Dentures aren’t just for people past a certain age. They’re worn by people of all ages more often than you might think. As a matter of fact, in the next couple of years, the number of people over only 40 who wear partial or full dentures is expected to reach nearly 38 million.
Why Do People Need Dentures?
When you think of dentures, you probably assume that tooth loss is to blame. And whereas, teeth do need to be missing in order for dentures to have a place to sit, there are various reasons for the tooth loss in the first place.
Fortunately, the loss of one’s teeth is not typically something that happens in a day or two. If you attend regular dental checkups and practice good home dental care, you may never need dentures. That said, let’s take a look at some signs that might point to your future including dentures.
If you think you might need dentures, ask yourself the questions listed below.
Are You Hiding Your Smile?
Many individuals, once they receive their dentures, are surprised at how positively their lives are impacted by once again having good teeth. If you have damaged or missing teeth, you may not smile as much as you used to. Once those dentures are in place, however, you can smile to your heart’s content.
Is Indigestion a Frequent Problem?
Swallowing larger pieces of food, because they are not properly chewed, can lead to indigestion. Large pieces of food might be swallowed because food particles are not being chewed and ground sufficiently in your mouth.
Are Certain Foods Difficult for You to Eat?
Gum disease, cavities, missing teeth, or a cracked tooth might make it hard to eat some foods. Catching the problem early could save a person’s teeth. But dentures may have to be resorted to if the problem goes without attention for too long.
How Many Missing Teeth Do You Have?
If you have a couple to several missing teeth, it is usually recommended that to prevent unnecessary pressure on the teeth that remain, you get a type of prosthesis. No prosthesis could lead to teeth shifting toward the empty spaces or your remaining teeth wearing down prematurely because you are using them so much.
Are Your Gums Bleeding, Tender, Swollen, or Red?
Periodontal disease or early stage gingivitis are usually preceded by irritated gums. Somewhere around 70% of tooth loss in adults can be blamed on gum disease. At some point in three out of four people’s lives, gum disease becomes a factor.
Do You Have Toothaches on a Chronic Basis?
At the center of your tooth lies a nerve. If that nerve is attacked due to tooth decay, severe tooth pain results. A filling can fix the problem if caught early. But once tooth decay reaches a certain point, partial dentures may be needed following tooth removal.
Do You Feel Your Teeth Have Shifted, Are Loose, or Have Gaps Between Them?
Advanced gum disease can be signified by loose teeth. In this case, teeth may have to be extracted or some other type of involved periodontal treatment may be required. Gaps can also lead to shifting or loose teeth.
How Often Do You See Your Dentist?
Regularly scheduled visits to your dentist is a critical part of proper oral care. Seeing your dentist regularly offers a better chance of catching and correcting dental problems before they reach the point where tooth extraction is needed.
Dr. Alex Rubinov has many tools and procedures at his disposal, dentures being just the beginning. If you need restorative or cosmetic dentistry, or would simply like to finally have the smile you always wanted to, contact us today for an appointment.