What Are Partial Dentures and Why Are They Important?

senior wearing dentures

Dentures are a common solution for people who have lost one or more teeth. They are removable dental appliances that can replace missing teeth and restore the appearance and functionality of your smile. Partial dentures are a type of denture that is used when some of your natural teeth remain in your mouth. In this article, we will discuss what partial dentures are and why they are essential.

What Are Partial Dentures?

Partial dentures are dental appliances that are designed to replace one or more missing teeth. They are typically made of a combination of metal and acrylic, and they attach to your remaining teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments. Partial dentures can be removable or fixed, depending on your needs.

There are two types of partial dentures: acrylic and cast metal. Acrylic partial dentures are made entirely of acrylic and are typically used as a temporary solution while you wait for your permanent dentures to be made. Cast metal partial dentures are made of a metal framework with acrylic teeth and gums attached to them. They are more durable and long-lasting than acrylic partial dentures.

Why Are Partial Dentures Important?

Partial dentures are important for several reasons. Here are some of the key benefits of partial dentures:

1. Improved Appearance

Missing teeth can have a significant impact on your appearance, which can affect your self-esteem and confidence. Partial dentures can fill in the gaps in your smile and restore your natural appearance. They are custom-made to fit your mouth and blend in with your remaining teeth, so they look natural and attractive.

2. Better Chewing and Speaking

Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew your food properly, which can lead to digestive problems and malnutrition. Partial dentures can restore your ability to chew and eat comfortably. They can also help you speak more clearly, which is vital for your social and professional interactions.

3. Preserve Remaining Teeth

When you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth can shift and move out of place. This can cause a misalignment of your bite and lead to problems with your jaw and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Partial dentures can help prevent the remaining teeth from shifting and preserve the alignment of your bite.

4. Prevent Bone Loss

When you lose a tooth, the bone supporting it can deteriorate over time. This can lead to a loss of jawbone density and affect the stability of your remaining teeth. Partial dentures can help prevent bone loss by stimulating the underlying bone and preserving its density.

5. Affordable Option

Partial dentures are typically more affordable than other dental solutions, such as dental implants or bridges. They are a cost-effective way to replace missing teeth and restore your smile.

How to Care for Your Partial Dentures

To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your partial dentures, taking proper care of them is crucial. Here are some tips for caring for your partial dentures:

1. Clean and Brush Your Dentures Daily

Just like your natural teeth, partial dentures must be cleaned and brushed daily to remove plaque and bacteria. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive denture cleaner to clean your dentures.

2. Soak Your Dentures Overnight

Soaking your dentures overnight can help remove any remaining bacteria and keep them moist. Use a denture-soaking solution or plain water to soak your dentures.

3. Handle Your Dentures Carefully

Partial dentures can be fragile, so it is vital to handle them carefully to avoid breaking or damaging them. When handling your dentures, stand over a soft towel or basin of water to cushion any accidental drops.

4. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining the health of your teeth and gums, as well as your partial dentures. Your dentist can check the fit of your dentures and make any necessary adjustments to ensure they are comfortable and effective.

Conclusion

Partial dentures are a valuable solution for people who have lost one or more teeth. They can improve your appearance, restore your ability to chew and speak, preserve your remaining teeth, prevent bone loss, and are affordable. By taking proper care of your partial dentures, you can ensure they are effective and long-lasting. If you are missing teeth, talk to your dentist about whether partial dentures are a good option for you.

If you are looking for reliable family dentists in Pickering, look no further than our services here at Pickering Dental Services. Our Pickering dentists know how to provide the best in preventative dental care so you and your family can enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles. Call us today to book your first dental appointment with us.

It Takes This Long to Recover from Dental Implants

senior patient at the dentist

Considering dental implants? You may be curious about the length of time it will take to recover, which depends on the specific procedure. Here we will explain the total recovery time you can anticipate after a regular implant surgery, osseointegration, or crown placement.

Implant Surgery: One to Two Weeks

Once your surgery is complete, you won’t experience any immediate pain or soreness due to the anesthesia given. We’ll put a gauze pad over the implant area, and you’ll need to bite down to help form the blood clot. The bleeding should lessen within 1-2 hours but can continue for up to 24 hours.

Once the sedation and numbing effects have faded, you may feel some pain and discomfort. If you have been prescribed a painkiller, make sure to get it filled and take it as instructed. If not, you can take ibuprofen or another over-the-counter medication to help manage the discomfort. Additionally, applying an ice pack to the area near the implant site can help to soothe it.

After your implant surgery, you should take a few days to rest and relax. During this time, your gums will heal and form a seal around the new implant. To ensure a successful recovery, it is important to follow the instructions your dentist has given you. This may include changing your diet to softer foods, carefully cleaning your teeth and implant, and taking other steps to assist the healing process. With proper care and attention, you should be able to recover within a week or two.

The healing process for a surgical implant typically lasts for a few days. Initially, you may experience some pain, swelling, and discomfort at the implant’s site. However, these symptoms should gradually decrease over the next day or two. After that, the area should no longer be excessively bleeding.

Osseointegration: Three to Six Months Or More 

Dental implants are crafted from titanium, which has the remarkable capacity to meld securely to your jawbone. This process is gradual, however, and may take up to 3-6 months or longer to complete. In the meantime, your post-surgery recovery time should already have passed.

Taking your time with this process is essential. Waiting for the implant to heal and form a strong bond with the bone is necessary to ensure long-term success. Any restoration before this process is finished can result in the implant not being able to function properly and potentially failing in the future.

The dentist will see me multiple times to assess how my mouth is healing, devise a plan for the remaining dental work needed, and start crafting the dental crown.

Crown Placement: None

At the final appointment, a dental crown will be attached to the implant that has already healed and bonded with the jaw bone. This process is not invasive; you can immediately return to normal activities.

Final Few Words 

Dental implant placement surgery requires special care during healing, such as avoiding hard or crunchy foods, gently brushing your teeth and implants, and using special mouthwash. You may also need to take antibiotics or other medications for proper healing. Following your dentist’s instructions is important for successful healing and long-lasting implants.

Visit Pickering Dental Services Today

Our Pickering dental practitioners are dedicated to ensuring that you and your loved ones have the most comprehensive dental care available so you can all be confident of having strong, healthy smiles throughout your lives. Book an appointment for dental implants in Ajax by dialing 905-420-1777!