Your oral health plays a significant role in your overall well-being, and missing or damaged teeth can greatly affect both your confidence and ability to enjoy life. For many people, the idea of needing dentures can be intimidating, but our Jacksonville and Live Oak, FL, dentists want to assure you that they are a practical, effective solution for restoring your smile and improving your dental health.
Here are 7 signs that you might want to consider full or partial dentures.
1. Difficulty Chewing or Eating Certain Foods
One of the most common signs that removable dentures may be necessary is difficulty chewing. If you frequently experience pain while eating or have to avoid certain foods due to your teeth, this could be a sign that your teeth are deteriorating or have already been lost.
Over time, missing or weakened teeth can make it challenging to eat a balanced diet, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues. , whether they be full or partial, can restore your ability to chew comfortably, allowing you to enjoy a wide variety of foods again.
2. Severe Tooth Decay or Gum Disease
If you suffer from advanced tooth decay or gum disease, it may be time to consider dentures. Severe decay or untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss or the need for extractions. In some cases, even with dental intervention, teeth may be too damaged to save.
Dentures provide a solution by , helping to protect your remaining teeth and allowing you to maintain your oral health. For patients facing multiple extractions, full dentures may be necessary, while partial dentures can be an option if you still have several healthy teeth.
3. Multiple Missing Teeth
If you are already missing several teeth, particularly in visible areas, it may be a good time to think about dentures. Gaps in your smile can affect your confidence and speech, making everyday activities more difficult. Furthermore, missing teeth can cause the surrounding teeth to shift out of place, creating alignment issues and additional strain on your jaw. Partial dentures can fill in the gaps and prevent further dental complications, while full dentures are an option for those missing all or most of their teeth.
4. Chronic Tooth Pain
Prolonged tooth pain, especially when multiple teeth are affected, can be a sign that your teeth are beyond repair. While treatments like tooth-colored fillings, dental crowns, or root canals can often resolve pain, there are cases where tooth extraction becomes the best option. If you find yourself constantly dealing with tooth pain and frequent dental visits for repairs, dentures may be a more permanent and comfortable solution.
5. Loose or Shifting Teeth
Teeth that feel loose or appear to be shifting in your mouth can be a sign of advanced gum disease or bone loss in the jaw. These issues can lead to the eventual loss of teeth. Dentures can help to replace loose or missing teeth, providing a stable and secure solution. If our dentists determine that certain teeth are no longer viable, tooth extraction followed by denture placement may be the best course of action to restore your oral health.
6. Changes in Your Facial Structure
Tooth loss doesn’t just affect your smile — it can also change the structure of your face. Teeth support the facial muscles and jaw structure, and when teeth are missing, it can cause the cheeks and lips to sag, making your face appear sunken or older than it is. Dentures can help to fill out your facial structure, restoring a more youthful appearance and supporting your overall oral health.
7. Difficulty Speaking Clearly
Missing teeth or unstable teeth can impact your ability to speak clearly. Many patients find that they have difficulty pronouncing certain words or sounds when they have missing teeth. Dentures can provide the support needed to improve speech and allow for clearer communication.
Make an Appointment
Whether you’re missing a few teeth or an entire arch, it may be time to speak with our denture dentists in Jacksonville and Live Oak, FL, about your options. Call one of our Higgins & White Dentistry locations today or request an appointment online.