Denture Exams and Maintenance 

There are many reasons why a patient may require dentures – speech problems, age, sports injuries and more. Periodontal disease is the most common reason why people get dentures. This common condition leads to bone loss in the jaw that undermines the stability of the teeth, which can eventually loosen and even fall out. 

If you will be meeting with your dentist during an initial dentures consultation, it is understandable to be somewhat nervous. However, if you know in advance what to expect, you can easily navigate this simple process. 

Topics covered:

  • Medical history
  • Oral examination
  • Tissue and bone
  • Integrity, comfort and fit
  • Dentures consultation

Medical and Dental History

Before receiving dentures, you will need to present your medical and dental history, including any medications that you are currently taking. The reason is that certain medications can have a negative effect upon the tissues in your mouth, potentially leading to problems with your dentures. Some medications can cause an overgrowth of gum tissue, for example, as well as other complications. 

dentures | patient smiling

Oral Exam 

After you have decided that you want dentures, your dentist will need to conduct a complete oral examination to determine if your gums can accept dentures. This appointment can take up to two hours. An important part of this exam is getting to know your dental needs and goals.

Tissue and Bone 

Dentures are supported by the underlying soft tissues and bone. Your dentist will want to examine the current state of this tissue and bone to provide the best treatment options for your individual situation.

Dentures: Integrity, Comfort and Fit

Once your new dentures have been manufactured, your dentist will be checking them for integrity, comfort and fit. Just as with anything else that you wear, your dentures will need to fit comfortably because you will be spending a great deal of time wearing them, and they need to do their job without causing unnecessary friction against your gums and soft tissues in your mouth.

Keep in mind that as you continue to wear dentures, the underlying tissue and bone can also continue to change, potentially causing your dentures to lose their correct fit. At that point, an adjustment would need to be made to accommodate this change. This development is expected, and patients will need periodic adjustments from time to time to ensure that their dentures fit correctly and are as comfortable as possible.

Initial Denture Exam and Consultation Summary

After your dentist has learned of your treatment needs and goals, they will recommend the most appropriate type of dentures for your individual situation. The initial denture exam and consultation allows them to gather the needed information so that they can provide you with the best treatment choices.

Your Consultation 

Are you exploring your denture treatment options? If so, we invite you to reach out to us to have any of your questions answered. You can also schedule a convenient denture consultation at your earliest convenience.