When you think of dentures, older people come to mind. Today, even 30 year old patients can get dentures due to various reasons and benefit from them. However, with timely visits to your dentist, you can prevent the need for dentures.  

When should you consider dentures?

• Toothache – When you have a throbbing toothache and no medications are helping, you need to consult your dentist right away. Toothache is a sign of tooth decay which would require a root canal. But sometimes tooth decay is beyond repair, therefore dentures come into play.
• Difficulty in chewing – If you are unable to chew hard or chewy food, consider getting dentures in Des Moines.  Sometimes it becomes difficult to chew food and you end up taking larger bites which can lead to stomach pain and cause chronic indigestion. Consult your dentist when such problems arise.   
• Swollen gums – You may need to consider dentures if your gums are swollen and red. Early signs of gum disease or gingivitis can be treated on time with a thorough cleaning, and dentist prescribed toothpaste and mouthwash. Leaving your gum disease untreated, can cause bone loss, and eventually lead to tooth loss. This is when you require dentures. 
•  Loose Teeth – Generally loose or noticeably shifting teeth indicate decay and may be a result of periodontal disease. There may be significant damage occurring below gums without you noticing it. The same applies to gaps growing wider between your teeth.

Dentures for all ages

Advanced technology has changed the way people look at dentures. They are no longer an uncomfortable, bulky dental application with a fake set of teeth. There are multiple choices available to match your needs. Apart from improving your smile, dentures also help you perform basic functions like chew and bite which would be difficult with missing teeth. Missing teeth can negatively impact your jaw and gums which dentures can help to prevent.

• Traditional dentures – Removable dentures are made to stick to your gums using special dental glue. Traditional dentures require brushing and flossing twice a day. These traditional dentures can be removed overnight and have to be kept soaked in water or cleaning solution. You also need to be very careful while eating, as you might damage them.
• Implant-supported dentures – Implants hold the dentures in place, they don’t require a dental glue to stick to the gums. Young patients are known to opt for these modern implants over the traditional ones. To make sure if implant-supported dentures are good for you, the dentist will examine the strength of your gums and jawbone, for they need to be strong enough to hold dental implants. 
• Partial dentures – If you have substantial tooth decay, consider partial dentures. These dentures replace only a portion of your teeth and take support from healthy teeth around the dentures. They prevent the nearby teeth from moving or shifting. 
• Full dentures – Your gums have to completely heal to support full dentures. Modern dentures have integrated support and don’t require adhesives to stick to your gums. They are recommended for those who have lost all their teeth. 

Bring back your lost confidence with dentures. There are many options available out there that fit your budget and needs. When you need to get dentures, get in touch with our experienced dentist in West Des Moines, and we will be more than happy to help.