Dental Issues? How To Prepare For Denture Treatment

If you've been diagnosed with gum disease and you need to have your teeth extracted, it's time to consider replacements. If your dentist has recommended dentures, you'll need to prepare for the treatment. If you're not sure about the process, it's important that you take steps to prepare yourself. Here are some steps that will help you prepare for your denture treatment. 

Talk to Your Dentist About Treatment

If your dentist has recommended dentures to replace your natural teeth, it's important that you discuss the treatment plan. This is especially important if you've been diagnosed with gum disease. Depending on the severity of the disease, you could have suffered bone loss. If that's the case, you may need to undergo bone grafting prior to having your dentures placed. This can happen when you don't have enough natural bone to hold a denture in place. 

Identify the Right Type of Dentures

If you need to have denture treatment to replace your natural teeth, you'll want to understand the options available to you. You might be surprised to know that there are a variety of denture options to choose from. Those include traditional, custom, implant-supported, and snap-on dentures. Traditional and custom dentures are worn directly over your gums. Implant-supported and snap-on dentures utilize implants for a more secure fit. In some cases, you may also be provided with immediate dentures, which will provide you with replacement teeth until your permanent dentures are available. 

Learn About Proper Denture Care

If you're preparing for denture treatment, now's the time to learn about proper denture care. That way, you know what steps you'll need to take once you have your dentures. First, your dentures need to be cleaned at least twice a day. Second, you should take your dentures off at bedtime. This routine allows you to soak your dentures overnight. It also gives your mouth a little break from denture-wearing. Finally, inspect your dentures for damage before you place them in your mouth each day. If you see signs of damage, take them in for repairs right away. 

Know Possible Warning Signs

Finally, if you're scheduled for denture treatment, take the time to learn about potential warning signs. Once you have your dentures, you'll want to watch for sore spots under your dentures, red or irritated gums, or pain while wearing your dentures. In most cases, these are signs that you should talk to your dentist right away. You could have developed an infection, or your dentures may need to be adjusted.