Updated: 1/29/2020 There are many different kinds of dentures available and there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all.” Every mouth is different, and your dentist will recommend the type and style based on…

What to Know About Dentures

What You Should Know About Dentures

Updated: 1/29/2020

There are many different kinds of dentures available and there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all.” Every mouth is different, and your dentist will recommend the type and style based on what’s best for you. 

Common Misconceptions 

Customers sometimes tell us that they want to get dentures and be done. They occasionally expect to never have to see the dentist again after getting them. Unfortunately, neither of these assumptions matches the reality of getting teeth removed and replaced. 

What Does the Dentures Process Look Like? 

Here’s what you can really expect if you want dentures: 

  1. Your teeth will need to be extracted if they’re not already missing
  2. The gums will need time to heal
  3. Once healed, the dentist will get you fitted for this device
  4. Adjustments will need to be made, both immediately and over time, which will require continued routine dental visits

This is a normal process, but it’s something to be aware of and understand from the outset. Even once you get them, your mouth and jaw will shift over time, which will require continual monitoring and adjustments for your comfort and overall health. 

What Can I Expect from Getting Dentures?

The First Six Months

Once your teeth are extracted, it will take an average of six months for your jawbone and gums to heal and shrink fully. 

Your First Dentures

Immediate dentures are delivered right after the teeth are extracted and worn for six months following the surgery to allow time for the jawbone and gums to heal. It is important to know that they will likely loosen up a bit over the six months’ healing time, which is why the first ones are not permanent. 

Follow-Up Visits

Within the first few days following surgery, the patient often sees the dentist for a “post op” check to make sure everything is going okay. Dentists may make small adjustments to eliminate any sore areas. 

Within the first 1-2 weeks following surgery, the dentist will remove the stitches and make any adjustments needed.

After the First Six Months

Your Permanent Dentures

After the six-month healing process, the dentists will make impressions for the permanent dentures to be made. Once they have been made and installed, the dentist will check the bite, orientation and appearance. 

Ongoing Dental Appointments

Dentists recommend making appointments as soon as you develop any sores or changes in the fit of the device. In addition, dentists recommend routine check-ups every six months or at least once a year so the dentist can make sure they still fit and bites correctly and isn’t irritating any soft tissue. The dentist or his/her assistant will often professionally clean and disinfect the denture.

How Much Do Dentures Cost?

Immediate dentures cost around $6,500 without dental insurance – including initial x-rays, local anesthesia and extractions that may be needed. With a dental savings plan, your cost drops to roughly from $2,200 to $5,200 depending on the type of dentist you see for your treatment and services needed beforehand. 

To learn more about treatment costs, including what’s needed beforehand, cost of immediate dentures and cost of permanent ones, check out our savings guide

Save with a Dental Plan Today

What Questions Should I Ask My Dentist About Getting Dentures?

  1. Will I need a partial or full set?
  2. If I need a partial denture, how many teeth will need to be removed?
  3. Will those extractions be fairly simple to do or will there be some extractions that are more complex?
  4. How long will the healing process take after teeth are removed before they can go in?
  5. What are the steps needed for this dental treatment?
  6. What are the different materials you offer?
  7. If so, what is recommended for my mouth?
  8. How long will the entire process take?
  9. How long will it be before they feel normal?
  10. Will people be able to tell that I’m wearing dentures?
  11. How do I clean and maintain them?
  12. Are there things I should not eat?
  13. How long should I expect them to last?
  14. How will I know when it is time to replace them?
  15. Will I need to have them relined at some point?
  16. How often should I schedule dental appointments afterward?
  17. Are there questions that I should be asking that I haven’t asked yet?

Natasha is 1Dental’s managing editor and copywriter, focusing content on dental and health news, advice and tips straight from the experts. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and has since been a book editor and now copywriter and managing editor on dental and health. You can find her on Twitter and all of 1Dental’s social networks.

2 Comments
  1. Useful list of questions for asking. One of my neighbor facing dental issue and i will print out your post for her. I hope she get help from this post.

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