ADA Accessibility Information
Call Us Today! (669) 244-1550

What is Dental Conditioning?

Posted on 12/23/2016 by Keith M. Cooper
A patient being prepared for a dental conditioning treatment.
Dental conditioning, otherwise known as tissue conditioning, is a process that allows your gums to heal while still allowing you to wear them. While you are undergoing dental conditioning, you can maintain your regular lifestyle as you heal.

Why Would You Need Conditioning?

There are a few instances that would warrant the use of dental conditioning. First, if you have just undergone tooth extraction for your first set of full dentures. Dental conditioning allows you to wear your dentures sooner, rather than waiting for the extraction sites to heal.

You may also need dental conditioning if your gums have become irritated from your existing dentures. This may happen for one of several reasons. They may not have fit properly in the first place, but you wore them anyway. You may have undergone accelerated bone loss, which has led to ill-fitting dentures. These issues can cause denture sores or red, inflamed gums.

Conditioning Provides Relief

The surface of your dentures that sits on your gums is hard. This means that if you keep wearing them, you will have no relief from pain except at night, when you remove them. Often, this is not enough time to allow your gums to heal. Dental conditioning places a soft surface between your gums and the dentures, giving them a break to heal. It allows the blood flow to return to normal and can slow any accelerated bone loss you may have experienced due to too much pressure.

Dental conditioners are the soft surface you need. They are temporary liners that sit in your dentures, providing a cushion. If your current dentures are still in good condition and still fit properly, the lining will be placed directly inside. Otherwise, they can be placed in your new dentures.

The conditioner is a temporary liner, and is not meant to be a permanent solution. Depending upon the extent of the damage to your gums, you may be provided with several conditioners so you can change them out as needed, should they tear or wear out.

If your dentures are causing you pain, contact our office about dental conditioning.

5150 Graves Ave., Suite 12E
San Jose, CA 95129
(669) 244-1550

No insurance? No problem!
Alternate payment plans available!


Keith Cooper, DDS | | (669) 244-1550