How immediate are immediate dentures?

By Daniel Subbotin BSc, BA, DD

Immediate dentures are one of the most exciting and innovative dental techniques of the last century. Simply put, immediate denture is a dental procedure where a denture is created prior to removal of teeth and inserted immediate after teeth are extracted. This is a procedure with obvious advantages as well as some factors that must be considered.

Immediate partial dentures replace several but not all teeth in the patient’s mouth.  Complete immediate dentures replace all teeth.  To make the explanation comprehensive, immediate complete dentures can also be part of a dental treatment leading to a complete removable denture or implant treatment.

The most obvious advantage of immediate dentures is the availability of dentures immediately after “hopeless” teeth are extracted. In these cases, the ability to chew, swallow and speak is immediately restored. 

Any patients who are considering immediate dentures must also be presented with their inherent difficulties.  To begin, no adjustment period is available. Dentures are immediately introduced and may pose difficulties with eating, speaking or swallowing but a few post-operative adjustments can easily fix this.  Immediate dentures also occupy more space in the mouth than natural teeth.  Consequently, the new denture material now impacts tissues that did not previously have pressure on them.  

Introducing immediate dentures does not allow for bone shrinkage that occurs with time. Mouth changes necessitate significant denture adjustments and reline appointments that create additional costs.  In some cases, these changes will require subsequent new dentures.

The immediate denture process will typically consist of four stages.  These are initial evaluation, immediate denture fabrication, surgical procedure and denture delivery and maintenance. When implants are the ultimate denture solution, immediate dentures constitute the final prosthesis prior to implants.

Additional procedures may also be necessary when patient jawbones need to be adjusted for maximum denture comfort. Tissue conditioning or “soft reline” is the placement of a soft, temporary liner inside the denture while a “hard reline” consists of resurfacing the denture base with a new hard material.

Your immediate dentures will be composed of specially designed plastics or dental polymers. The gum portion or denture base is designed to resemble natural gum tissue and teeth are available in a number of colours.

Some patients will be ineligible for this type of treatment. These are usually those patients whose medical conditions will not tolerate oral surgery or have jaw anatomy that will not allow for this procedure. Additionally, patients with a “gag reflex” or dexterity problems will be excluded from immediate denture options. And only on rare occasions, patients with allergies to denture compound materials will require alternative treatments.

In those instances where patients are eligible for the immediate denture alternative, this is an excellent method for eliminating the disruption of normal lifestyles. Patients are able to eat, swallow, drink and talk without interruption. Many patients report minimal pain that is quickly dissipated.  Adaptation is immediate and often without significant challenges.

Whether immediate dentures are a permanent component of your denture program or part of a complete dental treatment, they should be carefully evaluated and understood.  Prepare for the convenience of your dentures becoming an instantly available addition to your everyday habits.  At the same time, you will need to prepare for the adjustments that will be necessary, the requirement for immediate adaptation and the possibility of discomfort.

Net gains are likely to outweigh the disadvantages.  With the assistance of a competent dentist and denturist and realistic expectations, it is very likely that you will determine that immediate dentures are an excellent solution to be embraced. 

You may well decide that the ability to eliminate the time that would ordinarily be required between teeth extraction and new dentures is well worth any disadvantages. Ultimately, your dental professional will make the decision as to eligibility.  But clearly, your smile, state of mind and overall disposition are priorities to the immediate denture option that are simply unavailable with any other alternative.

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For more information about immediate dentures please feel free to contact EPICITI Mobile Dental Care. House call mobile denture clinic services are available for seniors in nursing homes, retirement homes and hospitals. Home care denture services are available for residents in Toronto and surrounding area, including Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Scarborough, Oshawa, Brampton, Markham, Richmond Hill, Aurora and Newmarket. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.

Let's help granny keep her teeth! Senior oral hygiene is key to care-giving.

By Daniel Subbotin BSc, BA, DD

Those who dedicate their time and energies to the responsibilities of caring for the senior population are acutely aware of the challenges inherent to those tasks. With advancing age, the senior population is faced with difficulties in such basic functions as mobility, eating, bathing, dressing and simply surviving.

One of the most important concerns, however, is often overlooked. Seniors who are frequently without dental insurance and opportunities to visit dental professionals are subject to numerous problems associated with inadequate dental care.

What are the causes for increased dental problems with the senior population?  Regrettably, they are numerous. Seniors are subject to effects associated with numerous medications that are administered for such conditions as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s.  Mouths change with age and nerves shrink as part of that aging process.

Very often, seniors will have no dental insurance to provide assistance. Mouth soreness can lead to inadequate nutrition and declining health. Dry mouth will often lead to cavities and gum disease. 

Most importantly, seniors very often have no transportation to dental professionals.  This is most recently mitigated by the availability of mobile dental care.  But the size of the problem and lack of financial assistance for seniors result in poor oral health leading to more serious health issues.

Caregivers can be instrumental in reducing the likelihood of periodontal disease, loss of teeth and untreated decay. With routine attention to dental hygiene, either at home or within a residential care facility, we can reduce seniors’ exposure to the numerous conditions frequently associated with aging.

Dry mouth is one of the most significant signs of compromised oral health. Over 400 prescribed medications have dry mouth as one of the side effects. This condition can be treated with simple solutions such as increased hydration, sucking on sugar-free hard candies or chewing sugar-free gum. Ice chips or popsicles can also improve seniors’ dry mouth discomfort.

Improving nutrition will also improve dental health. Be certain that seniors minimize intake of sodas, juices and energy drinks as well as sticky, sugary candies. Coffee and alcohol also contribute to dry mouth.

The solutions are both internal and external. With improved nutrition (substantial water, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and low-fat dairy foods), we can substantially impact dental health. Various diseases have direct impact on dental health, especially in the cases of diabetes and heart disease, primarily because of the medications prescribed.  Introducing proper diet will make a terrific difference.

On the external side, it is important to make it possible for seniors to maintain routine care and have access to dental professional services. Whether it be in the home or care facility, seniors must have appropriate tools to contribute to dental health.

In those cases where seniors have mental faculties and are capable of understanding, gentle reminders of the need for routine brushing, flossing and rinsing will be powerful. Make certain that your senior has the toothbrush appropriate to natural teeth or dentures and the corresponding toothpaste or cleaner.

Flossing is always important and should be done after every meal.  Many seniors will benefit from a mouthwash as the final component of oral hygiene, particularly if it contains fluoride with its anti-bacterial effects.

The same rules apply for dementia patients but another level of care will be required. Show the senior how to brush by brushing your own teeth and having him or her imitate your actions. If the patient is incapable of the brushing process, do it for him or her, making certain to be firm but gentle with potentially sore teeth and gums.  Finish with a pleasant, good-tasting rinse that will punctuate the entire cleaning experience as an enjoyable one.

Our aging population is suffering from numerous hardships that include reduced income and mobility, compromised comprehension and a litany of undesirable health conditions.  Caregivers have an implied and specific imperative for attending to the complex dental issues that our seniors face.

Never lose sight of the dignity to which our elderly citizens are entitled. With clean teeth, a happy smile and a lack of dental pain, our seniors will benefit immeasurably from our having completed these important steps on their behalf.

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To learn more about how you can help assist a senior with their oral health, or if you have any questions regarding the details of this article, please feel free to contact EPICITI Mobile Dental Care. They provide onsite mobile dental house call services to seniors in nursing homes, retirement homes, long-term care centres, hospitals, and private residences. Serviceable areas for mobile denture clinic services and house call mobile dental cleaning services include the Greater Toronto Area, Scarborough, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Brampton, Aurora, Richmond Hill and Newmarket.

Dental Care for Seniors in Nursing and Retirement Homes

Dental Care for Seniors in Nursing and Retirement Homes from EPICITI - Mobile Dental Care

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Learn about the importance of oral health and overall health, especially as we age. A short presentation about dental care for seniors in long-term care and retirement homes.

To learn more about dental care for seniors please feel free to get in touch with our office. EPICITI Mobile Dental Care provides mobile denture clinic services and house call dental cleanings to seniors in long-term care, retirement homes, hospitals, and residential homes.

Don’t Retire Dental Care in Retirement

By Daniel Subbotin BSc, BA, DD

Most likely, your days are filled with errands, doctor visits, family events, social service activities and endless demands on your time and relaxation. Unfortunately, because of your many priorities, it’s quite common that dental and denture care are the needs that go unaddressed.

But before you point the finger at yourself, keep in mind that as part of the aging population, you have some unique variables. Sometimes your ability to drive is impaired or you are living in an assisted living or skilled nursing facility. You may also have need for special services including home health or nursing care.

In many cases, you have family members delivering care but they have their own schedules and families, making it difficult for you to ask for time to visit your denturist or dentist. If you have mobility challenges or other medical conditions that impact your access to dental care, the challenges become increasingly difficult.

Finally, your medical condition and prescriptions may have impact on your dental health and the ability to maintain routine denture care and adjustment. Many seniors find that strength, stamina and overall health take their tolls in maintenance of regular oral hygiene.

Fortunately, the dental and denture landscape has changed immensely in the last several years, enabling you to receive residential care. Numerous dental care organizations are now offering residential care that maximizes your convenience and privacy while eliminating the difficulties associated with visiting a dental or denture clinic.

This is not to say that you should ignore important symptoms or relax your oral care. Your dental professional will quickly confirm that in-home maintenance of oral health includes the vitally important routines such as brushing, flossing and rinsing. And whether in your residence or the dental office, regular checkups are more important than ever.

Your dental professional will be a vital resource in terms of maintenance and preventive care. Your own care is critical but your dental professional will manage your cleanings and diagnostics to make certain that all dental irregularities are identified.

In case you’re not already aware, conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, dementia and Alzheimer’s can complicate home dental care. Dry mouth is quite common and in many cases, basic processes such as brushing or flossing may be forgotten. If your family member is in advanced stages of dementia, brushing and flossing should be taught and demonstrated in simple, uncomplicated terms.

In the case of denture care, guidelines remain the same as those for natural teeth. To begin, dentures must be cleaned daily with a sturdy denture brush. Many denture wearers choose a denture solution for leaving a fresh, clean denture after soaking.

Dentures are not indestructible. Be careful with cleanings, making certain not to scratch or damage surfaces. Brush your natural teeth and tongue with toothpaste before re-inserting your dentures. For the sake of fresh breath and additional bacteria fighting, mouthwash is always a good idea. To prevent dry mouth and to keep you gums healthy use alcohol-free mouthwash.

Leave denture repair and adjustments to the professionals. Although it may seem easy to twist or tap something back into shape, this is a dangerous process that could result in major damage to your dentures. Keep your dentures moist when you’re not wearing them, never place them in hot water and

consult your dental professional for the special care needed for metal pieces for your dentures.

Mobile dental care is going to be one of your greatest assets in retirement. You will enjoy the care and convenience inherent to services performed within the comfort of your residence.

No matter where you decide to maintain oral health, it is critically important that you do so. Attend your committee meetings, luncheons or day trips to your heart’s content. But keep brushing, flossing and rinsing your way to healthy teeth and smiles as bright as your disposition.

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EPICITI Mobile Dental Care provides onsite mobile denture services and house call dental cleanings for seniors living in nursing homes, retirement homes, long-term care facilities, hospitals and residential homes. Remember...we come to you! Mobile dental services benefit those who would not otherwise be able to conveniently access a traditional dental clinic setting, such as someone recently hospitalized or released from the hospital, residents in nursing and retirement homes, individuals who are bedridden due to illness, patients with mobility impairment or someone who prefers the privacy or convenience of dental care in their own home.

EPICITI Mobile Denture Clinic provides house call denture and mobile dental cleanings in the following areas: Greater Toronto Area, Scarborough, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Brampton, Aurora, Richmond Hill and Newmarket. Contact our office at (905) 237-8422 to learn more about our house call denture services and dental cleanings in nursing and retirement homes. Website: www.EPICITI.ca

For more information or if you have any questions about your dentures north of GTA please contact Coldwater Denture Clinic at 705-915-0500 or visit at 28 Coldwater Road, Coldwater, Ontario. Providing denture services in Coldwater, Midland and Orillia. Website: www.ColdwaterDentures.ca

A perfect fit goes a long way - five things you should know about your dentures.

By Daniel Subbotin BSc, BA, DD

Your dentures keep you smiling with confidence and help you enjoy the foods you love to eat. Remember that dentures are like your natural teeth and will last longer and fit better if you take proper care of them. If you wear dentures and want to maintain that attractive smile, here are five things you should know. 

1. Dentures should be cleaned regularly. Your dentures require proper and adequate care, just like your natural teeth. Dentures should be cleaned at least twice a day to prevent bacterial and fungal infections that lead to inflammation and pain. This routine can help you save any remaining natural teeth and keep your dentures looking great!

2. Cleaning your dentures the proper way can prevent damage. Carefully remove any food or debris by gently brushing dentures under warm running water. Never use hot water for cleaning as this can cause dentures to warp and fit poorly. Use appropriate denture cleaners when brushing and remember to rinse thoroughly.

3. Your lifestyle affects your dentures. Dentures can be affected by your habits and the foods you eat. Drinking coffee, tea and red wine can stain your teeth over time. Smoking can also lead to stains and unpleasant odours in your dentures. 

4. Some products can cause irreversible damage to your dentures. Toothpaste and bleaching products can create micro-scratches for bacteria to stick to and lead to staining. Avoid using these products to clean your dentures. To prevent damage to softliners and metal clasps, use cleaning products that are specifically formulated for these types of materials. 

5. Recommended routine for denture care during the night. It is important to remove your dentures and soak them in a container with suitable denture cleanser before going to sleep. Keeping them in your mouth during the night can cause inflammation leading to discomfort, pain, and infection. 

For more information or if you have any questions about your dentures please contact Coldwater Denture Clinic at 705-915-0500 or visit at 28 Coldwater Road, Coldwater, Ontario. Providing denture services in Coldwater, Midland and Orillia. Website: www.ColdwaterDentures.ca

For more information on house call denture services and mobile dental cleanings please contact EPICITI Mobile Dental Care at 905-237-8422. House call dental services are available for seniors in nursing homes, retirement communities, hospitals and private residences located in Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Aurora and Newmarket. Website: www.EPICITI.ca