Dentures, or false teeth, have connotations of being fake-looking, uncomfortable, inconvenient, and whatever other myths are being floated around when talking about dentures. Maybe these things used to be true of false teeth, but dental practices, technology, and materials have come a long way. Dentures are now an excellent solution for anyone who has lost some or all of their teeth due to gum disease, tooth decay, or trauma to the teeth.
To help everyone get a better understanding of dentures and to clear up some of the falsehoods, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about dentures and denture wearers.
Do you need all your teeth removed to have dentures?
If you want to have complete dentures fitted and still have some natural teeth left in your mouth, then you will need to have the remaining teeth removed before having dentures fitted. If you have enough of your natural teeth remaining, then you can instead opt for partial dentures. Learn more about the difference between partial and complete dentures in this blog.
Are dentures painful?
When you first have your dentures fitted, you may experience some discomfort and irritation. As your mouth adjusts to the dentures, this discomfort should pass. If you experience discomfort for a long time or if your dentures are causing you pain, then see your dentist to have the fit of your dentures checked. The same goes for if you suddenly start experiencing pain after having worn your dentures for a while.
Do I need to remove my dentures at night?
It is highly recommended that you remove your dentures when going to sleep, but you can leave them in. By removing them overnight, you give your gums and jawbone some relief from the pressure placed on them by your dentures. Taking them out at night also gives you the chance to clean them properly as you can place them in water or a denture cleaner overnight.
Do I need to remove my dentures to eat?
No, you can eat with your dentures in. It may take some getting used to when you first start wearing dentures, but you should start getting used to this after a few weeks, allowing you to eat normally. You may also have to adapt your diet slightly to avoid foods that are too hard or chewy.
If you have any other questions about dentures and whether they are right for you, you can contact us online or give us a call. We provide affordable care for dentures across Clemmons, Lewisville, Mocksville, Winston Salem, Advance, and Bermuda Run