Why You Still Need to See the Dentist Even After Getting Dentures

Once you’ve replaced all of your teeth with dentures, you may assume that you no longer have any reason to see the dentist. However, this is simply not true. Dentures may not be real teeth, but that doesn’t make regular dental checkups any less important. Below are 4 reasons why you should still see the dentist every six months even if you currently rely on dentures to eat, speak, and smile.

1. Dental Hygiene is Still Important Even With Dentures

It goes without saying that dentures cannot get cavities. However, that doesn’t mean you no longer have to worry about oral hygiene. Plaque and tartar can still accumulate on dentures just as easily as they accumulate on teeth; if left alone for too long, they can ultimately lead to gum disease. Your dentist can check your mouth and your dentures for these harmful substances and get rid of them before they can contribute to any oral health problems.

2. Dentures Sometimes Need to Be Adjusted

When you first get dentures, they will be customized to fit snugly over your gums. However, the shape of your mouth may change over time, causing your dentures to come loose. This can be a bigger problem than you might think; loose dentures are known to cause sores, and they can increase the risk of gum disease occurring. Fortunately, a routine checkup gives your dentist the chance to check the current fit of your dentures and make adjustments if needed.

3. Your Dentist May Find Signs of Oral Cancer

When examining your mouth, your dentist will keep an eye out for potential warning signs of serious oral health problems. Oral cancer is a prime example of such an issue. Tens of thousands of people are diagnosed with this disease every year, and it’s estimated to cause one death every hour. Having oral cancer diagnosed in its earliest stages can lead to a better prognosis. Thus, it’s essential to continue visiting your dentist so that they can screen for oral cancer.

4. Regular Dental Visits Can Help Your Dentures Last Longer

During a routine checkup, your dentist can evaluate the current condition of your dentures. They can look for signs of damage that you may not have noticed and perform the necessary repairs. On top of that, they can give you tips for taking better care of your dentures on a daily basis. With the professional oversight of a trusted dental expert, you can potentially extend the lifespan of your dentures, letting you get more years of use out of them before they eventually need to be replaced.

About the Author

Dr. Steven E. Amburgey went to the WVU Dental School, and he currently holds membership with the American Dental Association and the Virginia Dental Association. He’s proud to be able to offer his patients high-quality, long-lasting dentures so that they can get the most out of life even after extensive tooth loss. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Amburgey at Amburgey Dental in Abingdon, visit his website or call (276) 258-5568.