Considering whether you need dentures or dental implants?
While many people assume that dentures are only for older adults, dentures, and dental implants are actually beneficial for individuals of all ages — younger adults as well as older people. What it really comes down to is the health of your teeth and gums, as well as what specific ailments, have been troubling you.
Up ahead, we’ll look at the top reasons most people opt for dentures. While this list is not exhaustive, it does provide some insight into the motives most people have for getting these types of removable dental replacements.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are dental devices that replace missing teeth. Various methods are used to attach dentures to the gum line, and your dentist can help determine the best method for you.
There are two main types of dentures: complete dentures and partial dentures. Complete dentures are removable teeth replacements that replace your entire set of teeth. For example, you can get a complete denture set for just the top row of your teeth, one for your bottom row, or two sets for both the top and bottom rows.
Partial dentures replace only a few teeth. With partial dentures, some natural teeth still exist, and the replacements fit in with either a bridge or a crown attachment.
There are numerous benefits to choosing dentures. Not only can they restore your smile and help if you’re self-conscious about broken, damaged, or missing teeth, but they can also fix other dental problems that may affect the way you eat, drink, and talk.
Signs You May Need Dentures
1. You have one or more missing teeth.
Whenever someone has missing teeth, dentures or dental implants can be used to replace those teeth.
People can lose their teeth for a multitude of reasons. For example, if you’ve been in an auto accident or taken a bad fall at home, you may have had trauma to the mouth area and lost or broken teeth. In other cases, tooth decay and gum disease are at fault. Teeth may rot away or need to be pulled because of excess decay.
2. You’ve had recurring toothaches.
Recurring toothaches generally mean there’s something wrong on a deeper level with your teeth and/or gums. There may be tooth decay or even nerve damage if the decay has gone deep enough.
There are numerous reasons why tooth decay and subsequent tooth pain can occur. It could be a hereditary problem or linked to an illness or disease. Some mothers even struggle with dental problems during and after pregnancy and the birth of their children.
Alternatively, it might simply be linked to poor oral care, which is why it’s so important to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings every year. Caring for your teeth regularly can prevent periodontitis: inflammation of the mouth’s tissue, which may cause loose teeth and shrinking gums. If your dentist can catch periodontitis and other tooth problem before they grow, they can often perform simple fillings or even root canals to prevent tooth loss.
In some cases, when your dentist is not able to treat periodontitis and overall decay, they may recommend removing the tooth (or several teeth) and replacing the removed teeth with dentures.
3. You’re experiencing bleeding or redness around the gums.
Redness, tenderness, and bleeding at the gum line may also be a sign that you need dentures. These symptoms often accompany toothaches and pain as outlined above.
Generally speaking, these are signs of gum disease. Fortunately, in many cases, permanent loss of your teeth can be avoided if you see your dentist early on for treatment, but this isn’t always the case. In some situations, you may need to have the affected teeth pulled and replaced with dentures or dental implants.
4. You’re self-conscious about your smile.
No one wants to be self-conscious when they smile. You should feel comfortable laughing and smiling in any and all situations.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for individuals to hide their smiles because they have missing, broken, or damaged teeth. Perhaps you instinctively cover your mouth when you laugh or refuse to “smile with your teeth” when having a picture taken.
If this is you, dentures can correct your smile. Replacing broken or missing teeth can give you a boost of self-esteem so that you can confidently smile and laugh without restraint.
5. You have difficulty eating or chewing.
Especially when it comes to tougher foods like raw vegetables or pieces of meat, if you’ve been experiencing difficulty chewing and eating, this may be a sign that dentures could be helpful.
You’ll want to pay close attention to any foods that you feel you need to avoid. For example, if you tend to stay away from tough or hard foods or cold foods like ice cream, these sensitives may point to a bigger problem that requires dentures.
Contact Dolphin Dental Group Today
The best way to know if you need dentures or dental implants is to book an appointment with a dentist who has experience in this area. Only a professional can tell you if dentures or implants would be right for you.
At Dolphin Dental Group, our highly-skilled dentists have extensive experience in cosmetic dentistry and mouth restoration. We would be happy to have a look at your oral health and present you with your best options.
Give us a call today at (727) 393-9334. We look forward to hearing from you!
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