Do I need dentures?

If you are wondering how to tell if you, or a relative, need dentures, then the best person to speak to for advice is a dental professional. A dentist will be able to check your teeth and overall oral health and offer expert advice on whether you need dentures. Your dentist will also be able to advise you on the different types of dentures available, how to get them fitted and how to get the most out of your dentures.

Dentures are a removable device, used to replace missing natural teeth. They can help to improve your appearance and leave you feeling more confident to smile.

They come in two different types: complete dentures, sometimes known as a full set, which are used to replace all your upper and/or lower teeth and partial dentures, which are used to replace one or just a few teeth. Dentures are custom designed to fit in your mouth, making them as comfortable and natural as possible.

There can be many reasons why you may be asking ‘How can I tell if I need dentures?’ Here we answer some common questions about the reasons you may need dentures:

My teeth are broken - do I need dentures?

Usually your dentist will be able to repair a broken tooth. But if one or more of your teeth is severely damaged and has to be removed, or if a tooth is knocked out and lost, you may consider dentures to replace your missing teeth. Your dentist will be able to advise you on all the options available to treat broken teeth.

Do my teeth and gum problems mean I'll need dentures?

If you are having trouble with your teeth and gums, you need to seek advice from a dental professional in the first instance. Your dentist can offer advice on how to potentially treat or help stop problems from getting worse. To help protect gums and teeth you should stick to a good oral health routine, including brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste.

There are some severe tooth and gum problems that may mean you have to have a tooth, or teeth, removed. If you have severe tooth decay or damage that can’t be fixed, or gum disease which has loosened or damaged a tooth, you may need to have the affected tooth or teeth removed. If you do need to have a tooth or teeth removed your dentist can advise you on all the options and may recommend considering dentures.

Is bad breath a sign I need dentures?

Bad breath may simply be a sign that you’ve eaten something with a strong odour, rather than that you need dentures. If it’s persistent you should consult your dentist to find out what’s causing it, because it may be a sign of gum disease.

Gum disease is caused by plaque building up on and around your teeth. If you don’t remove this thoroughly with twice daily brushing and regular flossing, it can irritate and inflame your gums.

So, while bad breath doesn’t mean you need dentures, it may be a sign to see your dentist to treat any problems before you lose teeth.

Does gum inflammation mean I'll need dentures?

While swollen or inflamed gums probably don’t mean you need dentures, they are a sign that you should visit the dentist to get expert advice on how to treat your inflamed gums.

Is severe tooth pain a sign I'll need dentures?

Tooth pain on its own isn’t usually a sign that you will need dentures. There are many different reasons your teeth can hurt, so it’s very important to visit a dentist to find out why you’re in pain. Dental pain may be caused by:

• Dental caries – are the result of tooth decay, which occurs when bacteria in your mouth creates acids that can result in painful holes in your teeth.
• Tooth sensitivity – if you feel a sharp pain when you eat or drink something cold, hot, sweet or sour, this could be tooth sensitivity.
• Gum disease – also known as gingivitis, or when it’s more severe, periodontitis, gum disease can cause tooth pain.
• Trauma to teeth or gums – if you have an accident or sports injury that damages your teeth or gums this can cause severe tooth pain. If you have a traumatic dental injury you should always have it checked by a dentist immediately.

If you experience tooth pain, the best thing you can do is visit your dentist to find out what’s causing the pain and discuss the options available to treat it.

Don't worry if you think you might need dentures

If you are concerned about your teeth or gums and wonder if you or a loved one needs dentures, you should consult a dental professional for expert advice first.

If your dentist does fit you with dentures, Polident has a range of specialist cleansers to keep them clean and fresh and denture adhesives to ensure they are secure and comfortable to wear, so you can get on with living without worrying about your dentures.