Dentures Candidacy: Improving Quality of Life
Dentures and other dental appliances offer a reliable and effective solution for those experiencing tooth loss or other dental issues. Whether you have lost teeth due to decay, injury, or other reasons, dentures can restore your smile, improve chewing ability, and enhance overall oral health. If you’re considering dentures as a treatment option, understanding the candidacy criteria is essential. At Corner Stone Dental, our Swansea, IL dentist, Dr. Randall E. Wilson, can help you explore the factors that determine candidacy for dentures and the benefits they offer.
To schedule your appointment at Corner Stone Dental, contact our Swansea dental office today by calling (618) 236-0501.
Dentures Candidacy
Dentures can be an excellent option for individuals missing teeth, but not everyone is a good candidate. Significant tooth loss, along with sufficient healthy gum tissue and jawbone, is a key factor in determining candidacy for dentures. Several factors can affect a person’s candidacy for dentures.
Number of Missing Teeth
Dentures can replace one or more missing teeth, but the extent of tooth loss may affect the type of denture recommended. For individuals who have lost all their teeth, dentures provide a functional and aesthetic solution. For example, partial dentures are typically used when only a few teeth are missing, while complete dentures are used to replace an entire arch of missing teeth.
Jawbone Density
Good candidates for dentures typically have healthy gums, enough bone structure, and jawbone density to support the denture. If you have bone loss, you may require other treatments before receiving dentures.
Good Oral Health
Patients should be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene practices and attending regular dental checkups at Corner Stone Dental to ensure the longevity of their dentures.
Gum disease
Patients with gum disease may require treatment before getting dentures. Having a sufficient amount of healthy gum tissue is crucial for determining if a patient is a suitable candidate. Our Swansea dentist will evaluate the extent of the gum disease to determine if the patient is a suitable candidate.
Expectations and Goals
Patients should have realistic expectations about what dentures can and cannot do. For example, dentures can improve the appearance of the smile and help with basic functions like chewing and speaking, but they may not feel or function exactly like natural teeth.
Cost
Cost can also be a factor in determining candidacy for dentures, as they can be a significant investment. However, many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of dentures, making them a more accessible option for some individuals. Also, our team at Corner Stone Dental can help you understand the financing options available at our Swansea dental office.
Overall Health
If a patient has other health conditions that might make dental surgeries or procedures risky, removable dentures might be a safer option.
Denture Alternatives
If dentures aren’t right for you, Dr. Wilson may recommend any of these alternatives:
- Dental implants: Implants are small titanium posts surgically placed in the jawbone, where they fuse with the bone to provide a stable base for a replacement tooth or teeth. Dental implants are a popular alternative to dentures as they look and function like natural teeth and can last for years.
- Dental bridges: Bridges are artificial teeth anchored in place by neighboring teeth. They’re a good option for patients who are missing one or more teeth in a row but still have some natural teeth remaining. Dental bridges are less invasive than implants but may not last as long.
- Flipper: A flipper is a removable partial denture used as a temporary tooth replacement. It’s usually made of acrylic and is less expensive than other options, but it’s not a long-term solution.
- Implant-supported dentures: Implant-supported dentures use dental implants to support a full arch of replacement teeth. They offer a secure fit, streamlined design, and durability. This option requires oral surgery and is suitable for candidates who meet specific criteria. Implant-supported dentures are often compared to traditional dentures for their enhanced stability and function.
Frequently Asked Questions
Individuals with well-preserved natural teeth, healthy gums, and sufficient jawbone support, as well as those with remaining teeth in good condition, might not be ideal candidates for traditional dentures. Additionally, those seeking a more stable and permanent solution might consider alternatives like dental implants.
If there’s insufficient jawbone to replace missing teeth with dentures, it can lead to poor fit, discomfort, and instability. Dental implants might be considered, or bone grafting to enhance bone volume for proper denture support. Your dentist can recommend suitable options based on your situation.
Discover if You Qualify for Dentures at Corner Stone Dental
Dentures can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals experiencing tooth loss. Full dentures can replace an entire arch of teeth, or both arches, for those missing many or all of their teeth. If you believe you are a candidate for dentures, it is essential to consult with your qualified Swansea dentist to explore your options. A professional evaluation will help determine the most suitable treatment for your needs.
Take the first step towards a confident smile and better oral health by scheduling a consultation. Don’t let tooth loss hold you back from enjoying life to the fullest contact Corner Stone Dental by calling (618) 236-0501 to explore the transformative benefits of dentures and start your journey towards a brighter, healthier smile.