Why You Should Attend Checkups Even with a Full Denture

If you wear full dentures, you might think regular dental checkups are no longer necessary. After all, your natural teeth are gone, so what’s left to monitor? The truth is that dental visits remain essential even if you have complete dentures. Here are the key reasons why maintaining routine dental appointments is just as important with full dentures as it is with natural teeth.

Monitoring the Fit of Your Dentures

Over time, the shape of your gums and jawbone changes, especially in areas where teeth are missing. This natural process, called bone resorption, can cause your dentures to become loose or unstable. Poorly fitting dentures can lead to:

• Gum irritation and sores.
• Difficulty eating and speaking.
• Jaw pain and headaches.
• Increased risk of infections.

At your checkup, your dentist will examine how your dentures fit and make any necessary adjustments or recommend a reline or replacement to restore comfort and function.

Checking for Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can affect anyone, regardless of whether they have natural teeth. In fact, those who wear full dentures may be at higher risk of delayed diagnosis, since they may assume dental visits are no longer necessary. During a dental checkup, your dentist performs a thorough oral cancer screening, checking for signs like red or white patches, sores that don’t heal, or lumps or thickened areas in the mouth or throat.

Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, and regular exams could help save your life.

Examining Gum and Bone Health

Your gums and jawbone still require care even without natural teeth. Dentists check for signs of:

• Gum disease or inflammation.
• Infections or abscesses.
• Bone loss that could affect denture stability.

Keeping your mouth healthy ensures that your dentures continue to function properly and that your overall oral health remains strong.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Even though dentures are not natural teeth, they still require professional cleaning to remove plaque, stains, and bacteria. Your dentist can also inspect your appliance for cracks or wear, broken clasps or bases, or discoloration or odor buildup.

Regular maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your dentures and keeps your smile looking and feeling its best.

Updating or Replacing Dentures

Most dentures need to be replaced or significantly adjusted every 5 to 7 years due to natural changes in your mouth. Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to monitor these changes and plan for updates when needed. Waiting too long can result in poor fit and complications.

Wearing full dentures doesn’t mean you’re done with dental care. Regular checkups help ensure your dentures fit well, your mouth stays healthy, and serious conditions like oral cancer are caught early. Think of these visits as a key part of your overall wellness, not just your oral health.

About the Author

Dr. Jonathan Aguilar is a graduate of the Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry (now simply known as Texas A&M College of Dentistry). Following graduation, Dr. Aguilar worked in all sorts of dental settings, including the corporate world, a nonprofit public health clinic, and private dental offices. A native of Dallas-Fort Worth, Dr. Aguilar is now excited to be settled in the Denton community and serving its residents. If you’re in need of a dental checkup, schedule your appointment with us online or call (940) 566-5332.