There are many reasons why a person might become completely edentulous, or without teeth. Periodontal disease, tooth decay, and injury are a few of the more prevalent reasons, also severe malnutrition or drug use. Whatever the cause for the loss of teeth, there are dental prosthetic devices available in the form of dentures, or what some refer to as “false teeth.” These devices can make a world of difference in some patients, allowing them to continue their lives almost as if they had never lost any teeth at all.
There are many designs out there for dentures today, and most conventional dentures are removable. Other than the obvious cosmetic benefits, dentures are revolutionary in a few other ways as well. Most importantly, they allow the patient to chew normally, assisting in both mastication and digestion. Dentures also serve as a support system for the patient’s face, namely their cheeks and lips, preventing the sagging appearance that tends to develop in areas where teeth are missing, and as a result of this support system, the patient’s speech is also improved.
Conventional dentures are available for placement eight to twelve weeks after the teeth have been removed and given ample time to heal. Immediate dentures are prepared in advance and are ready for placement as soon as the teeth have been removed.
There is a lot of flexibility available with dentures today, especially with the use of partial dentures in patients that still have some remaining teeth. Partial dentures also come in permanent or removable options, and offer the option to add teeth to the prosthetic if needed later on.
Losing all your teeth doesn’t have to mean losing anything else, and restoring your smile can do wonders for your self-esteem. When looking for Fort Myers dentures, consider Dr. Raymond Lefort, Southwest Florida’s leading dentist.
