Don’t Ditch the Dentist: Why Dental Checkups Are Important with Full Dentures

Many people are under the impression that once they receive full dentures, regular visits to the dentist’s office are not necessary. This way of thinking can lead to serious oral health problems that, left untreated, can cause you to spend additional money on invasive procedures and potentially new prosthetics. Learn why you should never stop receiving dental checkups and cleanings, even if you have complete dentures.

Gum Health is Important

Just because your teeth cannot develop cavities does not mean that your gums are immune to problems. Bacterial accumulation around the gumline can lead to an infection that spreads down to the roots, causing further bone loss.

Allowing your dentist to regularly check your gums ensures you maintain better oral health over time, as well as slow the eventual need for a denture adjustment.

Longer Lifespan for Dentures

Regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months give your dentures the best chance to extend their lifespan. Your dentist can check your teeth to make sure they are healthy and in good condition, as well as provide helpful tips to properly clean your prosthetics and minimize bacterial build-up over time.

Taking these steps can help your dentures last 7-10 years before they need to be replaced.

Regular Adjustments Are Necessary

Dentures are a reliable form of tooth replacement, but they do require adjustments from time to time. This is because the jawbone starts to weaken over time. When there is no tooth root to stimulate the underlying bone, it will begin to resorb, causing prosthetics to no longer fit as they should.

By seeing your dentist for regular checkups, this allows them to evaluate the state of your dentures and determine if a reline is necessary. Without it, your teeth can become loose when attempting to eat or speak, leaving you embarrassed, hungry, and lacking confidence.

Damage Detection

Even if you do not suffer a serious chip or crack while wearing dentures, small fractures can occur over time because of normal wear and tear.

Visiting your dentist regularly ensures that they identify damaged areas before they worsen. If a minor problem is caught early, appropriate treatment can be provided, helping you save money in the long run.

While wearing dentures, let your dentist be your ally. Maintaining your six-month dental checkups and cleanings will ensure you not only embrace better oral health but also a longer-lasting set of teeth.

About the Author
Dr. Proshat Shahrestany opened Studio City Dental Arts in 2012. Earning her dental degree in 1999 from UCLA School of Dentistry, she worked with various Southern California dental offices before starting her own practice. Offering custom-made dentures to patients suffering from tooth loss, she and her team work diligently to deliver beautiful results that truly last, all while making sure patients understand the commitment that is required to maintain good oral health. If you wear full dentures and need to see a dentist for a dental checkup, don’t hesitate to contact us at (818) 760-0200.