Avoid the Disappointment by Having a Frank Conversation with Patients Before They Get Dentures

There are many posts out there from patients about what they wish they knew before they got dentures. It seems one of the biggest complaints is that dentists and oral surgeons don’t always discuss all the things patients will experience with dentures, or they sugar coat it. Patients often feel disappointed with their experience because of that. So it’s time to get real about talking to your patients who require dentures about what they will really experience and support them more during the transition period. 

What Some Patients Wish They Knew

There are YouTube videos and Reddit posts galore about what patients wish their dentist or oral surgeon told them before getting dentures. Many feel like dentures were sugar coated with the usual, “You’ll feel so much more confident with a nice smile!” But then are left afterward constantly wondering if other people can tell they have dentures because they talk weird or the denture adhesive just doesn’t hold like the commercials all promise. 

Patients want to know that food will taste different because there are taste buds on the roof of their mouth that are now covered up. They want to know tricks for getting better adhesion with paste or powder. They want to know that chewing food is awkward and they will have to learn how to eat all over again. They want to know that the fit will evolve over the healing process. 

In short, their life is about to change forever and it’s important to not hold anything back. Set your patient up for success by being as open and honest about dentures as possible. Here are some tips for better communication with patients about getting dentures. 

1 | Have an Honest Conversation

It’s crucial to have an honest and frank conversation about dentures. Dentures are often advertised as a great fix for people who have bad teeth or no choice but to have teeth pulled. But it is a prosthetic in the mouth and things will be different. Manage expectations and explain that there will be a learning and transition period. Avoid overpromising and be clear about the potential for pain, discomfort, changes in speech, and difficulty chewing food. 

2 | Discuss Options

There are different options so make sure patients are aware of other options, such as implants or snap-ins. Your patient may come in wanting implants, but may have had so much bone loss, they aren’t a good candidate for it, so manage expectations there. Also, be prepared for patients who need implants to decline this much more expensive option in favor of traditional dentures. This is when the honest conversation about changes to their lifestyle is important. 

3 | Provide Help and Comfort During the Transition Period

This can be the most frustrating time for patients. You should have already gone over what to expect with dentures prior to getting them, but reassure them that the symptoms they are experiencing are indeed normal. Do not dismiss any pain they may be experiencing and make sure they are coming in for regular adjustments, emphasizing it will help with long-term success. Help them address speech issues by providing tips for talking better with dentures. Do not ever make your patient feel like you don’t have time for them by getting them in and out for adjustments or follow ups so you can move on to the next patient. They want to know their dentist and oral surgeon are there for them and that you care about their success with dentures. 

Key Takeaways

While there are pros to getting dentures, like nicer looking teeth, it’s important to not avoid talking about or sugar coating the cons of dentures. Just like an amputee has to get used to a prosthetic leg, your patient will need help and support getting used to the prosthetic in their mouth. Having an honest conversation about what to expect with dentures before the oral surgeon removes their teeth is crucial to long-term patient success. Then, don’t leave your patient high and dry during the transition period. Take time with them during adjustments, listen to their concerns, and provide reassurance. By truly caring about your patient and helping them toward long-term success, you can both feel good about dentures!