the process of getting dentures. This appointment typically takes place at least four weeks after a tooth extraction to give the gums time to heal. Patients who choose immediate or temporary dentures will have an impression taken beforehand, so the dentures are ready at the time of the extraction. Then, patients get fitted for their permanent dentures after four to eight weeks.
At the initial appointment, our dentist performs a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's gums and oral health. Then, our team takes an impression of both the upper and lower jaws. For patients needing complete dentures, this process creates an accurate mold of the gums. Patients who only need a partial denture to replace upper or lower teeth still get an impression of both jaws. The partial denture has to fit well among the remaining teeth, so it is crucial to have an accurate mold for the entire mouth.
We also discuss optimal shape, size, and color for the replacement teeth. As reported in an article in the International Journal of Esthetic Dentistry, computer-aided design and manufacturing technology enables dental labs to produce increasingly customized dentures, which creates a more natural appearance.
“A fitting appointment is the first step in the process of getting dentures.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What happens during the preliminary denture appointment?
Q. When do I need immediate dentures?
Q. How long do permanent dentures last?
Q. What should I do if my dentures start to feel uncomfortable?
Q. What is the first step in the process of getting dentures?
People Also Ask
Q. Why are dentures a preferred treatment?
Q. How do removable partial dentures work?
Q. What lifestyle changes will people experience after getting dentures?
Q. What are the types of implant supported dentures?
Q. What is a partial removable denture for one missing tooth?
Ongoing Care for Denture-Wearers
Oral health must be a priority even for a patient who has no natural teeth remaining. A patient with a full or partial set of dentures needs to visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. Any time the dentures start to shift or feel uncomfortable, the patient should make an appointment to have them examined and adjusted.
As explained in the Journal of the American Dental Association, due to changes in bone structure following extractions, patients will need their dentures adjusted within weeks of getting immediate dentures and then again several months later. After that, some patients may not need adjustments for several years; others will continue to need them more frequently. As a patient's jawbone and gums change, there are two primary methods for adjusting the dentures for optimum comfort and health:
Denture Relining
As the jaw and gums shrink, they move away from the base of the denture, creating gaps. Vatan Dental Group can reline a set of dentures by adding material to the existing base to fill the gaps and restore a snug fit. Sometimes, however, a patient's oral structures change so much that simple relining is not enough.
Denture Rebasing
When relining is not an option, Vatan Dental Group can rebase the dentures. This process preserves the existing prosthetic teeth but replaces the base material. Vatan Dental Group will take new images and impressions to ensure the new base will be a good fit for the patient. After the completion of the new base, fittings can continue as before.
“Any time the dentures start to shift or feel uncomfortable, the patient should make an appointment to have them examined and adjusted.”
Frequently Asked Questions About What To Expect When Getting Dentures
Q. Does it hurt when the dentist takes impressions during the fitting appointment?
A. The process is not invasive. You do have to open your mouth wide, which can cause brief discomfort or jaw soreness. Though uncomfortable for some, taking impressions is generally not painful.
Q. When do I need to go back to the dentist after completing the process of getting dentures?
A. As per the recommendation of the Oral Health Foundation, it is important to continue visiting a dentist regularly. Follow your dentist's advice as to the right schedule for you. If at any time you experience problems with your dentures or oral health, call the dentist's office promptly.
Q. Is a strange feeling in the mouth part of what to expect when getting dentures?
A. It is normal for a denture to feel a little odd or even uncomfortable for the first few days as one gets used to it. If the denture starts feeling uncomfortable again after you have adjusted to it, there may have been a change in fit.
Q. How soon after my fitting appointment will I have my dentures?
A. This depends on how complex the denture is and whether you need additional procedures. A single tooth replacement can take one appointment and as little as a week to make. A set of complete dentures may need four or more appointments and can take as long as eight weeks to be finished.
Q. Can I resume my normal eating habits immediately after getting dentures?
A. We recommend starting with soft foods and small pieces. As you get used to the dentures, you will be able to resume your usual eating habits gradually. Avoid hard or sticky foods.
Q. Do I have to buy special products to care for my dentures?
A. Denture cleaners are specifically formulated to avoid harming the materials of the dentures. Our dentist can make specific recommendations based on the make of your dentures and other factors. WebMD advises against regular toothpaste as it can be too abrasive.
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Denture Terminology
Call Us Today
Whether you are new to wearing dentures or need an adjustment to your existing ones, call us today at 310-906-1300 to make an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
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