Dentures are a last resort for many people, and a lot of dental patients are scared at the thought of needing dentures. If you take proper care of your teeth, you are well on your way to preventing the need for these devices. Still, there are some situations where dentures are warranted. Your Irvine dentist can help you make the decision about whether or not you need dentures, but there are some signs you can look out for on your own.
Changes in Your Teeth
If you have noticed that you have loose or shifting teeth, this could be a sign that you need dentures. You may have gaps between your teeth that did not exist before, which can be an indicator as well. These changes are often due to bone loss or damage that results from untreated disease. In some cases, your teeth may begin to fall out, or they may need to be extracted.
Difficulty Eating
You may notice that you are suddenly having difficulty eating foods that you never had issues with before. This could be due to a host of problems, including damaged teeth or cavities. If the problem is present in several teeth, you may be headed on the road to dentures. Your Irvine dentist can discuss ways to prevent the need for dentures, and may be able to try alternative treatments.
Missing several teeth already can be another indicator, but, with any of these symptoms, the need for dentures should be discussed with your dentist. In many situations, other treatments, dental implants, and cosmetic procedures can reduce the need for dentures. Remember, just because you do end up needing these devices, it does not mean you can’t have a normal life.