Teeth extraction is a standard procedure. Natural tooth loss can result from accidents, illnesses, or infections. This may be shocking at first, especially if the missing teeth make you self-conscious about smiling in public. Nonetheless, your life will go on as usual. Whether you need a partial denture to replace a few teeth or a full denture to replace all of your teeth, the following advice will help you prepare for your dentures.

First, we explain what to expect when you get dentures for the first time, and then we offer five tips to ease the transition from natural teeth to dentures.

What should I expect before getting dentures?

Oral health professionals are expected to treat patients with empathy and care. They frequently assist people in your situation. Don’t be shy about bringing up any worries you may have; they are accustomed to calming anxious patients. They have dealt with similar issues before. Your dental prosthetist and denture team care about your comfort and well-being throughout the process. For example, they will help you choose the best denture for your needs and give you the most up-to-date information about dentures.

Denture financing advice is at your disposal. Most dental offices will accept private insurance and have hi-cap machines to process claims on the spot for dentures. They also know about government resources and can help you apply for VA benefits.

You can count on high-tech hardware and software to give you replacement teeth that last long, feel good, and look good.

Working together is what you can expect from industry experts. Dentists and other dental professionals work closely with dental prosthetists and laboratory technicians to make your dentures. They do this by combining their growing knowledge with what they already know.

In addition, you can count on having your own aesthetic and practicality expectations managed. When you first get your dentures, your dental prosthodontist and their team will help you get used to having a foreign object in your mouth, teach you how to properly clean and care for your dentures and mouth, and make any necessary adjustments.

Transitioning from natural teeth to artificial or ‘false’ teeth can cause various feelings. While not everyone experiences the same things, it helps to be ready in case you do. One survey found that tooth loss is associated with feelings of sadness (12.9%), depression (6.4%), grief over the loss of a body part (14%), and a sense of aging (2.3%) in its victims. However, 7.6% of those polled didn’t care either way. I

If you’re feeling down, remember that you’re not alone. Talking to people who have undergone the denture transition is helpful, so you should join a social media forum about it. Many are willing to share their experiences and insights on how others can best deal with similar situations.

How can I prepare in advance to get the best results?

1. Prepare your mind

When it comes to getting the most out of your dentures, this is a crucial step. Keeping an optimistic and practical outlook on getting a denture will help you through this transition period.

• Invest time in learning all you can about getting and caring for dentures.
• Check with your friends who also use dentures for their input. Those who use dentures may need help to spot them because they look realistic. Take part in online denture discussion groups.
• Optimism is warranted. Consider the countless people who have gone before you who have worn dentures, some of whom have done so successfully for their entire lives.

2. Prepare physically

Maintaining optimal health is one way to get ready in advance.

• Smoking can have a devastating effect on your mouth’s soft tissues when you’re trying to heal sore gums or a cracked tooth. Quit smoking if you want to help yourself out.
• Prepare in advance for healthy eating that won’t irritate your sore gums.
• You should eat soft foods, such as soups and stews, rather than tougher meats and foods that require more chewing and biting while you get used to your dentures. Eating soft foods while getting used to the denture and healing from extractions can help reduce the risk of discomfort.
• Preparation helps you feel more in charge of your recovery and acclimatization, improving your mood.

3. Save up money in advance

Create a plan to put your mind at ease about how you’ll pay for your new denture.

• Look into your options and find a payment method that works for you. Your health is at risk, so invest in the best-quality dentures you can manage. In the end, they’ll be well worth the investment.

4. Assemble your thoughts

Making an effort to mentally and emotionally ready yourself for this life-altering shift can be very empowering.

• Having patience and sticking with it is essential. Find out as much as possible about the process of healing after extraction. Make sure to follow your dental prosthetist’s and other dentists’ instructions before, during, and after having teeth pulled and dentures put on.
• Get used to your new dentures at your own pace. Be willing to fully commit to changing your diet and your vocabulary. Realize that a denture is not a replacement for your natural teeth and that it will take time to adjust to your new dentures after tooth loss.
• A plan is essential to help you adjust to your new dentures. Do some shower singing. In the comfort of your own home, read aloud to your family. As your self-assurance grows, you’ll be ready to greet the world with a beaming grin.

Engage in social preparation

You might put off making plans to hang out with friends until you’ve healed, but when you do, you better be ready to field some compliments.

• Humor yourself and learn to laugh more often, understanding that taking in the compliments people will give you on your appearance is okay. Did you know people automatically attribute more intelligence to those who smile?
• Furthermore, smiling releases endorphins, the “feel good” hormones that improve mood, alleviate stress, lessen pain, and strengthen the immune system.

Bottom Line

You can lessen the stress of making such a significant life change by preparing to use dentures in advance. Knowing how to replace natural teeth with prosthetic or false teeth can help ease your worries and prepare you for the change. 

Taking charge of your situation and preparing to handle any eventuality makes it much easier to expect a positive outcome, even if the worst-case scenario doesn’t play out. It’s normal to be nervous about making a major life change, but many people who get dentures end up being so pleased with the results that they wish they’d gotten them sooner.