It took a while, but you’re ready to replace your lost teeth and have a full smile again. Somehow you coped for a considerable amount of time without dentition; now, you want to feel confident again and be able to have a healthier diet. However, after so long, are dentures in Remsenburg-Speonk still an option for you? Over time, your jawbone shrinks without tooth roots to stimulate it, so does that mean you can’t enjoy your smile ever again? Keep reading to find out!
Is It Possible to Get Dentures After a Long Time with No Teeth?
In short, yes. Completing your smile with dentures is usually a viable option for most people with missing teeth. In fact, the only requirements to get dentures are a clean and healthy mouth and just enough jawbone to support the prosthetic.
If you have an oral infection like gum disease, your mouth is not ready to receive dentures and must be treated first. When it comes to jawbone density, traditional dentures don’t need a lot of it to function well enough. Just be aware that the less jawbone you have, the weaker your bite will feel.
How Can I Make the Transition to Dentures Smoother?
Unfortunately, getting used to dentures is not like riding a bike after a long time; it’s not something you can pick up and immediately feel comfortable with again. Your mouth needs time to adjust to the hard materials and to biting and chewing. You don’t want to hurt yourself like accidentally biting your tongue with your new teeth!
At first, it may feel a little uncomfortable, but as long as you start with soft food and careful eating, you can work up to a more normal diet as you get more accustomed to your replacement teeth. Also, make sure you take out your dentures and soak them when you sleep to give your mouth a daily break.
Is There Another Option for Tooth Replacement?
Although traditional dentures certainly do a good job in restoring your smile, they aren’t perfect or always ideal. For instance, dentures must be aligned every couple of years and replaced about every five to seven years because they do not address jawbone shrinkage. In addition, dentures tend to give you only about 25 percent of your original biting force back.
As a more long-term alternative, after a bone graft, dental implants holding onto dentures actually stop jawbone loss and give you back up to 75 percent of your biting strength by fusing with the jawbone itself. With this stability and proper maintenance, these prosthetic teeth may not need to be replaced for the rest of your life!
In the end, replacement is possible even if you have had a long break without teeth. In fact, with implant dentures, it can feel as if you have your natural teeth back! Let go of the past, and don’t give up on your smile. No matter which restoration option you choose, with a little work and patience, you can enjoy your confidence and function again.
About the Practice
At Beach Dental, Dr. Alexis Gersten and Dr. Jason Parli have treated patients from many surrounding areas, including Westhampton Beach, East Quogue, East Moriches, Manorville, and Westhampton, for 25 years. In her career, Dr. Gersten has gained experience specifically in geriatric dental needs and care and dental implants. Whether you have recently lost teeth or have endured years with dentition missing, our team can create a personalized solution to restore your smile. Contact us online or call us at 631-325-0731 to schedule your consultation.