Dentistry: It's More Than Drilling and Filling

Are you planning to have your remaining teeth extracted and replaced with dentures in the near future? If so, you are probably wondering what you should expect as you go through the period of adjusting to your dentures. While each person will have their own unique experience, there are a few common issues that many people experience. Taking the time to learn about these issues and what you can do to help make the adjustment period easier will ultimately improve your overall quality of life in the months following your full mouth extraction. 

Issues With Gagging

Many people find that they begin gagging when trying to eat or talk while they are still adjusting to their dentures. This is because a full set of dentures will cover the roof of your mouth. The palette plate on your dentures can trigger your gag reflex until you become accustomed to it. While you may be tempted to remove your dentures in order to eliminate this feeling, it is important to keep your dentures in as long as you can. If you find that you are really struggling with this problem, try increasing the amount of time you wear your dentures by just a few minutes each day until you are able to keep them in for extended periods of time. 

Issues With Loose Fitting Dentures

There will be a considerable amount of swelling in your gums immediately following your full mouth extraction. As this swelling goes down, you will notice that your dentures begin to feel quite a bit looser. You will also find that your dentures continue to get looser in the months following your extraction as your jawbone begins to shrink in the absence of your tooth roots. Loose-fitting dentures can make eating and talking quite difficult. This is why you should visit your dentist any time your dentures begin to get loose in order to have them perform an adjustment. You may need to have your dentures adjusted several times during this adjustment period so never feel bad about making multiple appointments to visit your dentist. 

Issues With A Feeling Of Oversized Dentures

Many new denture wearers describe a feeling of teeth that are too big for their mouth or that feel like horse teeth. It is important to know that this feeling is a result of a difference in how your new teeth sit within your mouth rather than an actual problem with the size of the dentures. Gradually increasing the amount of time you spend wearing your dentures each day will allow you to get used to the way your new teeth feel inside your mouth and ultimately give you a higher confidence level when wearing them. If you do not notice an improvement in this feeling after wearing your dentures longer each day, you will want to make an appointment with your dentist to check the fit of your new dentures.