I am getting dentures and still need to get my teeth removed. Do I let my dentist do that or do is it better to go to an oral surgeon for that and then the dentist for the dentures?
Harry
Dear Harry,
If you’re getting dentures, it is better to go to a dentist for the tooth extractions, but only IF they are also the dentist who is doing the dentures. Most dentists are qualified to do pre-denture surgery. Call around and ask dentists what they usually do without letting them know what you’re looking for. Any dentist who usually does the surgery is well qualified to take care of that for you and will have plenty of experience.
The reason this is what you want is because it is helpful to have coordination between the surgeon and the dentist to ensure the best fit of the dentures. If the dentist is the one doing it, that makes things much easier. Plus, dentists are more familiar with what helps a denture fit better and some oral surgeons are a bit resistant to being advised by a dentist.
You didn’t mention how old you are, but I want to make sure that your dentist warned you about the dangers of facial collapse before you settle on completely removable dentures. Once your teeth are removed your body will begin immediately resorbing the minerals in your jawbone in order to be as efficient with your body’s resources as possible.
This has the unfortunate side effect of slowly shrinking your jawbone. After ten or so years, you will no longer have enough jawbone left to retain your dentures.
This can be prevented by having a number of dental implants placed and then anchoring the dentures to them. Not only does that give you a much higher quality of life, but your body interprets the implants as teeth roots and leaves the minerals used by your jawbone intact.
This blog is brought to you by Sun Lake Dentist Dr. Harveer Kaur.
An Indian-American Dentist.