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As inevitable as crow’s feet around the eyes and a slight shuffle in one’s step, dentures are a predictable step in the aging process for many senior citizens. Even with regular checkups and dental cleanings paired with excellent oral hygiene, after a lifetime of “wear and tear,” some teeth may become too weak or decayed to keep. Not limited to septuagenarians and octogenarians alone, dentures may be a more feasible option than dental implants or dental bridges for patients who have suffered multiple tooth loss due to injury or trauma. In the simplest of terms, dentures serve as a prosthetic device to replace missing teeth and restore that beautiful smile – regardless of age.
How Will I Know If I Need Dentures?
There are several indicators that you might need to have a talk about dentures with your dentist:
- You have several loose, cracked or missing teeth
- You witness gaps between your teeth widening
- Toothaches become a regular occurrence
- You experience discomfort eating some foods
- You experience frequent stomachaches or indigestion (your teeth – and ability to chew your foods properly – may be to blame!)
- You are no longer confident about the appearance of your smile
But – chances are – if you’re having regular checkups, your dentist will likely be the one to initiate the conversation about dentures.
The Evolution of Dentures Over Time
Once unnatural in appearance and fit, major advances have been made to dentures in recent years. If executed properly, it may be difficult to discern between natural teeth and dentures. At Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee, if we deem that dentures are your next best step, we are proud to offer a wide variety of tooth and gum color choices. If you’ve been unhappy with the yellowing of your teeth in recent years, you will likely find a new smile boasting pink gums and pearly white teeth a welcome change. We will create a mold of your mouth to ensure that they fit you perfectly. If you’re concerned about having them slip or making it difficult to eat, in the event that there are no natural teeth to function as anchors, we may recommend the addition of dental implants for support.
Are Dentures Unavoidable?
NO – not for everyone! For some patients who are particularly vigilant about their oral health, they may be able to live a lifetime with their natural teeth. To help ensure that you fall into that category, it’s vital to get check-ups every six months to stay ahead of tooth decay and gum disease. It’s also important to follow the advice of your dentist in the event that a preventative or restorative procedure – like a ceramic crown or root canal – is in order to protect the integrity of your teeth.
Whether you want to make sure you get on a regular 6-month check-up schedule or you feel like a dentures discussion may be in order, we invite you to book an appointment with the dentists of Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee. Scheduling your cleaning or consultation is easy! Simply call our front desk at 770-945-5850 or fill out our online contact form at www.GentryDentistryofSuwanee.com.
