4 Reasons You Should Visit Your Dentist If You Have a Full Denture

Dentures are among the most common solutions for patients with missing teeth—but for some odd reason, there are those out there who believe they’re exempt from routine dental visits after receiving them. But this could not be further from the truth! Keep reading to learn about four reasons why visiting the dentist after receiving a full denture is more important than ever before.

Reason #1. Maintains Optimal Oral Health

The main way that a full denture benefits you is pretty obvious; the prosthetic replaces all of your lost pearly whites, which vastly improves your quality of life! However, just because your teeth are being replaced doesn’t mean that you’re out of the woods concerning oral hygiene. Plaque and tartar, which normally spells bad news for your natural teeth, can also accumulate on your dentures and lead to all sorts of oral health issues. Visiting your dentist for preventive care will allow them to clear away those gross, harmful particles and maintain the integrity and beauty of your denture.

Reason #2. Detects Oral Health Issues Early

Even if you’re diligent about oral hygiene, there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to your smile, and you’re often unable to detect serious underlying problems on your own until they’ve worsened. However, visiting your dentist biannually allows them to ensure there aren’t any problems with your teeth, gums, or denture. Some issues they’ll be on the lookout for include signs of infection or gum disease, bruxism, oral cancer and more. Identifying these problems early on makes treating them much easier.

Reason #3. Allows for Adjustments as Needed

As you age, the hard and soft tissues in your mouth tend to change, but especially more so without the roots of your natural teeth. This can alter your bite pattern and in turn, the fit of your denture. Ill-fitting dentures aren’t just uncomfortable; they can cause a variety of other issues such as mouth sores, TMJ disorders, poor nutrition, gum disease, and more. It’s not uncommon for a full denture to need refitting every few months—which lines up nicely with needing to visit your dentist biannually for preventive care!

Reason #4. Prolongs the Lifespan of Your Denture

Above all else, seeing your dentist regularly after receiving a full denture will ensure that it lasts for a long while. As soon as your denture becomes dirty, damaged, ill-fitting, or compromised in any other way, its lifespan is put into question. Your dentist can also provide you with tips and guidelines that add to its longevity.

Having a full denture does not exempt you from practicing great oral care—in fact, it becomes more vital than ever! Visiting your dentist regularly is the absolute best way to ensure that your new smile looks and functions its best for the foreseeable future.

About the Author

Dr. Christopher J. Cowell has proudly served the dental needs of the Deland community for over 20 years. Dr. Cowell received his dental doctorate from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and is an active member of several professional organizations including the notable American Dental Association. His practice is pleased to offer a wide range of services including restorative options like dentures. If you have any questions about the article or would like to arrange a visit, you can contact Dr. Cowell through his practice’s website or by phone for assistance: (386) 734-8585.