If you’ve lost all your permanent teeth and now wear a full set of dentures, you may believe your days in the dental chair are over. After all, if you have no real teeth, what’s the point? But the truth is, just because you don’t have your biological smile doesn’t mean you don’t need to protect your oral health. In fact, taking care of your gums and your prosthetics is just as important after tooth loss as it was before. Here’s why if you wear dentures you still need to see the dentist every six months for your regular, preventive exams and cleanings!
Why Do I Still Need to See a Dentist if I Have No Teeth?
This is a fair question. After all, your dentist does help protect real teeth from things like cavities, infections, and decay. But the truth is, they do so much more. For starters, they monitor the condition of your gums, helping to keep an eye out for things like oral cancer, and treating serious conditions like periodontal (gum) disease.
Furthermore, your dentist can also monitor the health of your jaw, helping you avoid dangerous conditions like jawbone deterioration which could make wearing dentures or getting dental implants impossible.
Protecting Your Prosthetics
If you do wear dentures, your dentist can help there, too. Although durable and long-lasting, your dentures are subject to quite a bit of wear and tear over time. Your regular dental exams are an excellent opportunity to ensure that your prosthetics are in good condition and do not need any repairs or to be replaced. Your dentist can keep an eye out for any small cracks, loose teeth, or for a poor fit that could result in pain or an increased risk of denture sores. Not to mention that a proper fit makes using your dentures much easier!
Keep it Clean
In addition to making sure your dentures are working properly, your dental team can clean them for you, removing any built-on food and plaque you may have missed with brushing and flossing. Your dentures will look and smell clean and fresh, allowing you to smile confidently without fear of lingering odors or embarrassing discoloration.
Remember, while it may seem silly to go to the dentist if you wear dentures, regular exams and cleanings aren’t just for patients with natural teeth. Even if you have a full set of dentures, it’s important to keep an eye on your oral and overall health, as well as the condition of your prosthetic. So don’t ditch the dental chair just yet. To protect your smile and your dentures and schedule an exam and cleaning with your dentist today!
About Our Practice
At Sweet Family Dentistry, Dr. Chan and Dr. Yip understand the importance of protecting your smile from birth and beyond. That’s why they’re proud to care for patients from six months to seniors, and everyone in between! If you’re looking for a way to replace missing teeth that protects your oral health and allows you to eat a wide variety of healthy, delicious foods, dentures could be the answer. To learn more about this treatment and how to keep your mouth healthy and strong for a lifetime, schedule an appointment with us today on our website or by calling 972-905-0340.