When Do You Need Dentures?

You might think dentures are only for seniors, but it is possible to need them sooner. Tooth loss does not happen immediately, so you might not need dentures right away.

But there are a few signs that suggest it may be time to invest in a new smile. Keep reading to learn more about these signs.

There are severe oral health issues

If the teeth are loose or there are new gaps between the teeth, it could be a red flag. If the teeth are shifting, there might be advanced gum disease. That means the bone is deteriorating, and that could be a sign the teeth cannot be saved. It could require more periodontal treatment, and the teeth might need extraction.

Irritated gums might be another sign of gum disease. However, that is one of the more common causes of tooth loss. It affects many people during their life span. During that early stage, it is possible to reverse the condition. However, when untreated, it could result in tooth loss. Then the patient would need to get false teeth to replace the missing ones.

Chronic toothaches are another sign that the teeth might need to be removed. That could show the decay has gotten to a point where it attacks the tooth’s nerve. If it is early enough, it is possible to treat the issue with a filling. However, if it is more advanced, the teeth might require removal. Or the patient might need to get a partial denture.

It is hard to eat foods correctly

If a patient has trouble with specific foods, it might be because there are missing teeth or another oral health issue. In some cases, it is possible to catch the issue early and save the teeth. However, sometimes, dentures are the only way of correcting long-term problems. That helps a patient eat better.

If someone cannot chew the food correctly, it is easy to swallow large pieces of food. If the food cannot get chewed or ground up well, it might be hard on the digestive system. That can cause indigestion and other health issues. The dentist can examine the teeth to see if these might be the root cause.

The patient feels embarrassed about their smile

If the teeth are significantly damaged, or there are many missing ones, the patient might feel embarrassed. Many denture wearers find that the teeth give them more self-esteem. That makes wearers more willing to smile. The good news is there is no reason to avoid smiling since it is easy to replace any missing teeth.

Choose the right dentures today

If you are considering getting dentures, talk to your dentist about the process. Just because your teeth are damaged or missing does not mean you cannot enjoy life. Getting dentures can increase your self-esteem and improve your quality of life. Then you can enjoy your favorite foods once more. If you want to know more, making an appointment with your dentist today is the right option.