5 Signs You May Need Dentures – Danville Family Dentistry

Are you wondering if you may need dentures? According to statistics, 36 million Americans wear full or partial dentures. And, the average denture-wearer gets their first set of dentures in their mid-50s. In fact, you probably know someone in Hendricks County who wears dentures.
Dentures are removable devices that replace missing teeth. The loss of your natural teeth can be due to gum disease, tooth decay or injury. If you’ve lost all of your teeth, you’ll require a full set of conventional dentures to replace them. If you still have some of your natural teeth remaining, partial dentures may be an option. A partial denture or bridge is attached to your existing teeth and fills in the gaps where you’re missing teeth.
Dentures help improve your appearance and smile. They also make it easier for you to eat and speak.
The likelihood that you’ll need dentures depends on several factors. Here are 5 warning signs that indicate you may need dentures:
1. You skip dental visits.  
Semi-annual visits to Danville Family Dentistry are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Erickson wants as many of his patients as possible to keep their own teeth. So, schedule dental checkups for every 6 months.
2. You have red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums.  
These are all symptoms of gum inflammation which can lead to gingivitis or more severe periodontal disease. Untreated gum disease can lead to bone and tooth loss, which may lead to dentures. But gum disease can be treated.
3. Your tooth aches.  
Severe pain can be a sign of tooth decay that’s progressed. When tooth decay is caught early, it can be treated with a filling. However, if the decay is extensive, the tooth may need to be pulled.
4. You have missing teeth.  
Once you’ve lost two or more teeth, you really need to have a partial denture. Otherwise, problems will occur with your remaining teeth since they have to work even harder. It’s really a domino effect.
5. Your teeth are loose or shifting.  
When your teeth move, change positions or the spaces between your teeth get wider, you may have hidden bone loss from gum disease. You likely need extensive periodontal treatment that may lead to tooth extractions.
Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Erickson
If you have any of these warning signs, make an appointment with Danville Family Dentistry as soon as possible. Dr. Erickson will discuss treatment options with you to help you restore your teeth and gum health, if possible. Otherwise, he’ll let you know if you need partial or complete dentures.