What to Expect During Your Denture Consult

If you’re thinking about getting dentures or if your dentist has recommended that you get dentures, the first step will be to have a consultation with your dentist. It’s understandable to be nervous about the initial denture consultation, however. Because of that, it’s a good idea to know what to expect ahead of time. An initial denture consult may vary depending on the patient and the dentist, but typically includes the following:

1. Initial Assessment

If the dentist providing your dentures isn’t your normal dentist, then they will want to ask questions about your dental and medical history. You may need to fill out some paperwork answering these questions. It’s important for the dentist to have as much information as possible so that they can provide you with the best dental care and denture solution possible.

It’s a good idea to bring any paperwork with you that can help you to answer questions about your medical and dental history. If you take medications, bring a list of them with you. Medications are important to note because certain drugs can affect the gums.

2. Brief Examination

The dentist will then do a brief examination of your teeth and gums. This examination is so that the dentist can determine which type of dentures to recommend. There are a variety of different types of dentures that serve different functions and meet different needs.

3. Denture Recommendations

After the examination, the dentist will explain your dentures options to you. Depending on your needs, your dentist may recommend full dentures or partial dentures. Partial dentures are for when only some of your teeth need to be replaced, while full dentures replace all of your teeth. Some partial dentures are removable while others are permanent. Full dentures are typically always removable.

4. Cost Discussion

Once you’ve determined with your dentist what kind of dentures will best suit your oral needs, your dentist will let you know how much it will cost. Your insurance may cover most if not all of the costs of the dentures, but there may also be some out-of-pocket costs associated with getting dentures.

5. Denture Impressions

Your dentist will also need to make impressions of your mouth so that the dentures can be made to fit. Dentures are not one-size-fits-all, so they’ll need to be specially made to fit your mouth. This is true even if you’re getting full dentures. Everyone’s gums are different. The impressions will provide the manufacturers of the dentures with the exact form and dimensions of your mouth so that the dentures will fit perfectly when they arrive.

6. Ask Questions

This initial consultation is the time for you to gather all of the information you need about dentures. If you have any questions that the dentist hasn’t already covered in the consultation, ask them now. When it comes to your oral health, it’s important for you to be as informed as possible. Getting dentures is a big decision and isn’t one to be made lightly.

For informational purposes only.