According to the American Dental Association, over 100 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, and more than 36 million Americans are edentulous. Getting dentures is a common and straightforward procedure. However, those who are housebound may face more obstacles during the process of getting dentures.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN GETTING DENTURES
Geriatric House Call Dentistry operates from the comfort of your home, and we treat patients with all forms of dementia, Alzheimer’s and ALS. We work hard to allow patients to keep their teeth, and we do our best to fit their dentures without having to perform any extractions. You or your loved one will be able to receive high-quality dentures in just a few simple steps when you choose Geriatric House Call Dentistry.
Step One: A Complete Dental Examination
After you make an appointment with us, we will travel to your home and perform a full dental exam on the patient. During the exam, we will search for signs of tooth decay, inflammation, gum disease and infection. The patient’s gums, teeth, lips, tongue, and palate will be carefully examined, and X-rays will be taken. All of this can be done onsite at the patient’s home to minimize discomfort and eliminate the struggle of transporting them to a dentist’s office.
Step Two: The Denture Fitting
The next step in the process of getting dentures is getting them fitted. There are several steps in the denture fitting process, and we can perform each step in-home. The first step in the denture fitting process may involve tooth extraction. We make it a priority to avoid having to extract any teeth to make the dentures. However, if a tooth is badly decayed, it will need to be removed to prevent infection. Next, we will take an impression of the patient’s mouth using a mold. We will use bite molds to ensure the dentures allow them to chew comfortably. Once the color and shape of the false teeth are picked out, the dentures will be fabricated and fitted into the patient’s mouth.
Step Three: Adjusting to Life with Dentures
Once the dentures are in place, it may take some time for the patient to adjust to them. Eating, drinking, and speaking may present some challenges at first, but over time, they will become used to the way the dentures feel and function. We will give you and the patient plenty of information on how to clean the dentures properly. For example, dentures should be brushed and soaked in a cleaning solution each night, and the patient still needs to brush their remaining teeth and gums twice daily to prevent infections. It’s important to ensure your loved one maintains proper oral hygiene after getting dentures.
We Make the Process of Getting Dentures Easy
If your loved suffers from dementia or is bedridden, getting to the dentist’s office can be difficult and stressful for both of you. When you call Geriatric House Call Dentistry, we will be able to complete the entire denture fitting procedure from the comfort of the patient’s home. We proudly serve patients in New York and Chicago. If your elderly loved one needs dentures, request an appointment today.
