| Our Services - Dentures |
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Having a healthy mouth is important at any age. If you wear partial or complete dentures or if you have implants, it is especially important to take good care of your gums and any natural teeth, and to keep your dentures clean and properly fitted. When gums, dentures and remaining teeth are not cleaned properly, you are likely to experience a build-up of plaque, a type of bacteria that collects at the gum line and can harden on teeth into deposits called calculus. Too much plaque can lead to bad breath, cavities, gum disease and further tooth loss. In recent studies, gum disease has been linked to other serious health conditions such as heart disease and stroke, diabetes and respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia. If you have dentures, or are about to get them, here's what you need to know to keep your mouth healthy and your smile bright... ABOUT YOUR DENTURESWhen properly fitted and cared for, dentures will enhance your appearance and can be worn with confidence as you enjoy your favourite activities. A simple, daily routine of oral care and regular visits to your oral health care professional are all that are needed to keep you on track. It is important, however, to remember that dentures do not last forever. Even with proper cleaning and care, the average life span of dentures is only about five to seven years. The teeth and base of the dentures will eventually stain, and over time, natural changes will occur to the structure of your face and mouth that will require an adjustment to your dentures. Like natural teeth, dentures can build up with plaque. Partial dentures can cause plaque to be pushed further down underneath the gum line, which may make cleaning more difficult and lead to cavities, especially on exposed root surfaces of the remaining teeth. Wearing dentures can put extra pressure on the surrounding bone structure and gums, as well as any natural teeth that are used to support partial dentures. If these areas are not kept clean, you may experience sore, irritated gums or additional bone and tissue loss. That is why it is particularly important to see your oral health care professional regularly and follow their advice between visits. REGULAR CHECKUPSYour dentures and tissues should be checked every year to prevent or reduce tissue inflammation and to minimize bone or tissue loss. Having your dentures professionally polished can help make dentures look like new. This cleaning step takes only a few extra minutes at the office, but can help restore the glossy finish of your dentures and eliminate tough stains. Polishing is usually needed once or twice a year, or as recommended by your oral health care professional. Generally, an annual check-up is recommended. If you are experiencing sore gums, pain, difficulty chewing, bad breath, or if your dentures feel loose, don't wait - book an appointment right away. VISITING YOUR DENTAL HYGIENIST1. He or she will start by reviewing your medical history with you to make sure there are no medical conditions that could influence your treatment. 2. The next step is assessing the condition of your head and neck region, followed by your tongue, gums, natural teeth and other areas of your mouth, paying special attention to the areas that support the dentures to check for abnormal areas or rubbing. Any areas of concern will then be referred to the most appropriate oral health care professional or physician. 3. You are then ready to have any remaining natural teeth cleaned (called "scaling") to remove hardened or calcified plaque build-up. This is done using hand instruments or a vibrating ultrasonic instrument. 4. The dental hygienist may use a mechanical denture cleaner to remove any stubborn build-up of plaque from your dentures. |
