When Do You Need Dentures?

It is probably the last thing you want to think about, but for some people, considering when to get dentures is a reality. It isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly. however, several early warning signs will help tip you off that it is time to consider whether you need dentures.

In this article, we will review some of the key warning signs that you may need dentures that you should not ignore.

Signs That You May Need Dentures

You Are Missing Some Teeth

As much as you may think you will be able to adapt, if you have lost one or several teeth, your need for dentures is immediate. This is because you risk losing more teeth the longer you go without dentures.

This happens because missing teeth do not support remaining teeth which will shift position in your mouth and become weaker.

You Have Loose Or Moving Teeth

Loose and moving teeth are often a sign of tooth decay and could point to the development of periodontal disease. As the damage is restricted to under the gumline, there is no telling what progress has been made. Moving teeth create gaps between teeth. Both of these situations point to a time when to consider dentures.

You Experience Severe Toothaches

Although it is not uncommon to have the odd toothache, one that won’t go away is definitely one you should not ignore. This type of toothache could be telling you that there is a form of decay that has worked into the nerve.

A root canal may be the solution to save the tooth but if the decay is advanced, dentures or a dental implant may be your only options at this point.

You Find Chewing Foods Painful

Painful chewing, especially which is most noticeable when you are eating hard or chewy foods, is a sign that your teeth have significant damage from decay.

Because you are unable to chew foods down properly, you are forced to swallow large pieces of food which can result in digestive problems. Painful chewing is a signal that you may need dentures.

You Have Red Or Swollen Gums

Periodontal disease will be easy to detect if you have sensitive gums. You can identify sensitive gums easily as they will be red or swollen, or both.

Although the early signs of this disease are not difficult to treat with proper oral hygiene, the further the disease progresses, the harder it is to treat. Bone loss and tooth loss are both possible, leading to a need for dentures.

The Different Types of Dentures

Now that you know the warning signs to watch for, there are several options available to you. If you be asking yourself… “When is it time to consider dentures?”, here is a brief review of the four primary choices that will remedy your dental situation and preserve your smile.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are a logical choice if there is not a lot of tooth decay in your mouth. As the name implies, these are dentures that are designed to replace just a small portion of your teeth.

Partial dentures use healthy natural teeth around them for support. Metal clasps are used, and these are set up by your dental professional. Partial dentures will appear much like natural teeth and will keep your remaining teeth from shifting position.

Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures permit you to replace missing teeth right away, hence the name. However, they are only to be used as a temporary solution. Immediate dentures are used to replace extracted or missing teeth while the gums heal and/or while the permanent dentures are being made.

Making traditional dentures can take some time as the healing and swelling that follows the removal of your teeth can take several months. During this time, your dentist may offer immediate dentures so that you can eat, talk, and smile properly.

Full/Conventional Dentures

These are the most common type of dentures. These dentures can only be worn once your gums have completely healed after the extraction of all your teeth. It will take about two months before your gums will be able to support traditional dentures.

This is the best option if you have lost most or all of the teeth on your top or bottom jaw. Full dentures must be removed each evening and cleaned and left in a cleaning/soaking solution to keep them from drying out.

Other False Teeth Options

Dental implants are another option to consider. The difference between these and dentures is that dental implants are installed directly into your jawbone and remain there permanently.

Another distinct difference is that dental implants are the most expensive of the denture options. Plus, implants may not be right for some patients who do not have enough bone strength to hold the implants.

The Benefits of Dentures

We have answered many questions related to the signs signaling when you need dentures so let’s take a moment to review the benefits of wearing false teeth.

The Physical

There are quite a few major benefits to wearing dentures. Firstly, dentures will first improve your smile. They will help your cheeks and face retain a healthy look and permit you to speak well and eat regularly. Many people who have missing teeth have difficulty communicating clearly and often alter their diet to softer foods or increase the number of liquid foods they consume.

Missing teeth can also lead to your jawbone changing shape and which can affect any remaining teeth.

So there are many physical benefits associated with dentures, and for most people, these benefits outweigh any negatives.

The Mental

When you have a full, dazzling smile, it does something to you mentally. It increases your confidence. With a greater amount of self-esteem, you will do things you may have shied away from before.

You may become more social, which allows you to meet new people and get involved in more activities. When you have a good smile, you feel better about yourself.

In Conclusion

Dentures are not restricted to just old people. False teeth are intended to replace missing, damaged, or diseased teeth. Dentures can help save remaining teeth and make your smile look perfect.

False teeth give you back the ability to speak and eat and will make you feel good about yourself. Those are all good things and you do not have to wait until you are a senior to receive these benefits.