Once you start wearing full dentures, it’s easy to think you don’t need dental checkups. You don’t have any natural teeth left; what would be the point of visits? That said, you really should still see your dentist when you have a full denture. Regular checkups with them would benefit you and your smile, even if your mouth only has artificial teeth. See why in this helpful primer on four perks to dental checkups for full denture wearers.
They Adjust Your Dentures’ Fit
Remember: regular dental checkups adjust your dentures’ fit over time. That role alone makes the visits worthwhile for you.
You see, a mouth without natural teeth will slowly change its shape. It’ll lack the stimulation necessary to preserve your jaw, leading to varied alterations. That means your denture will eventually become ill-fitting if it isn’t updated, which would cause decreased nutrition and worse. Thankfully, regular visits let dentists adjust your dentures (as needed) to avoid that outcome.
They Ensure Your Dentures Last Long
While today’s dentures are great, they can still develop problems. Dental visits correct those issues to ensure your artificial teeth last long.
Indeed, dentures need regular checkups to stay in good condition. Skipping the visits can let chips develop in your prosthetics, causing them to work less effectively. Going without checkups also lets harmful bacteria build up, putting your dentures and mouth at risk of issues. Still, regular visits allow dentists to monitor your dentures’ overall condition. They can then repair and alter your restorations so they last for more than seven years.
They Look After Your Gums
While you may not have natural teeth, dental checkups still look after your gums. They ensure your gum tissues stay healthy enough to support and use dentures.
In fact, severe tooth loss makes your gums even more vulnerable. Bacteria can more easily reach and infect them without natural teeth getting in the way. To that extent, you’ll likely get severe gum disease if you don’t get dental checkups. You’d then have a harder time using your prosthetic teeth.
They Detect Rare Oral Issues
Dental checkups don’t just address common oral issues – tooth decay, etc. Even if you wear full dentures, the visits will detect (and protect you from) rare oral issues.
All dental patients can suffer from rare oral conditions or accidents. If you’re a denture wearer, you may develop pain or discomfort in the gum or jaw. Some research also shows dentures can put you at higher risk of oral cancer, a malady that can prove life-threatening. Dental visits would detect the rarer issues that home care couldn’t, ensuring your oral health remains stable and strong.
Ultimately, you should still see a dentist when you have a full denture. Talk to your dental provider to learn more about the underlying reasons.
About the Practice
Brice Dental is based in San Antonio, TX. Led by Dr. Zachary Brice, our practice combines a warm office setting with advanced and effective dentistry. You can trust us for preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments that are tailored to your smile’s unique needs. That way, you and your family will get the thriving grins you deserve! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (210)-903-5565.