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Knowing When It Is Time To Consider Getting Dentures

4 March 2015

Oscar Allen

Dentists do everything they can to save teeth, resorting to dentures only as a last resort. This really is the best choice in most cases. However, sometimes, even though it may be possible to save a tooth for a year or so, having it pulled is more beneficial for you. Missing a single tooth is not cause for dentures; however, if you are missing two or more in one quarter of your mouth, it is probably time to consider getting partial dentures. Here are a few reasons you should make the dentist know you would prefer to have dentures instead of trying to fix things.

Severe, Advanced Gum Disease

There comes a time when treating severe gum disease is only going to work for a short period of time. However, when the damage done to the tooth, gum and bone has progressed to a point where the tooth is very loose, it is time to have it removed. This is the only way to keep the infection from coming back and spreading to other teeth.

Digestive Issues

If your teeth are loose or painful, you are probably not chewing properly. This means that the first stage of digestion is not occurring and your stomach and intestines need to compensate for this. You may find that you have an upset stomach after each meal, suffer with heart burn or may have cramping in your lower gut. When the problems have progressed to this extent, having a number of root canals or having the problem teeth removed are your only options. If there is not enough bone left in the jaw to hold the teeth securely, extraction is required. Having multiple root canals will be costly and, if the decay is severe, may not rectify the problems.

Smoking

If you are a smoker, and have no intentions of quitting, any damage to your teeth or gum infections are going to take much longer to heal. While minor problems may have good, long-lasting results to dental treatments, once the decay or disease has started to spread, the odds of saving the teeth affected goes down.

Do not take having your teeth removed and getting dentures lightly. It is something you should discuss with your dentist thoroughly. Listen to what he or she has to say, but also know that in the end, it is your choice. Consider how often you will need to have treatments, how much repeated treatments will cost, and how much pain will be involved during and between the treatments. Dentures are always an option, and will require much less maintenance than your own teeth.

For more information, contact a local dental clinic like Pinon Hills Dental.

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