Dentures aren’t just for senior citizens. Now, dentures have been designed to be discreet, natural-looking, and low maintenance. These changes have given millions of people of all ages more confidence when eating, smiling and speaking. 

Gum Issues

Gum issues such as bite sensitivity or bleeding are symptoms of tooth loss. Irritated gums are often a signal of developing gingivitis or other periodontal conditions. Gum disease is a large factor in the need for dentures as it can worsen over time. In addition to any missing teeth, you may be needing a set of dentures in the future.

Difficulty Eating

Are you having issues with eating certain foods? Whether it’s sticky foods, apples, popcorn, or nuts, these all can be a challenge whether you need dentures or currently have them. Be sure to pay extra attention to what is a struggle to eat and where you feel pain in your mouth. If pain persists, have your dentist take a closer look by scheduling an appointment with them.

Severe Tooth Pain

Another sign to keep an eye on is severe tooth pain because it shows that decay has progressed to the nerves inside the tooth. While this can be prevented with a filling, advanced stages of decay may lead to removal or a partial denture replacement. Statistics show gum disease is responsible for 70 percent of adult tooth loss, and can lead to general bone loss too. 

A set of dentures being prepared in a mold.

Types of Dentures

There are two types of dentures for patients to choose from depending on what’s easiest for you.

Fixed Dentures 

Fixed dentures are held in place with tiny drilled in screws, or implants. It takes time to fuse with your bones to provide a stable foundation, so you don’t have to take them out to clean. This process takes quite a while to heal – some patients have reported.

Removable Dentures

Removable dentures are secured with dental adhesives and can be taken out at night to sleep. They typically need to be taken out at least once or twice a day for cleaning and are susceptible to adjustments every few years.

The procedure for creating dentures for your mouth is straightforward. Your dentist shapes wax to mimic your teeth, then places it in a mold. Plaster is poured into the molds where it’s placed in hot water and is able to settle. You’ll be able to test out your new dentures and make any necessary adjustments. 

As with other dental procedures, the aftercare process is easy to follow. Ensuring that you’re keeping up with your oral hygiene routine is necessary for a quick road to recovery. 

A set of dentures being held by hands with purple gloves

An Affordable Dentist in Reno, NV 

A man holds half of a set of dentures.

Dentures provide a cosmetic fix for your smile while restoring the function of your teeth. To determine if you’re a candidate for dentures, schedule a comprehensive consultation with a professional Reno dentist. Getting an assessment of your oral and overall health will determine if dentures can work best for you. 

Want to improve your biting and chewing abilities or feel more confident in your smile? Connect with Dr. Kulesa today to get your oral health back on track— your gums and teeth will thank you!