Full dentures are designed to revitalize your smile using a custom-crafted prosthetic that sits atop the gumline. However, even though you may not have natural teeth anymore, that doesn’t mean that you should stop seeing the dentist for checkups. While one of the issues your dentist looks for is cavities, that’s not their only concern. Read on for four reasons you should still see the dentist every six months, even if you have full dentures.
#1 Check the Health of Your Gums
Your dentures rest on your gumline, which means that in order for them to continue to be functional, you will need to keep your gums healthy. Some patients with dentures commonly experience oral infections like thrush, as well as other health concerns, like gum disease. These can make it so that you can’t wear your dentures.
Your dentist will examine your gumline for oral sores and inflammation, and if necessary, provide you with a treatment plan to make sure your gums remain healthy and continue supporting your prosthetic.
#2 Make Sure Your Dentures Fit Properly
Dentures don’t last forever, but one way you can extend their lifespan is by having them adjusted as your jawbone shape changes over the years. The best way to do this is by visiting your dentist for routine checkups. They can check the fit of your dentures and apply padding or make adjustments to ensure they continue to function well for you. These adjustments are a common and important part of having dentures, as jawbone deteriorates with age and whenever it isn’t being stimulated by the roots of teeth.
#3 Inspect Your Dentures for Damage
Small fractures and cracks can develop in dentures as they age. Sometimes, the damage may be so minor that you might not notice it! That’s why it’s a good idea to have your prosthetic professionally examined regularly, just like you would your natural teeth. Your dentist can complete this inspection after professionally cleaning them, allowing you to rest-easy knowing that they’re fully functional and look great.
#4 Complete an Oral Cancer Screening
At your routine dental checkups, your dentist or dental hygienist will complete an oral cancer screening. This screening only takes a few minutes, but for some patients, it can be the difference between catching the disease in the early or late stage. Your dentist will have your remove your denture and palpate your neck and throat area, as well as the inside of your mouth. They will also complete a thorough visual inspection of your oral tissues in search of any possible abnormalities. If they see anything of concern, they will refer you to an appropriate specialist for further testing.
About the Practice
At Long Family Dental of Midlothian, our team is led by two brothers with over 30 years of cumulative experience, Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long. The team has been delivering high-quality dentistry that their patients have trusted since the practice was first opened by their father in 1970. For questions or to schedule a checkup and cleaning, visit our website or call 972-775-3192.