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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I have a toothache. Does this automatically mean my tooth should be pulled?
A: Not necessarily. You should be evaluated by a dentist and they will recommend the best treatment. It's always best to save your tooth if possible. Having a dentist examine you and your current x-ray is the only way to know if this tooth needs to be extracted. We're happy to see you in our office for an oral exam and x-ray.
Q: My denture broke. Can I put superglue on them until I can make time to go to the dentist?
A: It is not ideal to repair your denture with superglue. Doing this could make it impossible for the lab to repair your denture, requiring you to have a new one made. Please call us as soon as you notice your denture has broken and we're happy to schedule you an appointment. Upon evaluation of your denture, our in-house lab may be able to repair the denture.
Q: I get really nervous thinking about surgery. What types of sedation do you offer?
A: Audubon offers both oral and IV sedation to accommodate patients with different levels of comfort.
Q: How often should I see the dentist for check-ups? Cleanings? If I am edentulous?
A: Yearly oral cancer screenings are recommended for every patient, regardless of having natural teeth or being edentulous. At these appointments, you will be evaluated and a regular cleaning schedule will be recommended specifically to meet your needs.
Q: My bottom denture always seems to slide around. Is there a way to keep them in place?
A: Some patients are able to use adhesive to keep their denture in place. A permanent solution for you may be dental implants. Implants help to stabilize your lower denture, preventing it from moving around. We would be happy to see you for an oral exam and x-ray to see if you are an implant candidate.
Q: How do dental implants work?
A: Titanium posts are placed in the ridge where the teeth used to be. After a healing period, they are uncovered. Abutments are then placed to connect with a crown for single tooth implants or connected to a denture. Sometimes the abutment and crown or denture can be placed immediately after implant placement.
Q: What are mini-implants?
A: Mini-implants are implants smaller in diameter than standard implants, and they are placed in the ridge where the teeth used to be, and connected to a denture. In some cases the denture can be connected to the implants immediately without any healing period.
Q: How much do dental implants cost?
A: There are lots of factors to consider on each particular case. A thorough dental exam and evaluation will give the dentist the information necessary to give an exact quote.
Q: Do I need an implant for each of the teeth I'm missing? A) What if I am missing 2 teeth? B) 22 teeth? C) 6 teeth?
- 2 Teeth: Depending on the location of the 2 missing teeth, you may need individual standard implants placed for each of the missing teeth, or one standard implant with bridgework to replace the two teeth.
- 22 Teeth: Our dentists typically have more than one option for patients in this situation. One option for you would be to have implant-supported dentures, another would be fixed bridgework.
- 6 Teeth: Again, our dentists will usually provide you with more than one option. One option would be standard implants supporting bridgework, another would be an implant supported partial denture.
Q: Are there any alternatives to Fixodent? I hate the way it tastes!
A: There are several types of adhesive. In addition to Fixodent, there are other powder adhesives and creams or gels, including PoliGrip and adhesive wafers such as Sea-Bond. The permanent solution would be implants. We would be happy to see you in our office to see if there is anything we can do to improve your situation.
Q: How long does dental treatment take?
- For a new patient appointment? About an hour, but all patients' needs are specific. We'll take as much time as we need to meet your individual needs.
- For dentures? We offer same-day service for some of our dentures. We often recommend taking a little more time, and can explain why in more detail if you'd like to call our office. The average time from start to finish in this case is two weeks.
- Partials? We are sometimes able to expedite the production of partials. The average turnaround time for a metal-base partial is two to three weeks.
- Implants? Implants vary with individual patient's needs. The healing period after implants are placed is three to six months, however in some cases, a crown or denture can be placed at the same time as the implant or implants are placed. Your doctor will be better able to determine this after an exam and treatment plan.
Q: If I have teeth extracted, will I have to walk around without teeth?
A: In most cases, patients have the option of having immediate dentures made. These dentures are placed the day your natural teeth are removed. These dentures are temporary and are only meant to last one year. After this healing period, a permanent denture would need to be made.
Q: I had my dentures made a while ago. I don't want to get a whole new set, but they don't fit like they used to. What should I do?
A: Depending on the condition of the teeth in the denture, it's possible to have your dentures permanently relined. We can do this in our in-house lab. This should provide you with a tighter-fitting denture, without making you a new complete denture.
Q: How can I fill the gap?
A: There are several options for tooth replacement. Some options are partial denture, fixed bridgework, and dental implants. A complete dental examination and consultation with one of our dentists will provide you with options for your particular situation.
Q: I had my denture relined a little while ago. It fit great then, but is now loose. Why?
A: Everyone's mouth changes over time. Each year, your jawbone may lose density and seem as if it's shrinking. This may cause your denture to become loose. Often, weight loss will cause a patient's denture to become loose. We are happy to evaluate you here in our office for the best solution for you.
Q: A spot on my gum is sore and it makes my whole mouth hurt. What should I do?
A: If you are a denture or partial denture wearer, it is possible you have an ulcer caused by the denture rubbing against your gum. In this case, we recommend you see a dentist to have the denture adjusted to more comfortably fit your mouth. If you do not wear dentures, we would recommend you see a dentist for an oral exam to investigate your symptoms.
Q: What's the difference between conventional or permanent dentures and immediate dentures?
A: Permanent dentures are typically made after a patient's gums have healed thoroughly after their teeth have been removed. Although we refer to them as permanent , they usually need to replaced every 5-10 years, due to wear on the denture teeth. Yearly check-ups are recommended for all denture wearers to assess the fit and chewing ability of the dentures. Immediate dentures are dentures placed at the same time the natural teeth are removed. Because of the healing process after the removal of the natural teeth, there is a lot of shrinkage and changes to the tissue. Our office recommends that these immediate dentures are worn for 6-12 months. Once a patient has healed, a permanent denture is recommended for long term wear.
Q: What is an over denture?
A: When patients have only a few natural teeth, they are able to wear what is referred to as an over denture. This denture simply fits over your natural teeth, which act to stabilize the over denture.
Q: What will dentures feel like?
A: Dentures are not a replacement for natural teeth, but rather a replacement for no teeth. A denture is a prosthetic device. Just as any prosthesis, such as an artificial arm or leg, there are some limitations, and one cannot expect to function exactly the same as they did originally. While we do our best to offer you a perfect fitting denture, we depend on our patients to see us for regular checkups to ensure them a proper fit.
Q: Will dentures make me look different?
A: We offer a Portrait IPN denture that is the most natural looking denture available. You are welcome to bring in a picture of the smile you're looking for so the dentist may capture this as closely as possible in your new denture.
Q: Will I be able to eat with my dentures?
A: Your dentures should help you with function including eating. Every patient is different in that the learning curve may be quick for you, or may take some time getting used to wearing and eating with dentures. We recommend practicing at home until you're comfortable to eat out. And remember, an adjustment to your denture, or maybe just some advice & is only a phone call away!
Q: Will dentures change how I speak?
A: They may. The best thing to do is practice speaking with your new dentures. You may also want to do this at home at first, then try it out in public. Much of the getting used to speaking with dentures is simply training. Please refer to the information we provide with your new denture.
Q: How long will it take to get used to wearing a denture?
A: This is different for everyone. As an Audubon patient, you'll receive helpful information at the time your denture is placed. This packet not only includes what to expect from your new denture, but also some valuable tips and recommendations.
Q: How long should I wear my dentures?
A: We recommend patients leave their dentures out at some point in the day. Most of our patients take their dentures out before going to bed. This gives your jaw muscles a rest, allows your tissue to breathe and allows your denture time to soak and be clean for you in the morning.
Q: How do I take care of my dentures?
A: We recommend brushing your dentures with a denture brush and paste after each meal. At night, you should clean and then soak your dentures in water and white vinegar or water and fizzing tablets. You can also use a solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach mixed with 1 cup of water (be sure not to make it any stronger than this). Make sure you rinse your denture(s) well with water before placing in your mouth.
Q: Should I use a denture adhesive?
A: Many patients do this for peace of mind when they are in public. If this works for you, then you should use it as needed. There are several types of adhesive. In addition to Fixodent, there are other powder adhesives and creams or gels, including PoliGrip and adhesive wafers such as Sea-Bond. If your dentures are loose, you may want to see a dentist, as there may be a problem with the fit. However, since dentures are removable prosthetics, even the best fitting denture can move around a bit. A permanent solution for mobile dentures would be implants. We are happy to see you in our office to see if there is anything we can do to improve your situation.
Q: Why do I have to use a denture adhesive when my friend doesn't?
A: Everyone's mouth is different. Your ridge and palate create a suction to help your denture stay in place. Since the anatomy of each patient is individual, everyone's denture experience will naturally be different.
Q: Will my dentures need to be replaced?
A: The lifespan of a denture, depending on the materials used and if you are regularly seeing a dentist is between five and ten years. At your yearly exams, we are happy to let you know how soon you may need to consider replacing your denture.
Q: Will my denture need adjusting?
A: While some patients leave the dental office with their new dentures and don't see us until their yearly oral cancer screening and exam, others see us several times for adjustments before the fit of their denture is just perfect. At Audubon, we offer a free adjustment package with each of our dentures to ease your transition to the new dentures.
Q: Can I make minor adjustments or repairs to my dentures?
A: This is something we strongly discourage, and DO NOT RECOMMEND. Before altering your denture yourself, please make an appointment to see us so we may properly adjust the denture. Attempting to fix a denture or partial yourself may make it irreparable by the dental lab, and a new denture or partial may need to be made.
Q: How often should I schedule dental appointments?
A: It's a good idea to see a dentist at least once a year. Beyond that, every patient's needs are different. We're happy to recommend based on your dental needs what appointment schedule would be best for you.
Q: I've been edentulous for 30 years. Am I a candidate for implants?
A: Every patient is different. The only sure way to know you're an implant candidate is to see us for an exam, x-ray and to make study models of your mouth. We will do whatever we can to make your situation a better one.
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