The first step in obtaining your first set of dentures is having your teeth extracted. Just which teeth are to be extracted, and how many, will depend on whether you are getting “partial dentures” or “full dentures”. With “full” dentures, of course, all of the remaining teeth will have to come out. To be sure, tooth extractions are traumatic, and a period of time is required for your gums to heal, and also to shrink to their permanent shape. Just how long this will take will vary according to the number of teeth extracted, as well as the degree of physical trauma experienced. This can sometimes take several weeks. The steps for this process are as follows:
Taking an Impression of Your Mouth: After your gums have healed following the extraction (usually four to six weeks), the dentist will take a preliminary impression of your mouth as a guide for making the new dentures.
Selecting your New Teeth: The dentist will then help you decide which tooth shapes and which colors (shades of white) you want for your new dentures. The objective is to make the new dentures look as real and natural as possible.
Initial Fitting: After the dentures are made (this usually takes around 30 days), you will be scheduled for an appointment for the initial fitting. The dentures will be placed in your mouth and the dentist will make the necessary adjustments to insure a good, comfortable fit. After the initial fitting, you will probably need additional appointments for fine adjustments so that sore areas can be eliminated.
During this process, the patient can expect to be without teeth for as much as three months.
Immediate Dentures? Yes or No?: The very best results in obtaining a new set of dentures is to wait after the teeth have been extracted until the gums have healed completely and shrunk to their final, permanent shape. But, for a variety of reasons, i.e., professional, social, or just plain vanity, many of us are either unable or unwilling to be without teeth for such a period of time. For such patients, “immediate dentures” are available.
For “immediate dentures,” the dentist will make a wax impression of the teeth before they are extracted. The permanent dentures are made using this wax impression as a guide. This process usually takes a couple of weeks. The patient then returns for a second appointment to have the teeth extracted, after which the “immediate denture” is placed in the mouth. The patient wears the dentures while the healing and shrinking process takes place, and is, therefore, never without teeth. But as this healing and shrinking process occurs, the dentures will require a number of compensatory adjustments to insure a good fit.
Dentures Will Feel Unnatural at First. Dentures are, after all, a foreign object in the mouth, and will take a bit of getting used to. First time denture wearers often experience unnatural feelings such as, a full mouth feeling, soreness and irritation, increased saliva, and gag reflexes. But before very long you will begin to get used to them, until eventually they will feel natural and you won’t even be aware that they are in your mouth.
Eating and Talking with Dentures: Eating and talking with dentures can be a significant learning experience for new denture wearers. Here are some tips for adjusting to life as a denture wearer:
Tips for Eating:
1) Choose foods that are easier to chew and swallow, like eggs, fish, cheese, chopped meat, cooked vegetables and ice cream, and leave those beef jerky strips alone.
2) Take small bites, chew slowly, and try not to bite down hard with your front teeth. Try to balance food evenly in your mouth when you chew, so your dentures remain securely in place.
3) Hot foods will take some getting used to, as your mouth will not be able to sense heat as it did before.
4) Avoid chewy or hard foods, like caramel and chewing gum.
Tips for Speaking:
1) Practice speaking aloud while wearing your new dentures.
2) Read aloud from a book or magazine in front of a mirror.
3) Try biting down and swallowing just before you begin to speak. This helps set your dentures or partials in place.
Taking Care of Your Dentures: Keeping your dentures clean and in good shape is really, really important. You should both soak and brush your dentures daily. You can purchase cleansers at your drug store, then use as directed. You should also be careful about the toothpaste you use. Dentures are not as hard as your natural teeth. Abrasive tooth paste can scratch them.
Beware of Low Cost Denture Mills
Denture stores, offering quick, low cost dentures at a fraction of the price a dental office would charge may seem tempting. But the best advice we can offer is, “patient beware!” At Arlington Dental Center we have had numerous patients complain about the the dentures they purchased from a “denture mill.” Typical complaints are that they don’t fit properly, causing sore spots in the mouth, they look fake and unnatural. One person said she has to take her economy dentures out in order to eat. Remember…..you get what you pay for. Once you purchase your first set of dentures, you are stuck with them for years and will wear them day in and day out. It is absolutely essential that you are satisfied with the way they look and the way they feel in your mouth. Much better to pay a little more and get a first rate job, with dentures you will be happy with for years to come. Thinking about dentures? Call Arlington Dental Center. We guarantee you will like your smile.
Wisdom teeth are the last molars on each side of the jaws. They are also the last teeth to emerge, or erupt, usually when a person is between 16 and 20 and sometimes lead to needing wisdom tooth extractions.
Since wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to come in, or erupt, there is often not enough room left in your mouth to accommodate them. This can lead to wisdom teeth that are “impacted,” that is, teeth that are trapped beneath the gum tissue by other teeth or bone. If teeth are impacted, swelling and tenderness may occur.
Wisdom teeth that only partially emerge or come in crooked can also lead to painful crowding and dental disease. Since teeth removed before age 20 have less developed roots and fewer complications, the American Dental Association recommends that people between 16 and 19 have their wisdom teeth evaluated to see if they need to be removed.
Horizontal Impaction
Angular Impaction
Vertical Impaction
How are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom tooth extractions are a relatively routine procedure. Your Jacksonville dentist will first numb the area surrounding the wisdom tooth by injecting a general anesthesia into the gum. If the wisdom teeth are impacted and embedded in the bone, the dentist will make an incision into the gums and remove the tooth or teeth in sections in order to minimize the amount of bone being removed.
After surgery, swelling and tenderness in the face and neck are common, as well as bruising. Ice packs and pain medications prescribed by the dentist should help ease the pain.
After the tooth (or teeth) is removed, you will probably be asked to bite down softly on a piece of gauze for 30 to 45 minutes after you leave the office, to limit any bleeding that may occur. Some pain and swelling will probably occur but will normally go away after a few days; however, you should call your dentist if you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever.
Removal of wisdom teeth due to crowding or impaction should not affect your bite or oral health in the future.
Why are third molars called “wisdom teeth?” The origin of the term “wisdom teeth,” or “teeth of wisdom,” goes all the way back to the writings of Plato and Hippocrates in ancient Greece. Yes, they had dentists even then. Third molars are the last teeth to come in, often as late as age 25, and by that time a person is mature and presumably “wise,” hence, “wisdom teeth.” Second molars have been called “12 year teeth,” because that’s the usual age when they come in. But, because third molars are the last teeth to come in, they are often blocked by the other teeth from fully erupting because there just isn’t room for them on the jaw bone.
But, “Why would Mother Nature allow that,” you ask? One explanation is given by anthropologists: Humans are constantly evolving, and modern man, because he now eats softer processed food, no longer needs a large jawbone and it has therefore been gradually shrinking over the centuries. Another explanation is genetic. A husband and wife as often as not come from different ethnic backgrounds with different genetic features. A man with a large jawbone and large teeth marries a woman with a small jawbone and small teeth. The child inherits his mother’s jawbone, but inherits his father’s teeth, and will therefore experience teeth crowding, with no room on the jawbone for third molars, or wisdom teeth, to fully erupt. A tooth which does not fully erupt is said to be “impacted.” Studies have found that72% of wisdom teeth in populations of European origin will be impacted.
A farmer being treated by a dentist. Painting by Johann Liss, in the year 1616.
Taking Better Care of Your Teeth Through Good Oral Hygiene
Thanks to better in-home care and regular examinations and treatment at the dental office, more and more people are keeping their teeth to the end of their lives and avoiding emergency dentist visits. Regular visits to the dentist are a big part of maintaining a healthy mouth, but the basic responsibility for good dental health rests with each individual. Good oral hygiene, day-by-day, results in a mouth that looks and smells healthy. This means that your teeth are clean and free of debris, your gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed when you brush or floss and bad breath is not a consistent problem.
Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is the most important thing you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only look good, but make it possible for you to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is very important to your overall well being. Daily preventative care, including proper brushing and flossing, will help stop problems before they develop. Having a dentist treat problems after they develop is both painful and expensive.
Following are simple steps each of us can take to decrease the incidence of tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems:
Brush thoroughly twice a day, and floss once each day.
Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks between meals.
Use dental products, including toothpaste, that contain fluoride.
The dentists at Arlington Dental Center will prescribe dentures to patients who have difficulty eating or have problems with pronunciation because of missing teeth. Proper fitting dentures will also restore the facial structure and winning smile we all deserve.
What Type of Denture is Right for You: Dentures are custom made to replace missing teeth. Dentures are typically removable, but some may bonded or permanently implanted into your mouth. There are two types of dentures: “Partial Dentures, or Bridges,” attached to existing teeth to fill in gaps created by missing teeth and “Complete Dentures” are used when all teeth are missing.
What the Process and What to Expect?
Although all patient cases are different, Arlington Dental Center Dentist and Dental Technicians will typically:
Make a detailed impression of your mouth and the dimensions of your jaw
Create an initial model for you to try for fit and comfort
Make all needed adjustment to ensure fit and comfort
Once the model fits properly, the actual denture will be made
You will now be able to wear your dentures
During the first few weeks, you will become comfortable with your dentures, but may detect any possible flaws in the design
At a follow up appointment our dental staff will make any needed denture corrections
You may need to avoid hard or sticky food while you become accustomed to your dentures
It may take some practice to pronounce certain words, but you will quickly learn how
Initially you may salivate more than usual, but it will quickly return to normal
Always follow your dentist’s instructions for how to clean and care for your dentures
Natural changes will occur to your jaw, so you should plan to change your denture every five to seven years
About Arlington Dental Center: Our entire team of highly experienced dentists and professional support staff provide a complete family of pain free dental care at affordable prices, in our modern, comfortable and caring environment.
Dental Insurance and Payment: We accept all regular insurance plans, including some forms of Medicaid, and we file all the insurance claims for you. We also accept all forms of payment. Whether you walk-in or if you have a dental emergency, you are always welcome.
To Schedule an Appointment Call: (904) 743-3114
Do You Have a Dental Emergency?
Don’t Wait; Call us Immediately at: (904) 743-3114
Allow the dental professionals at Arlington Dental Center to solve the small problems before they become big ones.
A very common dental problem – stained and discolored teeth are major concerns for many of our patients. That explains why teeth whitening is one of our most popular procedures.
Regular dental exams combined with proper brushing and flossing techniques can help to eliminate many stains, but professional teeth whitening procedures are the best way and easiest way to have a brighter, whiter smile. However, everyone should have their teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year.
Common Reasons for a Stained Smile:
The outer layer of a tooth is covered with a porous covering of enamel that attracts and holds unsightly stains. Although various factors including aging, oral trauma and the internal color of the tooth can’t be controlled, you can try to eliminate major stain causing factors like the use of tobacco products and drinking dark colored liquids like, coffee, tea, cola and red wine.
Things to Know About Teeth Whitening
You should always consult with your dentist to find the best whitening procedure for you.
Cavities must to be filled before teeth are whitened
If you suffer from receding gums, the exposed roots may appear discolored. Whitening products will not make them whiter.
Tooth Whitening will not work on ceramic or porcelain crowns or veneers
Whitening is not a permanent solution. Stains will come back
Don’t Wait; Call us Immediately at: (904) 743-3114
Allow the dental professionals at Arlington Dental Center to solve the small problems before they become big ones.
About Arlington Dental Center: Our entire team of highly experienced dentists and professional support staff provide a complete family of pain free dental care at affordable prices, in our modern, comfortable and caring environment.
Dental Insurance and Payment: We accept all regular insurance plans, including some forms of Medicaid, and we file all the insurance claims for you. We also accept all forms of payment. Whether you walk-in or if you have a dental emergency, you are always welcome.
If you have a chipped, cracked or tooth damaged by decay, you need a filling. Some cavities are obvious and can be very painful, while smaller pinhole cavities in hard-to-see areas may also need immediate attention. The dental professionals at Arlington Dental Center can see damage and decay that you may not be able to spot. This is one of the main reasons that regular dental check-ups are important to your oral health.
A filling, also known as dental restoration will maintain the overall integrity of the tooth and prevent further damage from cavities in that area. Fillings are also used to restore the chewing surfaces of teeth that have become worn over time. A properly filled tooth is a good way to prevent its eventual loss.
Who Needs Dental Fillings?
Cavities are the most common reason for needing a tooth filled; however they are not the only reason for a filling. You may need a filling if:
You grind your teeth
Bite your nails
Have visible dark spots
Have sensitivity to heat and cold
Experience pain when biting down
Experience a constant dull pain or ache
Allow the dental professionals at Arlington Dental Center to solve the small problems before they become big ones.
To Schedule an Appointment Call: (904) 743-3114
About Arlington Dental Center:
Our entire team of highly experienced dentists and professional support staff provide a complete family of pain free dental care at affordable prices, in our modern, comfortable and caring environment.
Dental Insurance and Payment:
We accept all regular insurance plans, including some forms of Medicaid, and we file all the insurance claims for you. We also accept all forms of payment. Whether you walk-in or if you have a dental emergency, you are always welcome.
Whether you need dentures for the first time or replacing the ones you have, you need to speak with the dental professionals at Arlington Dental Center. We’ve been serving dental patients in Arlington, Jacksonville and the surrounding areas for more than 20 years.
Successfully fitting and making dentures for our patients, is one of the many well respected dental services we provide. Dentures will provide you with a set of fully functioning teeth that will allow you to eat most foods without pain, look younger and feel great.
Today Modern Dentures Look Natural and Fit Better Too:
There is no longer a need to worry about denture comfort. Arlington Dental Center’s advanced dental technology and modern denture materials combined to make you a vastly improved set of dentures that will provide proper fit and comfort.
How Long Will My Dentures Last?
If well cared for, dentures last foe a very long time, as much as 30 years. However, all dentures will show wear and tear over time, and we suggest that you have them checked on a regular basis. Regular dental checkups will help to identify and repair any damage done to your dentures.
About Arlington Dental Center:
Our entire team of highly experienced dentists and professional support staff provide a complete family of pain free dental care at affordable prices, in our modern, comfortable and caring environment.
Dental Insurance and Payment:
We accept all regular insurance plans, including some forms of Medicaid, and we file all the insurance claims for you. We also accept all forms of payment. Whether you walk-in or if you have a dental emergency, you are always welcome.
Arlington Dental Center is offering a $50 discount for new patients. The first visit for new patients will include full mouth X-rays, a dentist’s examination, and teeth cleaning by a hygienist. If you are a cash patient, the $50 discount will apply immediately. Patients with dental insurance generally are covered 100% for these services, in which case, your account will be credited $50 to apply to future co-payments.
