If you’re missing teeth and rely on dentures in Moses Lake to eat and speak normally, the question isn’t, “Will I need a replacement in the future?”; it’s “How do I know when it’s time to get a replacement?” Out of all the people who wear dentures, 15% will get new ones this year. If you’re wondering whether you’ll fall into that category, keep an eye out for these 5 warning signs that can tell you that there’s a problem with your false teeth.
1. Broken or Damaged Teeth
Putting too much pressure on your false teeth (such as by biting down on a hard object) can cause them to break; dropping or stepping on your dentures can also cause serious damage. Never try to fix broken dentures by yourself; it’s very likely that it will result in an irregular fit, and that will lead to more problems than it solves.
Even if all your false teeth are still attached, they could still need replacement or repair if they’ve become chipped, pitted, or cracked. This type of damage can create sharp or uneven surfaces that irritate the soft tissues inside your mouth.
2. Discomfort
Have you noticed a soreness in your jaw, or is there a sharp pain whenever you bite down? It could mean that your dentures don’t fit properly anymore due to the changing shape of your jaw. Your dentist in Moses Lake will need to address the problem as soon as possible for the sake of your oral health.
3. Difficulty Chewing
It can take time to adjust to eating with dentures, but once you have, you’ll be able to comfortably enjoy a wide variety of foods. However, if you start to have trouble chewing when you didn’t before, you probably need new dentures to fit to the exact shape of your gums.
4. Speech Pattern Changes
Like eating, speaking with dentures takes practice. You might experience slurred speech, lisping, or excessive drooling at first. These issues will disappear in time, but if they return, it could indicate a need for new dentures.
5. Excessive Slipping
Traditional dentures stay in place on the gums through natural suction while partial dentures are held by a metal clasp. If your jawbone deteriorates and significantly changes the shape of your gums, both types of dentures might not fit as well as they used to, and they could slip at awkward moments. Dentures can usually be adjusted so that they fit better, but if you’re visiting the dentist for corrections too often, an all-new restoration might be required.
Never make the mistake of thinking you can ignore issues with your dentures. Doing so could lead to more severe damage, and living your everyday life could become more and more difficult. Why put yourself through those challenges when your dentist could solve your problem with a set of brand new, dazzling teeth?
About the Author
Dr. Craig R. Harder has been bringing Moses Lake high-quality dental services for over 20 years, and he remains as dedicated as ever to providing long-lasting results and helping his patients stay happy and healthy. He can completely restore your smile with natural-looking dentures and partial dentures, and he can repair or replace your false teeth after they’ve been damaged or no longer fit correctly. To schedule an appointment at his practice, Moses Lake Family Dentistry, visit his website or call (509) 765-4351.