Dentures that fit well during the first few years after creation will not necessarily fit well for the rest of the wearer's lifetime. This is because the bone and mucosa of the mouth are living tissues, which are dynamic over decades. Bone remodeling never stops in living bone. Edentulous jaw ridges tend to resorb progressively over the years, especially the alveolar ridge of the lower jaw. Mucosa reacts to being chronically rubbed by the dentures. Poorly fitting dentures hasten both of those processes compared to the rates with well-fitting dentures. Poor fitting dentures may also lead to the development of conditions such as epulis fissuratum. In addition, the occlusion (chewing surfaces of the teeth) tends to wear away over time, which reduces chewing efficacy and decreases the vertical dimension of occlusion, (the "open-ness" of the jaws and mouth).
It is often necessary to pull any remaining damaged teeth before getting dentures. Tooth extraction typically costs $75-$450 per tooth for a simple extraction and $150-$650 or more per tooth for a surgical extraction. Depending on the number of teeth to be pulled, the total cost of getting dentures can be $1,500-$20,000 or more for a full set (uppers and lowers). CostHelper readers report paying $2,000-$18,000 for a full set of removable dentures including tooth extractions and other preparation work, at an average cost of $9,063.
Fixed bridges are another tooth replacement option that are typically more durable and a more permanent solution than denture arches. A bridge spans the length of at least three teeth to replace a missing tooth or teeth in between. Bridges are cheaper than dental implants but do not offer all the same benefits when compared to replacing a missing tooth with an implant.
Dr. Walton's dental center has an on-site dental lab that fabricates new dentures and provides repairs and relines, often with same-day service. He crafts single-visit crowns using the latest CAD/CAM technology to deliver a custom, natural-looking restoration. Dr. Walton has incorporated the use of Laser Technology in his practice to provide his patients with the leading edge options for surgery and periodontal treatment. Being able to provide dentures and crowns in a day is a significant advantage, especially for patients who have traveled far distances. The on-site lab also eliminates the need to use outside commercial labs, therefore helping to keep costs low.
Deposits such as microbial plaque, calculus and food debris can accumulate on the dentures, which may lead to issues such as angular stomatitis, denture stomatitis, undesirable odours and tastes as well as staining. The deposits can also quicken the rate at which some of the denture materials wear down.[26] Due to the presence of these deposits, there is an increased risk of the denture wearer and other people around them developing a systemic disease by organisms such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA),[27] but research shows that denture cleaners are effective against MRSA.[28][29][30] Therefore, denture cleaning is imperative for the overall health of the denture wearers as well as for the health of people they come into contact with.[31]
New dentures may feel awkward or uncomfortable for the first few weeks or even months. Eating and speaking with dentures might take a little practice. A bulky or loose feeling is not uncommon, while the muscles of your cheeks and tongue learn to hold your dentures in place. Excessive saliva flow, a feeling that the tongue does not have adequate room, and minor irritation or soreness are also not unusual. If you experience irritation, see your dentist.
Your dental health directly impacts your overall health. Having your natural teeth removed to prevent more major health issues can be a hard decision, but often turns out to be the best course of action. Most dental patients who have had multiple extractions will choose to get dentures to protect not just their health, but their smiles, speech, and ability to properly chew their food. The problem is that finding affordable dentures isn’t always easy.
