Why You Should Still See Your Dentist When You Have Dentures

Have you lost all of your teeth and wear dentures as a tooth replacement option? There is a misconception out there that if you don’t have any natural teeth, you don’t need to see a dentist anymore for cleanings and checkups. However, this isn’t the slightest bit true. Your dentist focuses on a lot more than just your teeth. There are plenty of reasons to continue to see your dentist. Read on to learn what they are.

Oral Hygiene

Just because you don’t have natural teeth doesn’t mean that oral hygiene is not a priority for your health. When you have dentures, you are still at risk for developing periodontal disease. If you have partial dentures, your risk for cavities in your remaining teeth is even higher than it would be if you had all of your teeth. Dentures aren’t vulnerable to decay like normal teeth, but they can still build up plaque and require a professional cleaning.

Detect Oral Health Issues

Your dentist is trained to detect other oral health issues as well, like oral cancer. This deadly disease can be easily treatable when it is caught early. However, it progresses very quickly, so one missed dental visit can mean the difference between an easy treatment and intensive chemotherapy. There is even evidence that show that people who have dentures are at higher risk for oral cancer. By seeing your dentist regularly to have your mouth checked, immediate action can be taken if there are any warning signs.

Proper Fit

As you age, your body doesn’t remain the same, including your smile. Over time, the hard and soft tissues in your mouth will change. This can throw off your bite and make your dentures fit improperly. When this happens, you can experience discomfort, gum disease, sores, poor nutrition, TMJ, and other problems. When you head to the dentist regularly, you can make the necessary changes so you’re able to wear them more comfortably.

Make Your Dentures Last

Dentures aren’t made to last forever, but with proper care, they can last for many years. When you have your dentures looked at by your dentist regularly, you can have both adjustments and repairs made to prolong their life.

Having dentures doesn’t mean you’re exempt from dental visits. By staying on top of your oral health, you can keep your smile in good health in the future!

About the Author

Dr. Steven E. Amburgey is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for over 15 years. He earned his dental doctorate from the WVU Dental School and continues to pursue continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association and Virginia Dental Association. To learn more about dentures or to schedule an appointment at his office in Abingdon, visit his website or call (276) 258-5568.