The primary purpose of most dental procedures, whether preventative or corrective, is to keep intact the smile that a patient has always had. Whether for regular cleanings, restorations for cavities, root canals, or the placement of one or more dental crowns, the majority of trips to the dentist are intended to preserve and protect the health of natural teeth
Unfortunately, sometimes, due to some combination of a variety of factors, a patient’s natural teeth cannot be saved and must be extracted. While this addresses the discomfort caused by those damaged natural teeth, steps must still be taken to protect the long-term health of the gums surrounding those extraction sites, as well as to ensure that the patient is able to speak, smile and bite and chew food comfortably following the procedure.
For patients who have lost some or all of their natural teeth, dentures are a popular and highly effective solution.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable, prosthetic dental devices designed to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissue. Dentures are a popular solution for patients who, whether due to decay, accident, disease, or age, have lost some or all of their teeth.
Each set of dentures is custom-made to comfortably fit the mouth of the patient for which it is intended. Typically, dentures are made of natural-looking porcelain, acrylic resin, or a combination of acrylic resin and metal and come in one of two main forms:
- Complete dentures – When all of the teeth from the upper or lower jaw, or both, are missing, a complete denture may be required. Complete dentures are designed to fit snugly over the gums and jawbone in cases where a patient has lost all their teeth.
- Partial dentures – In cases in which a few teeth are missing, a partial denture may be recommended. Partial dentures are designed to attach to remaining teeth via clasps or other attachments, filling in gaps between a patient’s natural teeth and restoring the function and appearance of the mouth.
It is important to note that, though they are removable prosthetic devices, dentures do require a certain amount of care and maintenance. This includes daily cleaning with a soft-bristled toothbrush and denture cleaner, as well as regular dental checkups to ensure both the proper fit of the dentures and the health of the gum tissues beneath them.
Why Are Dentures Required?
There are a number of reasons that a patient may require dentures. Generally, the need for dentures arises due to one or more of the following situations:
- Gum disease – Advanced gum (or periodontal) disease can cause teeth to decay, which can result in their becoming loose or falling out
- Trauma – Traumatic impact to the mouth resulting from an accident or sporting injury can cause tooth loss or severe damage, with dentures offering the best option for restoring the appearance and function of the mouth
- Congenital defects – Some people born are simply born with missing or underdeveloped teeth and require dentures to ensure the normal appearance and function of their mouths
- Aging – Tooth loss can occur due to natural wear and tear, decay, or other oral health issues that arise as people age; in these cases, dentures are a popular choice to replace those natural teeth.
If one or more of these situations apply to you, consult with a dental professional who can evaluate your specific dental needs and recommend the appropriate treatment plan, which may include dentures.
What Are the Benefits of Wearing Dentures?
For patients who’ve lost teeth, the wearing and caring for dentures can initially seem unnatural, uncomfortable (modern technology has made this less of an issue), and high maintenance. However, once an individual has become accustomed to dentures, they find that their benefits far outweigh that discomfort. Here we are looking at six of those benefits:
- Confidence – Once the correct fit is found and the patient is comfortable wearing dentures, dentures can restore a wearer’s natural-looking smile and provide a renewed sense of confidence in chewing, biting, and talking, all of which can boost the wearer’s overall self-confidence
- Far Fewer Food Restrictions – Once a patient has been properly fitted with dentures, they can return to eating any and all of the foods they enjoyed before tooth loss (though, in some cases, a dentist may advise moderation)
- Support for Facial Muscles – Without the structural support of teeth, a person’s facial muscles begin to sag. Dentures replace the support to the face that is typically provided by natural teeth, helping to maintain a more youthful-looking facial appearance
- Support for Oral Bone Structure – As with the muscles in the face, the bones in the jaw and mouth need the support of teeth to avoid deterioration. The support provided by dentures decreases the rate at which these bones deteriorate.
- Reduced Burden on Remaining Natural Teeth – For patients who’ve suffered only partial tooth loss, partial dentures help evenly distribute chewing pressure across the mouth, preventing excessive wear and tear on remaining natural teeth.
- Easy Cleaning and Maintenance – As dentures are removable, proper cleaning (by brushing and soaking when not in use) is easier than other tooth-loss solutions like dental implants.
Dentures in Tampa, FL
If you would like to know if dentures are right for you, contact dentist Dr. Richard Mancuso and the team at Carrollwood Village Dentistry. Book your appointment today in Tampa, Florida.
