If you wear full dentures, you might wonder whether you still need to visit the dentist for regular cleanings. After all, if your natural teeth have been replaced, what's left to clean?
The answer is: quite a bit!
Even if you have a full set of dentures, regular dental visits are still an important part of taking care of your mouth. Dentures don't eliminate the need for oral health care—they simply change what your dental team needs to focus on.
At Big River Dental, we recommend that denture patients continue to schedule regular dental appointments so we can check the health of their mouth, evaluate their dentures, and help make sure their smile stays comfortable and functional.
Why Do Denture Patients Need Dental Appointments?
Even without natural teeth, your gums, tongue, jaw, and other tissues still need attention. Dentures also need to be cleaned and evaluated regularly.
A dental hygiene appointment gives your dental team a chance to look for changes that you may not notice at home. Your dentist or hygienist can check for irritation, sores, inflammation, and other changes in the tissues supporting your dentures.
Regular visits also allow us to make sure your dentures are still fitting properly.
Over time, your mouth naturally changes. The bone and gum tissue that once supported your natural teeth can change after tooth loss, which may cause your dentures to become loose or uncomfortable. A denture that no longer fits well can cause sore spots and make eating and speaking more difficult.
What Happens at a Denture Hygiene Appointment?
A denture appointment isn't necessarily the same as a traditional cleaning for someone with natural teeth.
Depending on your individual needs, your appointment may include several different components.
Your Smile Is Examined
Your dental team will examine your gums and the other tissues in your mouth, including your tongue, palate, and the areas where your dentures rest.
We're looking for signs of irritation, inflammation, sores, infection, or other changes that may need attention.
Any remaining natural teeth will also be examined and cleaned.
Your Dentures Are Checked
Your dentist can evaluate your dentures for signs of wear, damage, or changes in fit.
If your dentures feel loose, rub against your gums, cause sore spots, or make it difficult to chew, let your dental team know. These symptoms may indicate that your dentures need an adjustment, repair, or replacement.
Your Dentures Are Cleaned
Just like natural teeth, dentures can accumulate plaque, food particles, and other debris. They can also develop stains or buildup over time.
Your dental team can clean your dentures and show you how to care for them properly at home.
It's important to remember that your dentures and your mouth both need to be cleaned. Taking your dentures out and cleaning them regularly helps keep them fresh, while cleaning your gums and other oral tissues helps maintain a healthy mouth.
Your Oral Hygiene Routine Is Reviewed
Your dentist or hygienist can also answer questions about caring for your dentures at home.
This may include recommendations about:
- How to clean your dentures
- How often to remove them
- How to clean your gums and tongue
- How to store your dentures when they're not being worn
- Products that are appropriate for denture care
- When to contact the dental office about discomfort or changes
What If You Have Implant-Supported Dentures?
If you have implant-supported dentures, regular dental care is especially important.
Dental implants require ongoing maintenance, and your dental team can check the tissues around the implants and make sure your restoration is functioning properly. Depending on the type of implant-supported denture you have, your cleaning routine may also be different from that of a conventional removable denture.
How Often Should Denture Patients Visit the Dentist?
A good general rule is to have at least one dental visit each year, even if you wear full dentures and don't have any natural teeth.
Some people may benefit from visiting more frequently depending on their oral health, denture fit, implant status, or other individual needs.
And don't wait for your next routine appointment if something doesn't feel right. Contact your dentist if you develop persistent soreness, mouth irritation, a denture that suddenly feels different, difficulty chewing, or other changes.
Dentures Don't Replace Dental Care
Getting dentures can restore your ability to smile, speak, and eat comfortably, but they don't mean you're finished with dental care.
Your mouth continues to change over time, and your dentures need ongoing attention to keep them functioning properly. Regular visits can help catch problems early and give your dental team an opportunity to keep your mouth and dentures in optimal condition.
At Big River Dental, we're here to care for your smile through every stage of life. If you're a denture wearer and it's been a while since your last dental visit, we'd be happy to help you get back on track.
Contact Big River Dental to schedule your next appointment and keep your smile (and your dentures) in great shape.
