Many patients assume that when wearing full dentures, six-month dental checkups and cleanings are no longer necessary. Although custom prosthetics cannot decay like natural tooth enamel, many other potential problems can occur, leaving the mouth vulnerable and at risk over time. Keep reading to discover why seeing your dentist regularly is essential, even if you have no healthy teeth remaining.
Dentures or No Dentures: Why Visiting the Dentist is Still Important
No matter your age or the status of your smile, seeing your dentist every six months for regular dental checkups and cleanings is important.
These visits are not solely devoted to checking for dental decay and cavities. They’re also designed to:
Check for Signs of Gum Disease
You only get one set of gums, so making sure they remain healthy can help extend the life of your dentures.
Gum disease is a primary problem for nearly half of all adults in the United States – with or without dentures. Even without any remaining natural teeth, bacteria can attack these soft oral tissues and cause further bone loss.
By seeing a dentist regularly, they can chart your gum pockets and determine if they notice any signs of bleeding, swelling, or bone loss. If so, timely and appropriate treatment can be provided to reduce further damage and keep your dentures fitting correctly and comfortably.
Look for Signs of Damage
Dentures may be crafted with some of the most durable materials on the market, but they can still break, chip, or crack if you’re not careful.
During your regular dental checkup and cleaning visits, your dentist can examine the state of your smile and look for any minor or major imperfections that need to be addressed. Continuing to wear a damaged denture can cause more harm to your mouth, including your lips, tongue, cheeks, and gums.
Depending on the severity of the damage, they may suggest a complete replacement, especially if your denture cannot be worn or is making it difficult to perform daily tasks.
Provide Necessary Adjustments
Over time, your jawbone will experience resorption, causing your dentures to longer fit as comfortably as before. As the bone weakens, the shape of your face and mouth will change, which will negatively affect your dentures.
By keeping up with your regular dental visits, your dentist can identify these changes and quickly adjust your artificial teeth so that you do not develop oral sores or discomfort.
Continuing to see your dentist twice a year will give your prosthetics the care they need to last longer and remain healthy year after year. You’ve already invested in replacing your missing teeth with dentures, so make sure they receive the additional care and maintenance they require.
About the Author
Dr. Dhiren Ahir is a trusted dentist who leads the team at Prime Dentistry. Providing custom dentures for those who are suffering from tooth loss, he encourages patients to continue coming in for regular dental checkups and cleanings if they want their new smile to last as long as possible. Since common oral health problems, damage, and changes can occur over time, these visits allow him to administer timely care to improve one’s oral health in the long run. If you wear dentures and need to see a dentist for a dental checkup, contact us via our website or by calling (940) 514-0333.
