Are dentures right for you?

The decision of whether or not to get dentures is not an easy one. Dentures can only be worn once a person's teeth are removed from his or her mouth. That means that a dentist or oral surgeon must pull and cut out the teeth. This is not a pleasant experience when even one tooth is involved let alone all the teeth required to be removed for a complete denture plate either upper or lower. Then, there is the cost of the extractions, the dentures, and the dentists involved. Dentures are a permanent solution to teeth problems. Once your natural teeth are removed, they can not be replaced or re-grown. Taking into account all of the above questions, if dentures are still what you decide on, make sure they are done right.

First off, ask yourself some serious questions about your teeth. Many people have cavities that can be drilled out and either filled in or capped over. The strength of your teeth should influence your decision. Are your teeth brittle? Do they chip or crack easily when you chew on foods such as nuts or apples? Do your teeth ache? Do you feel pain when your teeth come into contact with hot or cold air? Have you already had several teeth filled, capped, or removed? If most of the answers to these questions are yes, then you may decide dentures are right for you.

Next, speak with your regular dentist. Ask him or her how they feel about dentures and if dentures may be the right choice for you. Make sure you ask your dentist about their experience with dentures. If your dentist is not comfortable with your decision to obtain dentures, seek another opinion. Look around for a dentist that will fit your needs. I would recommend getting a referral from someone who has already had dentures done. Find the dentist you are comfortable with. You can also use an oral surgeon for the teeth extraction, but realize they will charge a lot more money for the extraction than a dentist with experience will charge.

Consider your income and insurance coverage before deciding on your dentist. Some insurance companies will cover only part of the costs. Get estimates from you dentist about how much each procedure will cost and what will your insurance cover or not cover. Follow up this information with a phone call to your insurance provider to be sure it is correct. Oral surgeons tend to charge more money, but are willing to provide more pain management options. An oral surgeon will probably be able to put you

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