What is a Partial Denture?
Partial dentures, also known as removable partial dentures or simply “partials,” are dental prosthetic devices used to replace missing teeth when some natural teeth still remain in the mouth. They are designed to fill in the gaps created by missing teeth, improving aesthetics, speech, and chewing ability.
Partial dentures consist of artificial teeth attached to a metal or acrylic base that matches the color of your gums. Dr. Tomar has over 2 decades of experience designing partial dentures for her patients. Your dentures will be held in place by clasps that grip onto adjacent natural teeth, providing stability and support.
What Precautions do I need to take Before & After getting Partial Dentures?
Before getting Partial Dentures:
Dental Examination: Schedule a consultation with Dr. Tomar to evaluate your specific issues and to determine if partial dentures are the right treatment option for you. She will assess the condition of your remaining teeth, gums, and jawbone to ensure a proper fit and function of the dentures.
Teeth Cleaning and Treatment: Dr. Tomar may recommend professional teeth cleaning and any necessary dental treatments, such as fillings or extractions, before fitting the partial dentures. This ensures that your remaining teeth are in optimal condition and that the dentures fit properly.
X-Rays: We may take X-rays of your mouth to evaluate the condition of your teeth, jawbone, and surrounding structures. This helps us in designing and customizing the partial dentures to suit your specific needs.
iTero 5D Scan: We may also do an iTero 5D (digital 5 dimensional) scan of your mouth to insure that the designed prosthesis are a perfect fit for your needs.
Oral Hygiene: It is important to have good oral hygiene habits before getting partial dentures. Brush and floss your teeth regularly, and maintain regular dental check-ups to keep your remaining natural teeth and gums healthy.
After getting Partial Dentures:
Adjustment Period: It takes some time to adjust to wearing partial dentures. Initially, you may experience some discomfort, difficulty speaking, or increased salivation. Follow your Dr. Tomar’s instructions for gradually increasing the wearing time, and getting accustomed to the dentures.
Proper Cleaning: Remove and clean your partial dentures daily to maintain oral hygiene. Brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive denture cleaner. Rinse them thoroughly before wearing them again.
Oral Hygiene for Remaining Teeth: Even with partial dentures, it is important to continue practicing good oral hygiene for your remaining natural teeth. Brush them twice a day, floss regularly, and schedule regular dental check-ups with Pacific Highway Dental.
Handle with Care: Handle your partial dentures with care to prevent damage. When removing or inserting them, do so over a folded towel or basin of water to prevent breakage if they accidentally drop.
Proper Storage: When not wearing your partial dentures, store them in a denture container filled with water or denture cleaning solution. Avoid exposing them to hot water, as it can cause warping.
Regular Check-ups: Please come in regularly for your recommended for your check-ups and adjustments, to ensure that your partial dentures continue to fit properly and address any issues or discomfort.
Diet Modifications: Initially, stick to softer foods and gradually reintroduce harder and chewier foods as you become more comfortable with your partial dentures. Avoid sticky or hard foods that can dislodge or damage the dentures.
Can I eat normally after getting Partial Dentures?
Yes, after a period of adjustment, you can generally eat normally with partial dentures. However, it is important to keep in mind a few considerations to ensure comfort and functionality:
Transition Period: It takes time to get used to wearing and eating with partial dentures. Initially, start with soft or semi-soft foods and gradually introduce firmer or chewier foods as you become more comfortable and confident with your dentures.
Chew Carefully: Chew your food slowly and evenly on both sides of your mouth to distribute the biting force. This helps maintain stability and balance while preventing undue pressure on specific areas of the dentures.
Cut Food into Smaller Pieces: To make chewing easier, consider cutting your food into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This can help reduce strain on your dentures and make the chewing process more efficient.
Avoid Sticky or Hard Foods: Certain foods can be challenging to eat with partial dentures. Sticky or hard foods, such as chewy candies, caramels, nuts, hard pretzels, or tough meats, can dislodge or damage the dentures. It is best to avoid such foods or consume them with caution.
Choose Nutritious Options: Focus on a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutritious foods. Incorporate softer foods like cooked vegetables, tender meats, fish, poultry, grains, legumes, and dairy products. This helps ensure you receive adequate nutrition while minimizing any potential strain on your dentures.
Be Mindful of Temperature: Hot foods and beverages can warp or damage the dentures, so it is best to let them cool down to a comfortable temperature before consuming them.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Proper oral hygiene is crucial when wearing partial dentures. Remove and clean your dentures after meals to remove food particles and prevent plaque buildup. Also, remember to clean your remaining natural teeth, gums, and tongue as part of your regular oral hygiene routine.
Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups with your dentist at Pacific Highway Dental. We will routinely assess the fit and condition of your partial dentures, make any necessary adjustments, and address any concerns you may have regarding eating or denture maintenance.nom