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Question:  How many different types of dentures are there?

Mar 05, 2012 10:20 am

Dentures may replace all the teeth or only some of the teeth. The dentures that replace all the teeth are known as complete dentures and they rest on the gums that cover the jawbones. The stability and retention of these dentures can be improved by attaching them to dental implants. Dentures that replace some but not all of the teeth are known as partial dentures. They attach to the teeth that are still present and also cover and rest on the gums and bone where the teeth are missing.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  How do you clean your mouth after taking teeth out

Mar 05, 2012 10:19 am

The gum areas of your mouth without teeth can be cleaned with a soft toothbrush and plain warm water. You can also use cotton gauze pads to help remove any remaining denture adhesive or a wash cloth wrapped around your finger.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  when can you start useing fixodent after you had all your upper teeth pulled and your dentures put in. and does having this done bother the ears a little mine has been stoping up ever since i had this done

Mar 05, 2012 10:18 am

Before using denture adhesive, you should wait until the areas where the teeth were removed heal; usually about seven to ten days. It will be more comfortable for you to apply denture adhesive once the gum tissue has grown over the extraction sites. However, a very small amount of denture adhesive may be used on the part of the denture that touches the roof of your mouth if needed immediately after the teeth are removed. To learn how to properly apply denture adhesive visit the American College of Prosthodontists online at www.prosthodontics.org, an organization of prosthodontists, who are dentists with three years of additional training in denture care.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  Just got new dentures on implants. The bite is way off and Hits in just one area. Can't chew or bite. What can be done? The doctor played around with it today but just seemed to think I need to get used to them. But I can't chew or bite.

Mar 05, 2012 10:17 am

You should return to your dentist or see a prosthodontist to determine what is the best way of improving your bite. A prosthodontist is a dentist with three years of training beyond dental school who specializes in the care and maintenance of dentures. To locate the two prosthodontists and others near you, visit www.gotoapro.org.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  Why does the bottom of my tounge hurt. I just got full top and my bottom is flexi

Mar 05, 2012 10:16 am

Discomfort with your tongue laying or hitting against the inside of a lower denture can happen, especially with a new denture. It can be adjusted by your dentist. If after adjustment you feel your tongue still hurts from the denture you may want to seek an opinion by a prosthodontist, a dentist with three years of training beyond dental school who specializes in the care and maintenance of dentures. To locate a prosthodontist near you visit www.gotoapro.org

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  I have had dentures == full upper and partial lower for nearly 2 years. My upper gums seem to be fading away on a daily basis -- they are just shrinking. At this point I think I need new uppers. Is this common?

Mar 05, 2012 10:15 am

Gum and bone shrinkage after tooth extraction happens to everyone. Sometimes the bone shrinkage that occurs after tooth loss can be so extensive that the amount of available bone and gums to support the denture is just not adequate for good support of the denture. To see if you need a new denture you may want to seek an opinion from a prosthodontist, a dentist with three years of training beyond dental school who specializes in the care and maintenance of dentures. To locate a prosthodontist near you visit www.gotoapro.org.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists