It’s estimated that just over 50% of adults age 55 and older have dentures. Is it possible you might need them? In this post, we’ll explain how to determine whether you could benefit from them, while sharing some basic facts about dentures.
1. How Do I Know If I Need Dentures?
Typically, there are 8 signs that you may need dentures. According to Prevention, these include:
- Failure to Visit the Dentist Every 6 Months – If left unchecked, gum disease and tooth decay lead to tooth loss, making dentures a likely possibility.
- Gum Disease – Swollen, inflamed, bleeding gums are evidence of gum disease. Unfortunately, gum disease can ultimately lead to tooth loss if you don’t have it treated.
- Loose or Shifting Teeth – If your teeth feel loose or there are wide gaps between them, you may need dentures.
- Toothaches – Pain can be a sign of extensive tooth decay, because it’s evidence that the nerve in the center of the tooth has been affected.
- Missing Teeth – If you’re already missing teeth, fewer teeth in your mouth are doing the work of chewing. This additional pressure on them might result in even greater tooth loss.
- Difficulty Eating Hard or Chewy Food – While this doesn’t always mean that dentures are necessary, it is one possible indicator.
- Indigestion – Difficulty chewing is a sign of serious dental problems. When you don’t chew correctly, you can ingest more air which causes indigestion.
- Self-Conscious About Smiling – Sometimes people choose dentures, because they don’t like their smile. These individuals may elect to get dentures for aesthetic reasons before they absolutely need them.
2. What Is the Difference Between Full and Partial Dentures?
Full dentures are removable and replace an entire row of teeth—upper or lower. Partial dentures replace a single tooth or just a few teeth. They are supported by the surrounding natural teeth and rest on a metal framework to lock into place.
3. What Is the Procedure for Getting Dentures Like?
After a dental evaluation, we’ll develop your treatment plan. For some patients, extractions may be necessary before getting dentures. Once the gums have healed, we’ll create an impression of your mouth before helping you select your new teeth. You’ll then be fitted for the dentures. We’ll check your comfort and make adjustments if necessary. After that, we advise you to keep up with your regular dental checkups so we can continue to monitor your oral health.
4. What Can I Expect After Getting Dentures?
It may take a few weeks to get used to your new dentures. Some patients find that eating anything other than soft foods and pronouncing certain words can be challenging at first. However, with practice, this gets easier over time. There also may be some initial soreness as you get used to your dentures. If it continues, we’ll ask you to come in so we can make adjustments.
Having said that, dentures are far more comfortable and natural-looking then they were many years ago. Most patients find that once they get used to their dentures, they love their new beautiful smile!
If you’d like to discuss dentures with us—or are due for a cleaning—it’s easy to schedule an appointment. Simply click here to fill out our online appointment request form or call us at 614-891-0440. We’re pleased to offer evening appointments for your convenience.
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