Dentures are prosthetic teeth that serve both cosmetic and functional purposes. They improve your appearance as well as restoring your full ability to chew and speak. Because they are a permanent solution, many patients are reluctant to have damaged teeth pulled and dentures fitted. If you are nervous about having full dentures and have some viable teeth remaining, partial dentures are an option as well. Partial dentures anchor to your existing teeth and fill in gaps where other teeth have fallen out or been pulled.
Signs You May Need Dentures
The most obvious sign that you may need dentures is missing teeth. A significant number of missing teeth in one part of the mouth is a sign that you should be fitted for partial dentures. Even if you are not missing teeth yet, advanced tooth decay, pain and swelling and damage to your teeth are all signs that you might need full or partial dentures.
Both full and partial dentures are both removable prosthetics. A third option for tooth replacement is dental implants, which are prosthetic teeth that remain anchored to your jaw at all times. This makes maintaining them similar to maintaining your teeth, and they don’t require denture adhesives. Implants are not an option for all patients; they require a healthy jawbone to properly anchor the teeth.
Signs that you need dentures instead of tooth implants or other restoration options are significant bone loss in your jaw and serious medical conditions. A history of smoking is another sign that implants are not an option and you need dentures to restore your teeth. Finally, serious oral health problems can preclude implants and are an indicator you may need dentures.
Denture Consultation
If you believe that you may need dentures or are experiencing any of these conditions, see a trusted dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist can provide care for any ongoing dental conditions such as infection, provide treatment and medication for acute pain, and schedule a denture consultation. This consultation will give you a better idea about whether or not you are a candidate for dentures.
Bolivar Family Dental proudly serves the dental needs of Bolivar, Missouri residents. We are also proud to serve the communities of Springfield, Buffalo, Halfway, Pleasant Hope, Stockton, Fair Play, Morrisville, Eldorado Springs and Wheatland. Feel free to call us at (417) 777-8654 with any questions or concerns you may have about dentures.
Click the Schedule An Appointment button above to set an appointment for a denture consultation.
Denture Close Up
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