Maintaining a complete set of teeth is possible by taking care of your teeth and scheduling regular dental cleaning and checkups. However, you may need dentures at one time or another, even if you practice good oral habits. If you are experiencing one or more of the following warning signs, it may be wise to get dentures as soon as possible:
Severe Toothaches
A persistent toothache is the most obvious sign of an immediate need for dentures. This severe pain and discomfort could indicate tooth decay that has already affected your nerve. A root canal may save your tooth. However, when the damage is already beyond the point of salvage, dentures are your best option.
Missing Teeth
A complete set of teeth provides the necessary support for all teeth to remain strong and healthy. If you have already lost a tooth or several teeth, you should get dentures immediately. Otherwise, you are at greater risk of losing more teeth.
Loose or Moving Teeth
Another noticeable sign of decay or periodontal disease is loose or shifting teeth. On the other hand, unnoticeable significant tooth damage may also occur. This can come in the form of gaps growing steadily between teeth.
Swollen Gums
Swollen, bleeding, and sensitive gums are the first warning sign of periodontal disease. When left untreated, bone loss starts to occur, which will eventually cause the need for dentures. If you are experiencing this symptom, prevent this gum disease from advancing too far by discussing your options with an orthodontist.
Difficulty Chewing or Digesting Foods
Many people tend to overlook this symptom, but a less obvious indicator of the need for dentures that shouldn’t be neglected is painful chewing or difficulty digesting hard or chewy foods. Having teeth with significant damage makes it harder to chew, which means you are more likely to take larger bites, leading to chronic indigestion. With this in mind, it’s time to visit a dental office for a consultation if you are experiencing difficulty chewing along with constant stomach pains.
What Are the Treatment Options?
Dentures come in different types. Once you determine you need them, here are some options to choose from:
Full Dentures
Conventional dentures are the most common option. They are ideal for those who have lost all their top or bottom teeth.
This type of denture can only be worn once the gums have healed after extractions, which takes about two months. Additionally, they used to require adhesives, but most modern dentures can now be worn comfortably even without adhesives.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are perfect for those who have experienced substantial tooth decay since they are used to replace only a portion of the teeth. They are anchored by precision metal clasps and rely on healthy teeth around them for support.
Immediate Dentures
Immediate dentures effectively replace missing teeth right away. However, the drawback to be considered for this type of denture is it requires repeated visits to the dental office for a specific period to ensure the best fit as the gums heal.
Conclusion
The more you go without dentures, the more you run the risk of losing more teeth or allowing your remaining healthy teeth to shift positions further. For this reason, take these early warning signs seriously. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s wise to get evaluated for dentures right away.
Reach out to Mid TN Dentistry to address tooth loss. Our dentists offer dentures that can serve as a temporary or a more permanent solution, depending on your needs and preferences. Additionally, we provide dental implants, teeth whitening, veneers, and more. Schedule an appointment today!