When You Should Consider Dentures

Dentures are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They restore the appearance as well as the functionality of the teeth. In the past, people associated dentures with old people because people lose their teeth as they get older. However, the use of dentures is more prevalent than most people think. According to research published in The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, an estimated 37.9 million adults in the United States will be wearing full or partial dentures by 2020.

When to start considering dentures and signs to look for

Brushing and flossing the teeth regularly and making at least two visits to the dentist’s office helps to keep the teeth healthy. But, people who practice good oral hygiene can still lose their teeth while playing sports or if they get into an accident.

Some people do not have access to dental care or cannot afford it and will have to get their teeth replaced because of decay or gum disease. In other instances, health conditions like diabetes can lead to oral health problems and tooth loss, which also requires replacement.

People dealing with any of the following conditions will likely have to get their teeth replaced.

Swollen, tender or bleeding gums

If a patient has red, swollen or bleeding gums, then they likely have an inflammation of the gums. If the condition is left untreated, it can lead to gingivitis or more advanced and severe periodontal disease, which is the cause of approximately 70% of adult tooth loss.

If the condition is caught early, it can be treated. If it is not, the patient will likely lose one or more teeth and will need to have them replaced with dentures.

Difficulty chewing hard or chewy food

Patients who have a hard time chewing their food because they are in pain likely have a cracked tooth, cavities or gum disease. If the problem is caught early, the tooth can be saved with a root canal and a dental crown. If it cannot be saved, the dentist will have to extract the tooth and replace it with dentures.

Having loose teeth

If a patient’s teeth shift or gaps open up between their teeth, there is a good chance that they are suffering from periodontal or gum disease. In most cases, extensive periodontal treatment can save the teeth. If the teeth cannot be saved, they will have to be extracted and replaced.

Hate the appearance of your teeth

In some cases, dentures are used for cosmetic purposes. If a patient has traumatized teeth, broken teeth or does not like the way their front teeth look, they can opt to have the teeth extracted and replaced with dentures to improve the appearance of their teeth.

Conclusion

Dentures are used to replace missing teeth, but they are not just for old people. If you have damaged teeth, difficulty chewing or do not like the way your teeth look, talk to your dentist to find out if you can replace the teeth with dentures.

Request an appointment here: https://www.ohiocosmeticdentists.com or call Ohio Cosmetic Dentists at (614) 503-5240 for an appointment in our Columbus office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.