If you’re missing your natural teeth and have restored your smile with the help of dentures, you may be wondering why you still need to see your dentist for your semi-annual checkups. After all, it’s not like you can get cavities anymore. But just because you no longer have “real” teeth, doesn’t mean you don’t need to take care of your oral health. Here are a few important reasons why you should still get dental exams, even if you have no biological teeth.
Disease Prevention
Regardless of if you have any remaining teeth, you can still get gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis. These are caused by a bacterial infection of the gum tissue and can eventually lead to bone deterioration, possibly even requiring a bone graft procedure to correct.
At your semi-annual exam, your dentist can screen you for gum diseases and if there is anything troubling present, can get you started on a treatment program that will prevent it from worsening and protect your mouth from further damage. If you only have gingivitis, this is often reversible, and your dentist can help give you the information you need to do so.
Disease Screening
In addition to gum diseases, your mouth can also develop potentially life-threatening diseases such as oral cancer. This disease can occur anywhere in the mouth, even if you’re not a smoker. At your semi-annual exam appointments, your dentist will check you for any signs of this illness including in your oral cavity and your neck. Early diagnosis could even save your life!
Denture Cleaning / Diagnosis
In addition to the health exam portion of your semi-annual exam, your dentist will also take this time to check your dentures for damage or buildup. If you are having any problems with getting a comfortable fit, they can diagnose the problem and potentially perform a reline. In some cases, it may be time to replace them entirely, and your dentist can help determine if you’ll need a new pair soon.
Jawbone Exam
Without teeth to stimulate your jaws, the bones can deteriorate with time. This can make wearing dentures painful and can ruin your eligibility for dental implants if you were considering upgrading. Your dentist will screen your jaws for deterioration and if needed, formulate a treatment plan including a bone graft to help restore your jaw.
Upgrade Options
Finally, if you’ve been wearing dentures but are ready to switch to a better solution, your dentist can give you an evaluation for dental implants. These are permanent restorations, but you’ll need to have a strong enough bone structure to qualify for them. At your appointment, your dentist can let you know if you would be a good candidate for this treatment as well as provide more information if you have any questions.
Remember, your dentist takes care of more than just your teeth. For healthy gums, bones, and to ensure your prosthetics remain in good working condition, don’t skip your semi-annual dental checkups, even if you wear dentures!
About Dr. Tomaszewski
Dr. Stephen Tomaszewski (“Dr. Steve”) has dentistry in his blood! His own father and godfather were both dentists, which gave him an early appreciation for the field. Today, Dr. Steve is proud to provide his own patients with the same compassion and care his role models did. Whether you’ve got a full mouth, or no natural teeth left, your oral health matters. Let Dr. Steve and the team at CCF Dentistry provide comprehensive screenings for a variety of oral health conditions, as well as ensure that your dentures are in good working order. To schedule your semi-annual exam, please visit our website or call us today at 985-641-4444.
