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 set of 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 irrefutable reasons that dental checkups are still necessary for those with full dentures.
Reason #1: Dentures Need to Be Adjusted Every Couple of Years to Maintain Close Fit.
Most changes in life happen over time so slowly that you might not realize they’re happening. This is certainly true with the way your dentures fit because jawbone degradation and shape alterations occur subtly with time. After a year or two, you still might not obviously recognize that your replacement teeth don’t stay as they used to, especially as you go throughout your normal day.
Regular check-ins with your dentist give you opportunities to evaluate their fit in your mouth with someone who knows what to look for in terms of corrections. 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 meet 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 sag much faster, your bite force will drop drastically, and other areas of your health may suffer, including your heart, brain, and kidney health as a result of gum disease.
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!
If you don’t initially qualify for dental implants, you may have traditional dentures, but if you keep attending your regular dental checkups, it not only makes sure your smile remains healthy, but it also demonstrates your commitment to your smile. After all, even with dental implants, routine checkups are necessary!
Regardless of whether you have all your real teeth or all prosthetic ones, dental checkups are critical for your oral and overall well-being. So, don’t skip these appointments in the future!
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.