New Haven Dental Group is a 42 North Dental Care, PLLC practice and is owned and operated by dentists Dr. Samuel Shames, DDM. and Dr. Ronald Weissman, DDM. Gentle Dental is supported by 42 North Dental, LLC, a dental support organization that provides non-clinical administrative and business support services to the practice. 42 North Dental, LLC does not own or operate the dental practice or employ dentists to provide dental services. Find more information about 42 North Dental, LLC and the dental practices it supports at 42northdental.com.
Dentures provide a convenient and cost-effective form of tooth replacement. However, they do not last forever. On average, they last for 5 – 7 years before replacement becomes necessary. How can you tell if it is time to replace your dentures? This blog post lists a few signs that a visit to your dentist might be in order.
Your Dentures Feel Loose
After your natural teeth were extracted, your body began a process known as resorption. It started to recycle your jawbone because your tooth roots were no longer there to stimulate blood flow. Resorption causes the bone to change shape over time, which can cause your dentures to feel loose. If your dentures no longer fit well, your dentist might be able to address the issue by relining (adjusting them). If that is not possible, you may need a new prosthetic.
Your Dentures Are No Longer Comfortable
It should be easy for you to wear your dentures all day without noticing any significant discomfort. If you start to notice pain in your gums or even start to develop gum sores, you should certainly visit your dentist. Your dentures might be damaged, or their fit may have changed so much that you need new ones.
It Is Difficult to Eat and Speak
After an initial adjustment period, your dentures should enable you to eat a wide variety of foods and speak with confidence and clarity. If your dentures start to slip and slide in your mouth when you are eating and speaking, or you have to use more adhesive than usual to keep them in place, they may need to be relined or replaced.
There are Visible Signs of Damage or Discoloration
A damaged denture is not just visually unappealing; it could also harm your sensitive oral tissues! Do not try to repair a damaged denture on your own. Attempting to do so might actually worsen the damage. Instead, visit your dentist to find out if they can be professionally repaired. Otherwise, you might need a whole new prosthetic.
You Are Ready for an Upgrade
Even if there is nothing really wrong with your current dentures, you may still be interested in replacing them with something more stable and longer-lasting. Ask your dentist if you are a candidate for implant dentures, which offer strength and stability that is almost equal to that of natural teeth.
Should you replace your dentures? Your dentist is the best person to help you determine that. Talk to them about your concerns during your next appointment.
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group has been privileged to serve our community for more than 40 years. We offer a broad range of services, including dentures, denture maintenance, and implant dentures. If you are curious about your options for tooth replacement or how to care for your prosthetic teeth, we would be pleased to speak with you. Get in touch with our team at 203-712-4068.