Do I really have to have a dental exam if I wear dentures?
Just because you no longer have your natural teeth does not mean you can skip out on your dental visits. Dentists are responsible for your entire mouth. Your teeth are just one part of your mouth. You still have your lips, palate, cheeks, tongue, and throat. The answer to your question is YES. Seeing the dentist will ensure your whole mouth is healthy. There are several reasons why you should visit the dentist at least once a year.
Proper Fit
Having a good foundation is the key to well fitting dentures. Your dentures are sitting on top of your gums and your gums are soft tissue that covers your jaw bone. If your dentures are not fitting well, they can start to change the soft tissue and bone, breaking down the foundation. Most patients think that using denture adhesive is a normal part of wearing dentures. While you may need a little adhesive to hold your dentures in, when you start to use a lot it could mean you’re compensating for a bad foundation.
If you feel like your dentures are not fitting as well as they used to, or if you notice you’re using more adhesive then in the past, then you must schedule an examination with the dentist. Their goal is still to keep your mouth healthy, whether you have teeth or not, they are interested in retaining as much jaw bone and keeping your gums as healthy as possible. A simple adjustment or reline of the base of the denture may be all you need to get the dentures to fit well once again. After many years of wearing the same denture and losing jaw bone, it may be time for a new set.
Oral Cancer Screening
People who wear dentures may be at an increased risk of developing oral cancer. The dentist will preform an oral cancer screening during your yearly checkup. They are trained to detect oral cancer. Even if you think your dentures fit well, the dentist can pick up on small tissue changes. The earlier oral cancer is detected, the better the outcome. Screenings are painless and take less than two minutes to complete. They should be done yearly as a preventative practice.
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X-Rays?
While dental x-rays are no longer needed to evaluate your teeth for decay, they may still be necessary to look for changes in the jaw bone. A panoramic x-ray should be taken if the dentist determines they need it to evaluate changes in tissue, suspect a root tip may be left in the jaw bone, or if they see anything else that may be suspicious. There is not a set time frame the dentist follows for routinely taking a panoramic x-ray. However, most dentists will take one every 5 to 10 years.
If you wear dentures and haven’t seen us lately, call us today to schedule your routine dental examination. Keeping your mouth healthy is our priority. We want your dentures fitting well so they you are able to chew and eat foods to keep your whole body healthy.
