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People can experience tooth loss for many reasons, and at any age. Sometimes people lose teeth through trauma, such as accidents and injuries, and sometimes tooth loss can happen because of advanced tooth decay, gum disease or other dental problems.
What are dentures?
Dentures are essentially artificial replacements for natural teeth, designed to look and act as much like the real thing as possible.
There are a variety of different types of denture, but all are removable replacements for missing teeth. Full dentures are when the dentures replace all of your teeth, while partial dentures are used to replace just a few teeth. Dentures may be made of a metal framework supporting natural looking teeth, or they may be entirely produced from plastic or acrylic. Depending on how many teeth are missing, the dentures can rest on the underlying gum or be partly or wholly supported by teeth. Another type of denture can be supported by dental implants, but is still removable.
What are the benefits of dentures?
One of the main benefits of dentures is that they are made in the laboratory, making the process very easy for the patient as any alterations can easily be made at any stage. Another benefit is that dentures are removable and non-invasive so there is less risk involved than in other treatments. They’re also completely pain-free and, because full dentures and partial dentures are possible, there are options, whether you’re missing some, or all, of your teeth. Finally, modern dentures look very natural and are easy and comfortable to wear, making them a good solution for most people.
What can go wrong with dentures?
There are very few risks when it comes to having dentures fitted. It’s generally considered a safe and painless way to replace teeth. However, as dentures are made to exactly match your mouth and are unique to you, some people might feel initial discomfort when they start to wear them. This should eventually wear off after you get used to the sensation; but, if this feeling persists, you should seek advice from your dentist.
It’s possible to make a claim for compensation if you have been neglected by your dentist throughout the process of receiving dentures. In some cases, you may have been fitted with dentures which are an incorrect size, despite paying a significant amount of money for them. Ill-fitting dentures can lead to a number of additional problems, including periodontitis (gum disease). Additionally, if you have been caused injury or harm in any way as a result of your dentist’s treatment, the Dental Law Partnership will be able to advise as to whether you’re entitled to compensation.
If you think you have been caused unnecessary harm by your dentist involving dentures or any other type of cosmetic dentistry, you could potentially make a claim for compensation.
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What is the process of having dentures fitted?If you are having dentures made for you, your dentist will begin by taking impressions of your mouth and specialised measurements of the relationship between your upper and lower jaws, over a series of visits. These impressions and measurements are completely painless and give your dentist a better idea of how your dentures should fit. Your dentist will give careful consideration to the colour, shape and size of the dentures and they should give you opportunity to specify how you would like your new smile to look. Your dentist will then send your impressions and specifications to a specialist dental laboratory, who will construct a wax model of your new teeth.
Your dentist will then ask you to come in to try the wax model in your mouth to ensure the fit of the final denture. It also gives you a chance to check the appearance and make sure it’s exactly what you want. If you have any problems or if there are any changes you would like to make, now is the time to raise them and your dentist will be able to make alterations.
Only when you’re completely happy with the look and fit of your wax model dentures will the laboratory complete your new dentures for you. Your dentist should carefully fit them for you as well as making sure they are comfortable and that you are happy with the look and feel. They will also talk you through how to look after your new dentures to keep them looking and feeling great.
Are dentures suitable for everyone?
What should you ask your dentist before agreeing to have dentures fitted?
You should make sure you are clear about the cost of the whole treatment before agreeing to have dentures fitted and your dentist should talk you through all costs in your initial consultation. If you are having partial dentures made, it’s wise to check whether or not your dentist is planning to use any of your natural teeth to support them as, if this is the case, your dentist will need to check that the supporting teeth are strong enough for the task.
If your dentist is planning on using dental implants to support your dentures, you should ensure your dentist fully briefs you on the procedure and makes you aware of all possible risks and alternatives. You should also ask about caring for your dentures and make sure your dentist gives you all of the necessary information.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect when I have dentures fitted?
Modern dentures are more natural-looking and comfortable to wear than more traditional dentures were in the past and can often look just as good as real teeth. There are also ways to care for dentures that will help keep them looking their best and lasting for longer.
- Brush daily to remove food and plaque
- Brush your gums and tongue every day before putting your dentures into place
- Stop your dentures from drying out by keeping them in solution or water when not being worn
- Visit your dentist regularly so that your dentures can be checked for any early signs of damage
What can I do if I think I might have a dental negligence claim for my dentures?
If you think that you might be eligible to make a dental negligence claim because your dentist didn’t fit your dentures properly, or the process has left you with other dental issues and resulted in pain or suffering, the first think you should do is speak to legal experts, like the Dental Law Partnership, to find out if your claim might be valid. You can find out what your options are and find out how to proceed with a claim. You can see more about the process of making a dental negligence claim here.
Will I have to go to court for a dentures compensation claim?
It’s unlikely that a dental negligence claim will get to court, as most successful cases are settled before this point. Your legal representative should keep you informed about the status of your case at all times and discuss all eventualities with you as your claim progresses. In the event that your claim does end up in court, the judge will decide on a compensation amount to be awarded to you, if your case is won.
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Mr S, East Yorkshire – 20/12/2019
I just wanted to say a big thank you to you, and your colleagues at Dental Law, for all your hard work in pursuing my claim. I was very pleased with the outcome. Every aspect of the case was handled with the upmost professionalism and clear advice throughout. The advice on liability and quantum was right on the mark. I would not hesitate in recommending Dental Law.
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Client Stories
Compensation received: £5,000 out of court settlement
• Ms R experienced severe episode of pain and sensitivity • An infection in her tooth was left to spread which eventually led to its avoidable extraction • £5,000 awarded in compensation Ms R suffered multiple episodes of pain when her dentist failed to perform a root canal treatment properly, this meant many trips to […]
Compensation received: £4,000 out of court settlement
• A man in his 30’s from The North East will lose a tooth after his dentists failed to spot and treat decay. • A piece of dental equipment had been left in his tooth after a root canal treatment, this caused him intense pain and he was unable to chew. • £4000 awarded in […]
Compensation received: £55,000
Mr D was a regular attending patient and first saw Dr N in 2004 for a routine check-up. He would attend regularly and during numerous visits had a number of treatments including, fillings, crowns and root canal treatment at various teeth. He commented, ‘I didn’t feel like anything was out of the ordinary. If I […]