You received your dentures a few years ago, and they felt wonderful. At long last, you could smile and eat with complete confidence again. But these days, they slip around on occasion, and you notice sores on your gums whenever you take them out. Traditional dentures typically last 5-10 years before they need to be replaced due to natural changes in your jawbone and face muscles. By getting your dentures secured with dental implants in Moses Lake, though, you could help them fit properly again and ensure they last several times longer. Continue reading to learn how to know when to replace your dentures and why you should consider getting implant-retained dentures.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Dentures
If any of the following situations sound familiar, schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss a replacement for your dentures:
- Difficulty speaking and chewing. Improperly fitting dentures might slip around when you’re eating. When talking, you might accidentally slur your words, have a lisp, or hear a clicking sound.
- Sores in your mouth. When your dentures don’t fit correctly, the force of your bite is unevenly distributed, leading to sores on your gums. Oral sores can also develop from cracks in the dentures, which can contribute to infections.
- Irritated gums. Once your mouth gets used to the way dentures feel, there shouldn’t be any soreness. However, if you notice any irritation, inflammation, or bleeding, your dentures might be damaged.
- Stains or odors. Food particles and bacteria can get trapped in fractured dentures. They can accumulate and cause discoloration or a funky odor to develop.
Usually, you could get your dentures in Moses Lake relined or repaired to fix these issues. But with dental implants, you can fix them and even enjoy a better set of teeth.
Benefits of Stabilizing Dentures with Dental Implants
With implant-retained dentures, four to eight titanium posts are placed in your jawbone to serve as your tooth roots. This prevents jawbone deterioration that causes your dentures to lose their fit over time. Because your new teeth are firmly rooted in your jawbone, they won’t slip out of place at embarrassing moments. You can talk comfortably and even eat your favorite crunchy or chewy foods with ease. Dental implants are also designed to last for decades, and with regular oral hygiene and dental checkups, they could even last a lifetime!
You don’t need to struggle with uncomfortable dentures any longer. To enjoy the benefits of a lasting smile that feels and looks natural, ask your dentist if implant-retained dentures are right for you.
About the Author
Dr. Craig R. Harder is a dentist in Moses Lake, WA with more than 20 years of experience in the field. Throughout his career, he has taken hundreds of hours of continuing education courses on dental esthetics to learn how to craft the most lifelike tooth replacements he can, such as dentures. He partners with the best oral surgeons in the Moses Lake area to place and restore dental implants. If you’re ready to say goodbye to ill-fitting dentures, contact Dr. Harder today.