I need to remove my teeth for dentures and wondered if I need to go to an oral surgeon or if the dentist can do it?
Mira
Dear Mira,
You don’t necessarily have to see an oral surgeon. A dentist can do the extractions. The surgery for this procedure is fairly straight forward. However, I would go to a dentist who can do the surgery and place the dentures. You want to make sure they do this regularly and not just that they are doing so because is what you want. To figure that out, call the office and ask what the dentist normally does in that situation.
A Consideration Before Getting Removable Dentures
When you remove all your teeth your body begins to resorb the minerals in your jawbone in order to use them elsewhere in your body. This begins the process of shrinking your jawbone. Eventually, you won’t have enough jawbone left to even retain your dentures. This is known as facial collapse. It can be devastating to both your health and your appearance.
Not only does the shrinking jawbone make you look years older, but not being able to keep your dentures in means you will be reduced to eating nothing but mushy foods and liquid. This can lead to malnutrition.
The Solution to Facial Collapse
If instead of getting removable dentures, you get implant-supported dentures, it will protect you from developing facial collapse. You would have about four to six dental implants placed and then, after a period of healing, your dentures will be anchored to them. The implants serve as prosthetic tooth roots, which signals to your brain that you still need your jawbone.
This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.
