No matter how old you are, no matter what your oral situation currently is, you need to keep going to visit the dentist at least every six months for checkups and cleanings. What about those who have no natural teeth left and have a full denture replacements? Are they absolved from monitoring and hygiene? Of course not! But, if the person has lost all dentition, why would they need to continue these regular appointments? Here are three clear reasons that dental checkups are still necessary for those with full dentures.
Reason #1: Dentures Need to Be Adjusted Every Couple of Years.
Most changes in life happen over time so slowly that you might not realize it. This is certainly true with the way your dentures fit because the jawbone deteriorates, causing facial changes, subtly with time. After a year or two, you might recognize that your replacement teeth don’t stay as they used to, especially as you eat or talk on a normal day.
Regular check-ins with your dentist give them an opportunity to evaluate their fit in your mouth with someone who knows what to look for. Like getting your vision prescription updated, you may be surprised by how comfortably and securely they fit after an adjustment and wish you got one sooner!
Reason #2: Your Gums Can Still Become Infected.
With a full set of dentures, you never have to worry about tooth decay ever again! However, other oral issues can still afflict your smile. In fact, bacteria-filled plaque can build up on your prosthetic teeth and reach gum tissue. Once infected, this tissue recedes and allows the inflammation to spread to your jawbone, which leads to loss of bone density. At that point, your facial shape will change and appear to sag as their bite force drops, and studies have found other areas of well-being are affected by gum disease, including heart, brain, and kidney health. However, regular appointments with your dentist can intercept the infection from advancing and harming you!
Reason #3: You May Be Better Prepared to Get Implant Dentures.
Not every person wants to get dental implants after total tooth loss. However, these replacements are truly unique in many ways that traditional dentures don’t come close to matching. For instance, when your dentures are anchored to jawbone-integrated posts, your teeth shouldn’t feel loose or unstable. Likewise, your bite should enable you to eat almost anything you want!
At home, you can only do so much without professional help—even if you brush and floss consistently. Your dentist can identify plaque you miss, helping you fight obstacles that could keep you from permanent tooth replacements.
Regardless of whether you have all your real teeth or all prosthetic ones, dental checkups are critical for your oral and overall well-being at every age. So, make sure you continue having these regular appointments in the future so that your smile remains with or without natural teeth!
About the Author
Dr. April Korte at White Oak Dental loves coming to work every day, and her enthusiasm is contagious for the team and patients. Spending hundreds of hours every year on continuing education, she stays updated on cutting-edge trends in the dentistry field and applies her knowledge to her patients’ care, ensuring you receive the best possible treatment. Our team goes the extra mile to create a comfortable environment for everyone to visit. To schedule an appointment, give our Chaska office a call at 952-448-2868 or go to our website here.