Dentistry is the known evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the soft and hard tissues of the jaw (mandible), the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent.
An Interview with Dr. Phillip C. Neal on Dentures
Dr. Phillip C. Neal is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Dentures.
Q. What are dentures?
A. A denture is a prosthesis replacing all of the teeth in one or both jaws. They are custom designed and fitted to give you a nice smile, a good bite, and comfort. Dentures replace both hard and soft tissue lost after tooth removal. They help support the lower face giving a more youthful appearance.
Q. Why should I use a denture adhesive?
A. Denture adhesives come in 3 forms:
• Paste
• Powder
• Strips
They are used to help grip the denture and often are needed when the jaw shape is insufficient to hold the denture in place for eating and speech. Some patients need to use a denture adhesive from the first day they start wearing a denture due the anatomy of the jaws. If a patient has a denture that used to fit but no longer fits the same, a denture adhesive can be used to stabilize it. This however may indicate that it is time to visit the dentist and see if a reline or replacement denture is indicated as the jaw continues to change shape over time.
Q. How long do cosmetic dentures take to make?
A. Cosmetic dentures require a series of steps to make over the span of a month or more. This is due to the fact that, one or more try-ins of the denture baseplate (mockup) are needed to verify proper lip position, tooth position, bite, tooth shape and color are selected. Photos of the mockup are sometimes taken so the patient can show others and think about the setup prior to completion.
Q. What are the alternatives to cosmetic dentures?
A. Alternatives to cosmetic dentures may include a budget denture where a lower quality of teeth is used and a few steps are eliminated to lower cost.
Other alternatives include implant supported dentures both fixed, or snap in. These implant supported dentures allow the patient much improved stability, and a stronger bite. They also help preserve the underlying bone.
Q. Are dentures uncomfortable or painful to wear?
A. Some people find dentures an easy transition, but some struggle with the feel and stability. Often the success of the denture is determined by the cosmetic improvement, bite stability and patient determination. If a patient is replacing an existing denture and has good anatomy, the new denture should be very comfortable. If however a patient is having an immediate denture placed, after extractions, they will experience several adjustment appointments for sore spots as well as the need for a soft reline and a hard reline within the first 12 months. Smokers and diabetics have more difficulty adjusting to a denture due to the body’s poorer healing ability and lower pain threshold.
Q. What’s the difference between conventional dentures and immediate dentures?
A. A conventional denture is delivered to a patient who has either had a denture or has healed after tooth removal for more than 12 months prior to fabrication. It usually has a much better fit and feel due to the stability of the jawbone.
An immediate denture is placed at the time of tooth extraction, and is the most common method of denture placement. Since the patient has fresh extractions, the bone is going to undergo a lot of remodeling over the following 12 months. The result is more visits to adjust the denture as the bone settles.
Q. How to contact Dr. Neal if we have further questions?
A.
Address:
280-B Memorial Court
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-459-2202
Email:info@drneal.com
Website: www.drneal.com
