Are dentures the perfect solution to teeth loss?

Dentures are removable appliances that are tailor-fitted and made to replace a person’s missing teeth & to help regain the look and oral uses that were gone due to teeth loss.

There are 2 types of dentures which are the complete and the partial denture. Complete dentures are often built with plastic coloured bases to imitate or copy the gum tissue while supporting a full set of teeth that can either be made out of porcelain or plastic. Conventional dentures had always been held in the mouth by establishing a seal with the gums, but because of dental advancements, it can now be held in place by attaching it to dental implants that are placed in the bone of the jaws.

However, this treatment is way more costly than a conventional complete denture. On the other hand, partial dentures that are made with plastic bases or metal frameworks are used to support some or the teeth that needed replacing. Unlike the complete dentures, it is held in the mouth by using clasps and rests that carefully adapts around the natural teeth.

Traditionally, the metal framework had always been used because of endurance & stability of the metal; however, plastic partial dentures are being used for emergencies or temporary substitutes of lost teeth while giving time for the gums and bones to get better before a definite treatment is made.

8 warning signs that you may need dentures

Although not all people needed dentures it’s still case dependent but here are some of the 8 warning signs that you may need dentures:

  1. When you don’t visit a dentist every 6 months

Busy or not visiting your dentist twice a year makes it easier to control teeth problems. It had always been easier to correct problems while they are still small. Don’t wait for cavities and periodontal problems be aggravated before seeing your dentist. By then, it might already lead to tooth extraction and once this happens, like it or not, you could be heading to a denture scenario. Always remember, dentures are always the last resort, do something before it gets there, always visit your dentist regularly.

  1. Red, swollen tender or bleeding gums

Early stages of gingivitis can lead to severe periodontal disease if left untreated, although gum diseases don’t necessarily mean dentures for early stages as it can still be treated with teeth cleaning or better oral care at home. But if left untreated, it can progress to bone loss, tooth loss and until finally, dentures. Always remember that early detection is always the key.

  1. Loose, shifting & wider gaps on teeth

When teeth shift position or when spaces between your teeth suddenly open, it is usually caused by periodontal or gum disease which is often referred to as a silent killer because it’s not easily seen and noticed. Most of the time, it easily gets worse without you knowing it. Loose teeth are already an advanced stage of gum disease; it might already need extensive periodontal treatment which often leads to tooth extraction.

  1. Toothache

Severe tooth pain often indicates that it’s time to check my tooth as it is a sign that tooth decay had already advanced causing an attack on the nerve at the tooth centre. If seen early, it could still be treated with fillings. However more extensive decays depend if the tooth can still be saved or might need to be removed, or if a partial denture could still replace some teeth that are already lost. Always remember that the moment teeth are lost, they’re lost for good.

  1. Already missing a couple of teeth

It’s best to seek consultation and prosthesis if you are already missing a couple of teeth if not the pressure on the remaining teeth will be too great and when fewer teeth are doing most of the work, chances are you get to lose more teeth.

  1. Having trouble eating hard or chewy foods

Although having a hard time eating these kinds of foods may also be caused by missing teeth, cracked teeth, gum diseases or cavities. It might not result in teeth extraction if you detect the problem early, in this cases a simple root canal or a crown can still be used to save the teeth as opposed to having it extracted.

  1. Indigestion

You might not be aware that if you have a persistent case of indigestion and stomach ache, your teeth are partially to blame. Cracked, chipped or sore teeth can sometimes cause indigestion because patients can’t chew their food properly as they tend to swallow it in bigger pieces which can be quite hard on your stomach. Consult your dentist to have it checked out.

  1. Self-conscious when smiling

Some people are very conscious when they smile because they are missing some of their front teeth. Always remember, the care of your teeth solely depends on you, if you just make it a habit to brush, floss and regularly visit your dentist, I’m pretty sure that dentures won’t even be an option for you  in the future.

So apart from the reasons why many people opt for having dentures which are; chewing and eating difficulties, altered facial contour or facial sagging and loss of natural teeth. It is also of vital importance to replace missing teeth to avoid the following symptoms: Gum Disease, Jaw Decay, Hollow or Sagging Cheeks & Loss of Speech.

You may not know it but dentures can greatly affect your life and save it eventually because it will not only restore your smile and make you eat and speak better. It will also make you a lot younger by filling out your face while improving your health at the same time. Dentures will ultimately change your lifestyle as it will also provide you with that gentle boost on your confidence and morale that disappeared long ago. So don’t stress out on missing teeth, visit your nearest dental clinic. Don’t you think it’s time to change your life? Don’t dwell on the past, seize the present and save your future.

Dr. Richard Huang
Dr. Richard Huanghttps://www.sydneydentalveneer.com.au
I am a dentist at Sydney Dental Veneers and I am interested in all aspects of general dental care including prevention, cosmetic, and children’s health. I am always trying to improve and better my skills and knowledge through continued education.
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