Will Getting Dentures Hurt? What to Expect During Your First Fitting - Dentistry

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Getting dentures can be a significant step for many individuals, especially if you have lost teeth due to injury, decay, or other reasons. The process of getting dentures involves several steps, and while some discomfort may be experienced, it is generally manageable. Here’s what you can expect during your first fitting and the overall process.


Initial Consultation and Fitting
1. Consultation: Before getting dentures, you will have an initial consultation with your dentist or prosthodontist. During this appointment, they will assess your oral health, take impressions of your mouth, and discuss the type of dentures that would be best for you—full or partial dentures, for example.

2. Impressions: The dentist will take impressions of your gums and any remaining teeth. This step is crucial as it helps create a custom fit for your dentures. Some people may feel a gag reflex during this process, but it usually subsides quickly.

3. Fitting: After the impressions are made, your dentures will be crafted in a dental lab. When you return for your fitting, the dentist will place the dentures in your mouth to check the fit and make any necessary adjustments. This is when you might feel some pressure or tightness, but it should not be painful.


Pain and Discomfort
- Initial Discomfort: It’s normal to experience some discomfort or soreness in the first few days of wearing new dentures. This is due to your gums adjusting to the new appliance. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage this discomfort.

- Adjustment Period: Your mouth may need time to adapt to the dentures. You might experience some soreness, especially if the dentures are not fitting properly. Your dentist can make adjustments to improve the fit and comfort.

- Bone Anchors: If your dentist suggests using dental implants (often referred to as "pins" or "screws") to secure the dentures, there will be a separate procedure involved. This involves placing titanium posts into your jawbone, which can cause some discomfort during the healing process. However, many patients find that the stability provided by implants is worth the initial discomfort.


Long-Term Care and Expectations
- Follow-Up Visits: After getting your dentures, you will have follow-up appointments to ensure that they fit well and to make any necessary adjustments. This is important for your comfort and to prevent any sores from developing.

- Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential, even with dentures. You should clean your dentures daily and also take care of your gums and any remaining teeth.

- Dietary Adjustments: Initially, you may need to adjust your diet to softer foods as you get used to chewing with dentures. Over time, most people can return to a normal diet.


Conclusion
In summary, while getting dentures may involve some discomfort, it is typically not painful. The initial fitting may feel strange, and there may be an adjustment period where you experience some soreness. If dental implants are involved, there may be additional discomfort during the healing process. However, with proper care and follow-up, most patients adapt well to their new dentures and find significant improvement in their quality of life. If you have concerns about pain or the fitting process, it’s essential to communicate openly with your dentist, who can provide reassurance and support throughout your journey.