Dentures are one of the most effective ways to replace missing teeth. Whether you receive a full or partial restoration, you can be sure to enjoy the look and function of your full smile again. But does this mean you won’t have to visit your dentist as often? Although this might make sense initially, you’ll still need to maintain good health for the rest of your mouth in the long run. Read on to learn why dental checkups with dentures are necessary for preserving your smile!
Reason #1: Detect Oral Issues Early On
During your appointment, your dentist will do much more than scan for cavities. Even if this isn’t an issue with your dentures, they’ll need to verify that your tongue, gums, jawbone, and other soft tissues aren’t riddled with bacteria or infected. Your dentist will even be able to detect more serious problems like osteoporosis, kidney issues, acid reflux, diabetes, heart disease, and oral cancer. The sooner you can address any early signs, the more likely you can avoid experiencing these complications altogether.
Reason #2: Extend the Lifespan of Your Restorations
Your dentist will monitor the condition of your dentures for any indications of damage or other issues that have gone unnoticed. If they find any developing issues, they can provide the necessary treatment to preserve your restorations. This, along with personalized at-home dental care tips they’ll provide you, can help significantly extend the lifetime of your dentures.
Reason #3: Adjust Your Dentures for Optimal Comfort
Part of maintaining your replacement teeth is to periodically adjust them for a proper fit. This is because your jawbone will naturally begin to change shape if there’s a lack of stimulation from missing roots. To avoid loose dentures that can become uncomfortable and negatively impact your bite, your dentist will need to make minor modifications. Not only will this decrease the risk of oral health issues, but you’ll also be able to keep enjoying a comfortable fit from your new smile.
Reason #4: Preserve Good Oral Health
While dentures aren’t capable of developing cavities, they can still accumulate debris, food particles, and plaque while sitting in your mouth. If bacteria are allowed to settle and grow around your smile, they can begin to attack your soft tissues and develop problems like gum disease and oral infections. During your visit, your dentist can thoroughly polish your dentures to maintain your healthy and sparkling clean smile.
Even if you have full or partial dentures, it’s still highly important to see your dentist for regular dental checkups and cleanings. Visit them every six months (or sooner), and you can be sure to keep your dentures in pristine condition!
About the Author
Dr. Suzanne Najjar earned her dental doctorate from Nova Southeastern University and regularly seeks continuing education to advance her expertise. She’s also a proud member of the Texas Dental Association and the American Dental Association. She provides a wide variety of high-quality and all-inclusive treatments, including partial and full dentures. If you’d like to set up a dental checkup, visit her website or call her at 972-230-1100.