What are dentures?

Dentures are dental prostheses designed to replace natural teeth that have been lost or removed. These artificial teeth and gums are custom-made by your dentist to fit your mouth and restore your ability to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. Depending on your needs, dentures can be full or partial, replacing either all teeth on the top or bottom gum line or just a few missing ones. Your dentures will be tailored to fit your unique mouth shape and color-matched to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, ensuring a natural-looking and comfortable fit.

What Should I Expect When Being Fitted for Dentures?

In the event that you have damaged or decayed teeth that need to be extracted, our dentist will first perform the necessary extractions before taking a mold of your remaining gum structure and the roof of your mouth. This mold serves as a blueprint for the fabrication of your dentures, ensuring that they fit comfortably and securely.

Once the mold is taken, it will be sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians will create your customized dentures. 

When the completed dentures are ready, you will return to our dental office in Lawrence, MA for a final fitting. During this appointment, our dentist will check the fit and adjust the dentures if necessary to ensure that they are comfortable and secure. We will also provide instructions on how to properly care for your new dentures to ensure their longevity and performance.

It’s important to keep in mind that adjusting to new dentures can take time and patience. You may experience some discomfort or soreness as your mouth adjusts to the dentures, but this is normal and should subside within a few weeks. As you become more accustomed to your dentures, you’ll be able to enjoy the many benefits they offer, including improved chewing ability, clearer speech, and a restored sense of confidence. With proper care and maintenance, your dentures can provide you with a functional and natural-looking set of teeth for many years to come.

What are All-on-4 dental implants?

The All-on-4 dental implant technique, also referred to as full arch implants, comprises four titanium posts strategically implanted along the arch of the jaw and connected to a denture plate. Its primary goal is to replace a complete arch of teeth, restoring the functionality of your bite and the aesthetic of your smile.

This method is an exceptional solution for missing teeth that entails a minor two-hour surgery per arch. The All-on-4 system eliminates the necessity for bone grafts to support the implant as the dentist can position the posts in the most compact part of the jaw. It reduces chair time and recovery time as the whole process, from post insertion to denture fitting, is accomplished in one session, allowing you to leave with a brand new smile on the same day.

Who is a candidate for All-on-4?

If you’re wondering whether full mouth implants are a viable option for your dental concerns, the answer is yes! Here are some common situations where we may recommend this treatment:

• Your missing, failing, or damaged teeth severely affect your daily life, eating habits, and self-confidence when smiling.
• You’ve tried dentures, but they don’t fit properly, cause discomfort, and risk embarrassing accidents.
• Conventional implants aren’t an option for you due to reduced bone density resulting from tooth loss or gum disease.

UNDERSTANDING TOOTH EXTRACTIONS: WHAT TO EXPECT

Periodontal disease is often the leading cause of tooth extraction, and if needed, there are several ways that we can go about the procedure. First and foremost, we will administer a numbing agent to the specific area to minimize any discomfort you may feel. Though you may experience slight pressure during the process, you can otherwise expect a comfortable and relaxed experience. If the tooth has matured and emerged from the gum line, our dentist at Dental Partners Lawrence may use specialized dental instruments to gently wiggle the tooth and remove it from the socket. The area will then be thoroughly cleaned, and gauze will be applied to prevent bleeding during the recovery period. However, if the tooth is impacted or still beneath the gum line, such as with wisdom teeth, oral and maxillofacial surgery may be necessary. During this procedure, we will create an incision in the gums and gently lift the flap to access the impacted tooth. If needed, we may have to remove any bone or tissue that is covering the tooth. In some cases, we may need to break the tooth into smaller pieces for removal. Once the tooth has been successfully removed, we will clean the area thoroughly before placing the flap back down and suturing it in place. Following tooth extraction and bone grafting, a blood clot will form in the socket, and we will use gauze to control any bleeding.

Importance Of Replacing The Missing Tooth

The significance of replacing a missing tooth cannot be overstated. When a tooth is extracted, the resulting gap can cause neighboring teeth to shift out of place, resulting in misalignment, difficulties with chewing, or jaw-joint issues. Additionally, these misaligned teeth are more challenging to clean, increasing the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, or even further tooth loss. It is therefore crucial to fill the gap with a dental appliance such as a dental bridge, removable partial denture, or dental implant to prevent these issues from occurring.

What is root canal therapy?

The pulp of a tooth contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, which help to nourish and maintain the health of the tooth. When the pulp becomes damaged or infected due to decay, injury, or trauma, it can cause significant pain, sensitivity, and swelling. In some cases, the infection can even spread to the surrounding teeth and gums, causing further complications.

Root canal therapy is a dental procedure that aims to remove the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth, clean and disinfect the root canals, and then fill and seal the space with a material called gutta-percha. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, which ensures that the patient is comfortable throughout the treatment.

After the root canal procedure, the tooth may feel sensitive or tender for a few days, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. In some cases, the dentist may recommend a dental crown or other restorative treatment to help strengthen the tooth and restore its function.

Overall, root canal therapy is an effective and safe treatment option for saving a damaged or infected tooth and preventing the need for extraction. It can help to alleviate pain and discomfort and restore the natural function of the tooth, allowing you to enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile.

What are the symptoms or signs that a root canal is needed?

There are several symptoms and signs that indicate a root canal may be needed. These include:

• Persistent pain: If you experience persistent pain in your tooth, especially when you apply pressure or chew, it could indicate that you need a root canal.
• Sensitivity to hot and cold: If your tooth is sensitive to hot and cold temperatures even after the source of the temperature is removed, this could be a sign of root canal problems.
• Gum swelling: If the area around the affected tooth is swollen, it could indicate an infection that may require a root canal.
• Discoloration: A tooth that has darkened or changed color may be a sign that the nerve of the tooth is damaged and a root canal may be necessary.
• Pus drainage: If you notice pus around the affected tooth, this could indicate an abscess, which often requires a root canal.

If you experience any of these symptoms or signs, it’s important to schedule a consultation with our Lawrence, MA root canal dentist to determine if a root canal is necessary.

What is wisdom teeth removal?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the back of your mouth, usually appearing between the ages of 17 and 25. While these teeth can be useful for chewing and grinding food, they can also cause problems if they do not have enough space to grow properly. Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that is often recommended to prevent potential issues.

The procedure of wisdom teeth removal involves a minor surgical process to extract the teeth. The process is typically performed by an oral surgeon or a dentist, depending on the complexity of the case. Before the procedure, the dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the wisdom teeth. In some cases, the dentist will administer laughing gas sedation or general anesthesia to put the patient to sleep during the procedure.

It is common to experience some pain and swelling following wisdom teeth removal. Your dentist will provide you with instructions on how to manage any discomfort and prevent infection. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and quick recovery.

What are reasons why wisdom teeth might need removal?

There are several reasons why wisdom teeth might need to be removed. Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Lack of space: If there is not enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to fully emerge, they can become impacted and cause pain or infection.
• Crowding: Wisdom teeth can push against neighboring teeth, causing crowding, shifting, and damage to adjacent teeth.
• Angle of growth: If wisdom teeth grow at an angle, they can cause pain, discomfort, and damage to other teeth.
• Decay and gum disease: Wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean properly, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Cysts and tumors: In rare cases, cysts or tumors can develop around impacted wisdom teeth, causing pain and potential damage to the jawbone.

If you experience any of these symptoms or signs, it’s important to schedule a consultation with our Lawrence, MA dentist to determine if wisdom teeth extraction is necessary.

How can I prepare for wisdom teeth extractions?

Preparing for a wisdom teeth removal procedure can help ensure a smooth and successful surgery and recovery. Here are some tips on how to prepare:

• Consult with our dentist: Before the procedure, it is important to consult with our dentist to discuss any pre-existing medical conditions or medications you are taking that may affect the procedure or recovery process.
• Arrange for transportation: You will likely be under the influence of anesthesia during the procedure and will not be able to drive home. Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the dental office.
• Plan for downtime: Plan to take a few days off work or school to allow for a proper recovery period.
• Stock up on supplies: Before the procedure, purchase soft foods such as soup, yogurt, and smoothies, as well as ice packs to help reduce swelling.
• Follow pre-operative instructions: Your dentist will provide you with instructions on what to do and what to avoid before the procedure. This may include avoiding food and drink for a certain amount of time before the procedure.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you are fully prepared for your wisdom teeth removal procedure and set yourself up for a successful recovery. Schedule a consult with our dentist to determine if a wisdom tooth extraction is necessary.