Having missing teeth can have negative impacts on both your appearance and oral health. Replacing these teeth with dentures can help improve your appearance by filling in the gaps and giving you a complete, natural-looking smile. In terms of oral health, replacing missing teeth is essential because the empty spaces left behind can attract bacteria and lead to problems such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay. By filling these spaces with dentures, you can help maintain the health and integrity of your mouth.

What are Dentures?

Dentures are a type of removable dental appliance that dentists use to replace missing teeth. They are often made of acrylic resin or a combination of acrylic resin and metal and are designed to fit over the gums.

Several types of dentures can be used to replace missing teeth. The type of denture that is right for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences and the condition of your mouth and gums.

  • Full dentures — Full dentures replace natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They are made of acrylic resin or a combination of acrylic resin and other materials and are held in place by suction or a denture adhesive.
  • Partial dentures — Partial dentures replace some, but not all, natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw. They are typically made of acrylic resin or a combination of acrylic resin and other materials and are held in place by clasps that attach to the remaining natural teeth.
  • Immediate dentures — Immediate dentures are temporary ones placed in the mouth immediately after the natural teeth are removed. They are intended to be a temporary solution until the gums and bones have healed, and a permanent denture can be made.
  • Overdentures — Overdentures are dentures that are placed over a small number of remaining natural teeth or dental implants. They can be used to replace all of the natural teeth in the upper or lower jaw.
  • Flexible dentures — Flexible dentures are a type of partial denture made of a flexible material, such as nylon or thermoplastic resin. They are more comfortable to wear than traditional partial dentures and can be a good option for people with sensitive gums.

Discuss your specific needs and preferences with a dental professional to determine the best type of denture for you. They will be able to assess your oral health and help you choose the most appropriate treatment plan to meet your needs.

Common Reasons People Need Dentures

There are several common reasons why people need dentures. Some of the common reasons include the following:

Tooth Loss

Tooth loss can significantly impact a person's appearance, ability to speak and chew, and oral health.

Dentures are a solution for tooth loss because they can replace missing teeth and help restore the function and appearance of a person's smile.

Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is when the gums and supporting tissues around the teeth become infected and inflamed. If left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss and require dentures to replace the missing teeth.

Dentures can help restore the function and appearance of the teeth and smile. However, it is essential to note that dentures do not treat the underlying cause of tooth loss, which is gum disease. Therefore, individuals with gum disease need to receive appropriate treatment to address the underlying cause of tooth loss and prevent further damage to the gums and supporting tissues.

Depending on the severity of the disease, treatment for gum disease includes a professional cleaning, medication, and/or surgery. Proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, is also vital to help prevent gum disease and maintain the health of the gums and teeth.

Dental Injury

Dental injuries, like fractures, chips, or knocked-out teeth, can occur due to accidents or trauma to the mouth. In some cases, these injuries could result in tooth loss, which may require using dentures to replace the missing teeth.

Dentures can solve tooth loss due to dental injuries because they can help restore the function and appearance of the teeth and smile. However, it is essential to note that dentures do not treat the underlying cause of tooth loss, which is dental injury. Therefore, individuals with dental injuries need to receive appropriate treatment to address the underlying cause of tooth loss and prevent further damage to the teeth and surrounding tissues.

Treatment for dental injuries includes repairing or replacing damaged teeth and medications to manage pain and inflammation. Sometimes, it is necessary to see a specialist, like an endodontist or oral surgeon, for treatment. Proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, is also important to help prevent dental injuries and maintain the health of the teeth and gums.

Wear and Tear

Over time, teeth become worn down or damaged due to use or age, affecting their function and appearance. Sometimes, this wear and tear requires dentures to replace the damaged teeth.

Dentures can solve tooth loss due to wear and tear because they can help restore the function and appearance of the teeth and smile. However, it is worth noting that dentures do not treat the underlying cause of tooth loss, which is the wear and tear on the teeth. Therefore, individuals with worn or damaged teeth need to receive appropriate treatment to address the underlying cause of tooth loss and prevent further damage to the teeth and surrounding tissues.

Treatment for worn or damaged teeth includes repairing or replacing the damaged teeth and medications to manage pain and inflammation. Sometimes, it could be necessary to see a specialist, like an endodontist or oral surgeon, for treatment. Proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, is also crucial to help prevent further wear and tear on the teeth and maintain their health.

Congenital Abnormalities

Congenital abnormalities are structural or functional anomalies present at birth. They can affect any part of the body and range in severity from minor to severe. Genetic factors, environmental factors, or a combination of both can cause congenital abnormalities.

In the mouth, congenital abnormalities can affect the teeth, gums, and jaw. Examples of congenital abnormalities that can affect the teeth and mouth include missing teeth, extra teeth, malformed teeth, and abnormalities of the jaw. These abnormalities can affect a person's appearance, ability to speak and chew, and oral health.

Dentures can solve tooth loss due to congenital abnormalities because they can help restore the function and appearance of the teeth and smile. However, dentures do not treat the underlying cause of tooth loss, a congenital abnormality. Therefore, individuals with congenital abnormalities need to receive appropriate treatment to address the underlying cause of tooth loss and any other related issues.

Treatment for congenital abnormalities may vary depending on the specific condition and the severity of the symptoms. Sometimes, treatment includes surgery, medication, or other medical interventions. Proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, is also crucial to help prevent tooth loss and maintain the health of the teeth and gums. Consult a dentist or medical specialist for an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.

Cancer Treatment

Cancer of the mouth or teeth affects the mouth's tissues, including the lips, gums, tongue, and other oral structures. Various factors, like tobacco use, alcohol use, and exposure to certain viruses or chemicals, can cause it.

Several signs and symptoms indicate the presence of mouth or tooth cancer. These include:

  • Sores or lumps in the mouth or on the lips that do not heal
  • Red or white patches in the mouth
  • Pain or numbness in the mouth or face
  • Difficulty swallowing or speaking
  • Loose teeth or dentures that do not fit properly
  • Unexplained bleeding in the mouth

Other conditions can also cause these symptoms, and they do not necessarily indicate the presence of cancer. If you notice any of these symptoms, you must see a dentist or medical specialist for an evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment of mouth or teeth cancer can improve the chances of a successful outcome.

Proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, is also vital to help prevent tooth loss and maintain the health of the teeth and gums. Consult a dentist or medical specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Individuals with cancer of the mouth or teeth need to receive appropriate treatment for cancer and any related side effects. Cancer treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches.

Radiation or chemotherapy treatment for cancer can cause side effects such as dry mouth, leading to tooth loss. Dentures can be a solution for tooth loss due to cancer treatment because they can help replace missing teeth and restore the function and appearance of the teeth and smile.

After the cancer treatment is completed, a person could choose to use dentures to replace any missing teeth. Dentures can help improve the function and appearance of the teeth and smile, and they could be a good option for individuals unable to have dental implants due to the effects of cancer treatment. Consult a dentist or dental specialist to determine the best treatment option for tooth loss based on the individual's specific needs and circumstances.

Age-Related Tooth Loss

Age-related tooth loss, also known as edentulism, is the process of losing teeth as a person grows older. It is a natural part of the aging process and can be caused by various factors, including:

  • Tooth decay — Tooth decay is caused by the accumulation of bacteria on the teeth and can lead to the loss of teeth if it is not treated.
  • Other age-related factors — Other factors that can contribute to age-related tooth loss include changes in the jawbone, changes in the way the mouth functions, and changes in oral hygiene habits.

If you are experiencing age-related tooth loss, you must talk to a dental professional about your options for replacing the missing teeth. Dentures can be a good option for replacing missing teeth. Still, discussing your specific needs and preferences with a dental professional is critical to determine the best treatment plan.

Personal Preference

Some people choose to have all or some of their teeth removed and replaced with dentures for personal reasons or preferences. Some people choose dentures for aesthetic reasons, like improving their smile's appearance. Others choose dentures to improve their oral health or to address functional problems like difficulty chewing or speaking.

If you are considering dentures for personal reasons or preferences, discussing your specific needs and preferences with a dental professional is critical. They will be able to assess your oral health and help you determine if dentures are the right option for you. They can also explain the pros and cons of dentures and help you make an informed decision about your treatment.

Dentures are removable prosthetic devices and will require regular maintenance and care. They also require adjustments or replacements over time. You must understand the responsibilities of wearing dentures. Further, you must be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene habits to ensure the best possible results.

How Long Do Dentures Last?

The lifespan of dentures depends on several factors, including the type of dentures, the individual's oral health, and the level of care given. Dentures are generally expected to last for several years, but they must be replaced or adjusted over time.

Here are some factors that can affect the lifespan of dentures:

  • Type of dentures — There are several types of dentures, as discussed above.
  • Oral health — The health of the gums and jawbone can affect the lifespan of dentures. If the gums or jawbone are not healthy, the dentures may not fit properly and need to be adjusted or replaced more frequently.
  • Care and maintenance — Proper care and maintenance of dentures are necessary to extend their lifespan. This includes cleaning the dentures daily, storing them properly, and visiting the dentist regularly for checkups and adjustments.

Discuss the expected lifespan of your dentures with your dental professional and follow their recommendations for care and maintenance. They can help you understand the factors that affect the lifespan of your dentures and help you plan for any necessary replacements or adjustments.

Challenges of Dentures

Like any medical treatment, dentures have benefits and potential challenges. Some of the potential challenges of dentures include:

  • Adjustment period — Wearing dentures can take some getting used to, and it is common for people to experience a period of adjustment as they get used to the feel and function of their dentures. This includes difficulty speaking or eating or discomfort when wearing the dentures.
  • Need for adjustments — Dentures may need to be adjusted or relined over time as the shape of the mouth changes or as the dentures become worn. This requires additional visits to the dentist.
  • Risk of slippage — Dentures could slip or shift in the mouth, which can be uncomfortable and may affect speech and eating. This can often be corrected with adjustments to the dentures or the use of denture adhesives.
  • Risk of damage — Dentures can be damaged if they are dropped or subjected to excessive force. They also become discolored or stained over time.
  • Cost — Dentures can be expensive, especially if they need to be replaced or adjusted frequently. Dental insurance may cover some of the cost, but it is necessary to understand any out-of-pocket expenses that could be required.

It is important to discuss the potential challenges of dentures with a dental professional before making a decision about treatment. They can help you understand the benefits and potential challenges of dentures and help you make an informed decision about your treatment.

Why Do Dentists Not Recommend Dentures?

It is not common for dentists to not recommend dentures as a treatment option for missing teeth. Dentures can be a good solution for many people who have lost teeth for various reasons and can help restore oral function, improve appearance, and enhance the quality of life.

There may be certain situations where a dentist may not recommend dentures, such as if a person has advanced gum disease or severe bone loss in their jaw, which may make it difficult to fit dentures properly. In these cases, the dentist may recommend alternative treatments, such as implants, which can be more stable and long-lasting.

Overall, the decision to recommend dentures as a treatment option will depend on a number of factors, including the specific needs and preferences of the patient and the overall health of their mouth.

Contact a Hawthorne Dental Expert Near Me

Choosing a qualified and experienced provider is essential when seeking dental care for dentures. Do your research and choose a dental care provider who is skilled and experienced in fitting and maintaining dentures. By finding the right provider, you can ensure that you receive the best possible care for your needs.

The Ganji Dental team’s experience in oral healthcare is what you need for denture needs. If you are seeking dentures or need the services of a dental expert in Hawthorne, contact our team. Call us at 310-643-8045 for more information, and allow us to restore your smile.