When are Dentures Necessary? - Premier Dentistry of Eagle

When are Dentures Necessary?

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When are Dentures Necessary?

dentures

There are times, even if you have taken care of your teeth, that dentures are the solution to your dental problems. Accidents, aging, illnesses or side effects of medications are among some of the causes for tooth loss. The only way to know if dentures are something you should pursue, is to visit your dentist. Dr. Shane S. Porter, at Premier Dentistry of Eagle. Dr. Porter can give you options and recommendations that will help you along the path to good oral health regarding dentures or any other dental needs.

Although there are many choices for treatment, in some cases, dentures are the best solution. It is not always obvious to know when you need dentures, but you can get a good idea by knowing what signs to look for.

Signs You May Need Dentures  

Taking an active role in you oral health requires that you pay attention to changes to gum tissues, teeth and other signs that your oral health is in need of professional care. Here are some common signs that may indicate that you are in need of dentures:

  • Gum inflammation: Irritated gums, redness, tenderness, bleeding, or swelling, are often early stages of gingivitis or periodontal disease. Gum disease is the cause of approximately 50% of adult tooth loss. In the early stages, gum disease can be stopped or reversed. If left untreated, gum disease can progress to bone loss or tooth loss or both.
  • Missing teeth: Missing two or three teeth leads to more pressure on the remaining teeth in your mouth.  When patients are depending on the use of fewer teeth, there is a greater chance of losing more teeth in the future, as the remaining teeth are worn down prematurely or shift into open spaces in the gum line.
  • Problems eating hard or chewy foods:  Cracked or missing teeth, or tooth pain due to cavities or gum disease, can make certain foods difficult to eat. Sometimes teeth can be saved if patients catch the problem early through regular visits to your dentist.
  • Toothaches:  Tooth pain indicates that decay has advanced to where it is attacking the nerve inside the tooth. If treated early, tooth decay can be corrected with a simple filling. Advanced stages of decay may indicate that teeth have to be removed and a full or partial denture may be needed to preserve face structure, gums and bone.
  • Frequent indigestion: When patients can’t chew their food properly, they often end up swallowing bigger bites. Without proper grinding and chewing of food particles, larger pieces of food can be hard on your stomach and digestive system. Dr.  Portercan determine if problem teeth are the cause of your indigestion.
  • Hiding your smile because of missing or damaged teeth. The majority of denture wearers say they smile much more often after getting dentures. Missing or damaged teeth impact how often you smile.

If any of these problems plague you, it’s time to make an appointment with Dr. Porter.  He can help you make the best decision for your particular needs about your teeth

What Are My Options?

For many people, dentures are necessary eventually, even if you have taken good care of your teeth.

If after consulting with Dr. Porter you decide that it’s time to get dentures, the following are the basic steps in the process:

  1. Extraction of your remaining teeth.
  2. Denture placement occurs. (Dentures will be put in place after your gum tissue has healed. (Time varies, depending on the condition of your mouth and gums).
  3. Adjust and learn how to use your dentures day-to-day. Traditional dentures are completely removable, and you use an fixative powder or paste to hold them in place for daily use.

Depending on the Health of Your Teeth and Jawbone, Your Dentist May Recommend Other Types of Dentures.

Partial dentures may also an option. Partials are removable and are made to replace multiple missing teeth that are adjacent to healthy natural teeth. They are attached to your natural teeth with metal clasps or precision attachments, and have a natural look when put in place.

Partial dentures allow you to skip being toothless for a long period of time, as with conventional dentures. A model of your mouth and jaw is made during your dentist visit, and a removable temporary denture is created the same day for you to use during your healing period.

What Are the Benefits of Getting Dentures?

Getting dentures can have multiple benefits. Aside from replacing missing or decaying teeth,  they can also prevent any remaining teeth from shifting in your mouth and causing additional pain. In addition to improving your oral health, you will also benefit from clearer speech, improved facial appearance, and the ability to smile big without fear of missing or crooked teeth.

If you are currently experiencing any symptoms, schedule a consultation with Dr. Shane S. Porter at Premier Dentistry of Eagle serving Star, Middleton, Meridian, Garden City, and the greater Eagle and Boise, Idaho areas.  Contact him today at 208-546-0655  if you have questions about denture options. Missing or damaged teeth do not need to hold you back from enjoying a full life any longer. Dentures can offer a comfortable, cost effective and attractive way to restore your smile and regain your self-confidence. With restored bite function, patients can improve oral and overall health as well.

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