Lost Dentures During a Patient's Hospital Stay: A Common Problem and How We Can Help

Lost Dentures in NHS Hospitals? Private Mobile Dental Service in Worthing, Sussex, Surrey, and London

Losing dentures during a hospital stay is an increasingly common issue that can cause significant distress for patients. Whether it's due to a short stay for a routine procedure or a longer stay for more serious health concerns, misplaced or lost dentures can severely impact a patient's ability to eat properly, chew, and maintain their overall comfort. Unfortunately, this issue is all too familiar within hospitals across Worthing, Sussex, Surrey, and London.

Hospitals are busy environments where patients are often moved between wards, and their personal belongings, including dentures, can easily become misplaced. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as being moved to a different bed, confusion among hospital staff, or simply being misplaced by the patient themselves, particularly if they are unwell or disoriented. The impact of lost dentures can be profound, leading to difficulty in eating, discomfort, and even embarrassment, especially if the patient is in the hospital for an extended period.

For patients, the loss of dentures is more than just an inconvenience; it is a significant healthcare issue. Without dentures, patients may struggle with chewing, leading to nutritional challenges and discomfort. This problem can be particularly acute for elderly patients, who are more likely to be admitted for long-term care. It’s crucial for hospital staff, including nurses and healthcare assistants, to be aware of the importance of dentures and take extra care to prevent them from being lost.

At the Clinic for Implant & Orthodontic Dentistry in Worthing, we understand the distress that lost dentures can cause. That’s why we offer a comprehensive mobile dental service, also known as a domiciliary dental service, to assist patients who have lost their dentures during a hospital stay. Our team of experienced dentists can visit patients directly in the hospital, whether in Worthing, Sussex, Surrey, or London, to provide immediate assistance.

Our mobile dental service is designed to be convenient and efficient, ensuring that patients who have lost their dentures can quickly get a replacement. We offer a range of denture options, including fully acrylic dentures and cobalt chrome dentures for both upper and lower teeth. These high-quality dentures are custom-made to fit each patient’s needs, allowing them to regain their ability to eat, chew, and speak comfortably.

For patients staying in NHS hospitals, we provide detailed information on the costs associated with replacement dentures and offer support in navigating the process to ensure they receive the care they need. As a private practice, our service is particularly beneficial for patients who may not be able to visit a dental practice due to their hospital stay or health condition.

In addition to providing new dentures, we also work closely with hospital staff to raise awareness about the importance of denture care during a patient’s stay. By educating nurses, healthcare assistants, and other hospital staff about the risks of lost dentures and the steps that can be taken to prevent this issue, we aim to reduce the frequency of this common problem.

In summary, lost dentures during a hospital stay are a significant issue that can impact a patient's health and wellbeing. At the Clinic for Implant & Orthodontic Dentistry, we are committed to providing prompt and effective solutions through our mobile dental service, ensuring that patients can quickly regain their comfort and dignity. If you or a loved one has lost dentures during a hospital stay, please contact us for assistance. Our team is here to help, providing the care and support needed to restore your smile.

Creating Perfect Dentures at Home with a Dentist Who Comes to You- By Dr Amir Mostofi DDS Dip MSc

Creating Perfect Dentures at Home with a Dentist Who Comes to You

Dentures made in the convenience of one's own home with the assistance of a domiciliary dentist are an excellent option for those who find traditional dental visits difficult. At Clinic for Implant & Orthodontic Dentistry, we specialise in providing denture services that are tailored to the specific requirements of our patients, including those with dementia and other mental disorders. In this exhaustive guide, we will walk you through the various phases of denture creation, from initial consultations to the final fitting, while emphasising the significance of a domiciliary dentist's experience in managing complex cases.

Step 1: Consultations at the outset

The initial consultation is a crucial first stage in the process of acquiring dentures. During this appointment, our domiciliary dentist conducts a comprehensive examination of your oral health and discusses the denture options that best meet your requirements. For a number of our patients, particularly those with dementia, collecting impressions can be difficult. Our experienced domiciliary dentists play a crucial role in the management of such cases. During this phase, we also ensure that all necessary documentation, including consent forms and cost discussions, is completed.

Step 2: Extraction, if Required

When oral health issues are identified during the initial consultation, tooth extraction may be required. To minimise patient distress, tooth extraction is performed with care and frequently in stages. This period, which typically lasts between one and three weeks, allows the mouth to recuperate and reduces swelling, making future dentures fit better.

Step 3: Taking Impressions

Taking accurate impressions of your upper and lower mandible is a crucial step in the fabrication of dentures that fit securely and comfortably. Numerous elderly individuals struggle with thinning jawbones, necessitating the use of specialised impression-taking techniques. Our domiciliary dentists are well-versed in adapting these techniques to individual requirements, thereby ensuring an accurate representation of your mandible and any remaining teeth.

Step 4: Registration of the Bite

At the stage of bite registration, the complex relationship between your upper and lower mandible is established. This procedure enables the dentist to record the precise relationship between your jaws. In addition, during this phase, the colour, shape, size, and quality of the denture teeth are meticulously determined, ensuring that your dentures appear and feel natural.

Step 5: Wax trial dentures

Seeing the wax trial dentures in your mouth is a crucial step in the process of creating dentures. This phase enables both you and the dental technician to evaluate whether the desired aesthetic has been achieved. At this juncture, any necessary modifications can be discussed and implemented. At Clinic for Implant & Orthodontic Dentistry, we prioritise your satisfaction, and alterations are made at no additional cost if necessary.

Step 6: Final Fitting and Adjustments

In the final stage, the completed dentures are adjusted. If significant changes were made during the wax trial denture stage, it may be necessary to repeat appointment 4. We recognise that the process of having dentures fitted can be intimidating, especially for first-timers or those who have had negative experiences in the past. Our dedication to ensuring that you comprehend the procedure and our emphasis on both form and function ensure that you leave with dentures that inspire confidence.

Visits and Problems with Cobalt Chrome Dentures

Generally, between four and seven visits are required to complete a denture, depending on the individual's requirements and complexity. However, cobalt chromium dentures, which contain a metal skeleton, typically require more visits due to the complexity of their fabrication and adjustment. Our skilled team at Clinic for Implant & Orthodontic Dentistry is well-equipped to handle such challenges, assuring the best possible outcome for your cobalt chrome dentures.

Domiciliary dental care for patients confined to their homes or beds

We recognise that not all patients have easy access to dental clinics. For this reason, we offer home visits, also known as domiciliary dental care, to those who are bedridden or confined to their homes. We make the process as convenient and comfortable as possible for patients who can recline in a wheelchair or regular chair with space around the dentist's workspace.

If a patient is completely bedridden and inclining the bed is not an option, we do have a solution. We use intraoral digital scanners as opposed to traditional impression materials, thereby eliminating the danger of material running down the patient's throat and ensuring a safe and efficient procedure.

The conclusion

A personalised and patient-centered approach to dental treatment is the fabrication of dentures in the patient's residence by a domiciliary dentist. At the Clinic for Implant & Orthodontic Dentistry, we strive to make this journey as pleasant and rewarding as possible, particularly for patients confronting unique obstacles. We have the knowledge and skill to create dentures that restore your smile and improve your quality of life. If you would like to schedule an initial consultation, please contact us at 01903-821822. We anticipate serving you and ensuring that your dental requirements are met with the utmost care and expertise.