If you're asking yourself, “do I still need to see a dentist if I have dentures?” The answer is an absolute "yes." Dental health is not just about the teeth. It is also about the gums, jawbone, mouth and yes, dentures. So if you wear dentures, you need to schedule regular preventive care appointments so the dentist can make sure that both the dentures and the mouth are in good health.
Here are five reasons why you should still visit the dentist when you have dentures:
The teeth of people with partial dentures are susceptible to cavities because food tends to get caught between them and the dentures. Regular appointments with the dentist are a good way to keep an eye of those remaining teeth. If the teeth develop a problem, the problem will be caught early.
With time, dentures become loose. The shape of the mouth or teeth may change or the dentures may wear out with use.
Loose dentures are not okay. The truth is that dentures that fit badly increase the risk of dental issues like gum disease and sores caused by injuries to the gums. Ill-fitting dentures could also lead to decreased nutrition, especially in situations where a patient finds it easier to remain hungry than to struggle with uncomfortable dentures. Regular visits allow the dentist to adjust the dentures as needed.
Just like teeth, dentures need regular checkups to confirm that they are in good condition. Dentures, especially those made of acrylic, are porous. The microscopic pores in dentures are capable of harboring lots of bacteria.
The dentist will give feedback on the care given to the dentures and suggest improvements. The dentist also comes in handy for doing a deep cleaning of the dentures in case they are found to have a buildup of plaque. If taken care of, dentures can last for more than seven years.
Medication causes dry mouth which causes bacteria to thrive. Also, older people may have low immunity and may have higher than usual levels of bacteria. The bacteria can cause gum disease, even when the patient has no teeth. Dental visits are an important way to prevent gum disease from happening or progressing.
Sometimes even people with dentures feel pain or discomfort in the gum or jaw. If there is a problem in the gum or the jaw, visit the dentist immediately. Pain that is not caused by a bad tooth can have a serious underlying cause.
The dentist's job is to care for the entire mouth. That means the teeth, tongue, inner mouth, gum and jawbone. Having dentures does not eliminate the need for a dentist. So visit your dentist once every six months at the very least. Good things will come of it.
A tooth replacement procedure is vital if you are missing teeth. You will be happy to know that there are multiple options available to restore your smile. If you are missing a few or many teeth but have healthy natural teeth remaining, partial dentures make a lot of sense. This solution can improve your appearance…
Removable artificial teeth are called dentures. They replace permanent teeth lost or extracted due to damage or extensive decay. False teeth are a traditional dental restoration method that has been around for centuries and is still effective today. However, there are things you need to know about them before you start wearing them.Your dentist can…
Partial dentures are a popular replacement option for missing teeth. You could potentially benefit from them if you have lost some of your permanent teeth, but there are still some healthy ones that remain in the jaw. Your dentist can explain if you are a candidate for partials. If you are, you should learn all…
For centuries, people have used dentures to replace missing teeth. The fact that they are still in use today speaks to how practical and effective they can be. Dentures are a popular option for those who are missing multiple teeth and do not have the desire or the ability to undergo extensive dental work. Developments…
You probably have heard of Invisalign® but might not know how it differs from traditional braces when it comes to teeth straightening. Braces have been the go-to teeth-straightening device for many years. More recently, Invisalign has gained popularity in patients with crowding or spacing issues. Because it looks so different from traditional braces, you may…
For many patients, Invisalign® treatment is a good alternative to traditional braces. Treatment time is often shorter, and patients can maintain better oral hygiene during the process. This type of orthodontic treatment uses a series of clear aligners to straighten teeth. The patient wears the trays for 20-22 hours a day, only removing them for…