Dentures are not a permanent and maintenance-free option for solving tooth loss. Dentures have a lifespan of roughly five to seven years. Even within that time frame, your own mouth and jaw changes. Dentures do occasionally need repairs. Living with damaged or deteriorated dentures can cause discomfort and pain, and even put your health at risk.
When the time for repairs comes, DIY is never an option! Let the professionals at a dental clinic near you take the lead on ensuring your oral health.
How do you know you need dental repairs?
Are your dentures suddenly uncomfortable?
If your dentures have been comfortable but suddenly feel uncomfortable or even painful, you need to visit a dental office in Carrollwood to investigate possible repairs. One culprit may be gradual and worsening bone loss in your jaw. Your dentures were designed for your jaw at a point in time. As that bone structure changes due to bone loss, your jaw shrinks, and your dentures will feel loose even though they haven’t changed. Contact a dental clinic near you right away if you’re experiencing sudden discomfort. It can be fixed and needs to be fixed before your denture teeth are damaged.
Are you having problems chewing?
It takes time to become accustomed to chewing your favorite foods with dentures, but that should become easier — not harder — with time. If chewing is persistently difficult, or if it is suddenly more difficult than it has been, your dentures may need repairs. If the dental team at the clinic where you received your dentures in Carrollwood, told you about an adjustment period but that period has passed without improvement, get back in touch with them.
Has the shape of your face changed?
Tooth loss can contribute to changes in your jaw and your face. Dentures are designed to mimic the structure of your teeth and to add natural definition to your jaw and cheeks. What fits (or doesn’t fit) inside your mouth affects the outside appearance of your face. Changes to the appearance of your jaw, cheeks, and lips may be signs that denture repairs at a Carrollwood clinic are needed.
Are your gums sore?
Some gum soreness in the early days of wearing dentures is inevitable. With time while your gums grow accustomed to the dentures, that soreness should pass. If gum irritation persists beyond the adjustment period described by your Carrollwood denture clinic, repairs may be required. The presence of sores in your mouth is a further serious sign that you should seek quick attention at your Carrollwood denture clinic.
If the teeth in your dentures are cracked, chipped, or broken, they need to be replaced
Dentures are a solution for missing, cracked, chipped, and broken teeth. They should never have missing, cracked, chipped, and broken teeth. Do not tolerate any damaged teeth in your dentures, contact your Carrollwood dental clinic right away for repairs. Aside from the appearance of your dentures, cracked or chipped teeth will eventually undermine the comfort of your dentures. Ignoring cracked or chipped teeth for too long can ultimately require a full replacement. Don’t ignore what might seem like minor issues. They’re not minor.
What to do if your dentures need repairs
Your dental office in Carrollwood or a denturist near you can offer a wide range of denture repairs. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, contact them right away to see what repairs are needed. Some repairs may be quick (even the same day) while others might require more time or work (such as new impressions). Either way, repairs will restore your dentures to the condition required to accomplish their purpose — supporting your oral health and restoring your smile.
Contact a dental clinic near you right away to deal with any necessary repairs to your dentures.