How to Know When You Need Dentures

The best way to find out if you or a loved one need dentures is to set up an appointment with a dentist. Your dentist can examine your teeth and gums to determine your oral health. Based on the examination, they can determine if you need to get dentures. If you do need dentures, you can find out which denture type is best for you as well as the necessary steps to getting them. Our dentist at Mat-Su Health Services Inc. can also inform you of other available care options.



Is It Too Late to Save Your Teeth?

Two signs that may indicate it is too late to save your teeth. If your teeth are loose or shifting, this can be a sign of bone loss around the teeth. Tooth loss may be another sign that it is too late. Regardless of the symptoms you experience, you need to set up an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible to save, at the very least, some of your teeth.

Three warning signs indicate that you need to see your dentist promptly to save your teeth. They are discussed below.

Severe Toothaches

If you are experiencing a toothache that just won't go away, this is usually the first sign that you need to seek medical help. An incessant toothache could be an indication that tooth decay has already begun and is making its way to the nerve endings in your tooth. If you catch it in time, you can have a root canal to save the tooth.

However, if it is too late, you can replace the tooth with an implant or partial denture. Taking prompt action when experiencing tooth discomfort can save you from having to get dentures.

Reasons You May Be Experiencing Toothaches

If you have cavities, this can cause toothaches. Cavities are created by acids secreted by bacteria in your mouth. Tooth sensitivity may also be a reason for toothaches. You will notice you suffer from this if you experience sharp pain while eating or drinking something hot or cold. Gingivitis, or the more severe periodontitis, may also cause a toothache.

If you have experienced an injury while playing sports, it can cause damage to your teeth and gums which can cause a toothache. If you have experienced a dental injury, communicate with a dental professional as soon as possible.

Inflamed and Bleeding Gums

When it comes to maintaining good oral health, you want to contact your dentist as soon as you feel any sensitivity or bleeding of the gums. It is best to address these issues early on because inflammation can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease involves losing bone around your teeth. Eventually, this can lead to you losing your teeth.

Trouble Eating

If you find it painful to eat hard or chewy food, it may be an indication that you have cavities, one or more of your teeth is cracked, or you are experiencing gum disease. The sooner you contact your dentist about these issues, the better chance you have of preserving your teeth.

In this situation, your dentist will most likely recommend a root canal. A root canal involves placing a crown on the tooth to stop it from decaying further. This procedure will stop the source of the pain and help preserve your teeth.

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are an apparatus used to replace teeth you have lost. Dentures are removable, meaning you can clean them at night. Not only do they make it easier for you to eat, but you will feel more confident because it improves your smile.

Complete Dentures

Complete dentures, or full dentures, are for individuals who have lost all of their teeth or had all of their teeth removed. These dentures will help you get back a full smile. Suction is used to hold the dentures in place and firmly attach them to your gums.

You can put the upper and lower sections of the dentures on separately. Once you have completed your day, you can put the dentures in a water solution overnight, so they remain moist. Soaking the dentures will help them to maintain their shape, so they can fit in your mouth.

If you have recently had an extraction to remove the remaining teeth as a means to get full dentures, you will have to wait until your gums heal to use them. You can use the dentures right away if you have been missing your teeth for a while.

Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures are for right after an extraction. Once your teeth have been removed, it could take months for your gums to heal properly. While your gums are healing, they can change in size. Immediate dentures are a great way to protect your gums while they are healing. These will not be your long-term dentures. However, in a bind or an emergency, they are useful.

Partial Dentures

If you have only a few teeth missing, partial dentures can help you fix your smile. Their purpose is to fill in the missing teeth spaces, and the teeth that surround the partial dentures support them.

The dentures can also help strengthen your surrounding teeth because the gaps in your smile are being filled. The partial dentures are made up of a metal frame with artificial teeth attached to it.

Your natural teeth secure the partial dentures into place. Although they are removable, it is recommended that you wear partial dentures until bedtime, so your natural teeth stay in place.

An Alternative to Dentures

Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. The roots of the implants are surgically installed into the jawbone. Once that is done, artificial teeth are bonded to the implants.

To be eligible for dental implants, you need to be in good health. Your jawbone also needs to have the right shape for this surgery to be possible. Most people find dental implants appealing because they are more permanent than dentures.

Situations Where You May Consider Getting Dentures

Broken Teeth

A dentist should be able to fix a broken tooth. However, if your teeth are so damaged that they have to be removed, dentures can be used to replace those teeth. The same can be true if you have your teeth knocked out. A dental professional can advise you on the best course of action for fixing broken teeth.

Problems With Your Teeth and Gums

If your teeth and gums are causing you problems, ask a dental professional for assistance. A dental professional can help you treat your problems and stop the situation from deteriorating more. Of course, you should also follow an oral health routine, like brushing your teeth twice a day, to protect your teeth and gums.

If the problems you are experiencing are severe enough, you may have to do a tooth extraction. For example, if your tooth is severely decayed to the point that it can't be fixed, you may have to remove the tooth.

Gum disease can loosen your teeth and cause you to have them removed. Once the dentist has determined that extraction is necessary, they can discuss denture and dental implant options with you.

Bad Breath

Sometimes consuming food that has a strong odor can cause bad breath. A simple two-minute toothbrush session and some mouthwash can get rid of the scent. However, if you notice the odor is persistent, you may want to visit a dental professional. Sometimes bad breath can be a sign of gum disease or tooth decay.

When plaque builds up around your teeth, it can develop into gum disease. Not brushing your teeth twice a day thoroughly can cause your gums to become inflamed. Regularly flossing can also keep your gums healthy. Although bad breath doesn't necessarily indicate that you need dentures, it may be an indication that you need to see a professional.

The Wrap Up

Oral health is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle. Built-up plaque can lead to gingivitis. Left unchecked, it can lead to tooth loss. Dentures can be a great way to address tooth loss issues. It can build your confidence and prevent the teeth you still have from shifting out of place. If you think you may need dentures, Mat-Su Health Services Inc. in Wasilla and Big Lake, AK, provides dental care. Even if you are uninsured, there is a sliding scale based on family size and income. Contact us today.