If you’re new to the world of dentures, you probably have a lot of questions about how you’ll manage your oral health going forward. You can’t get cavities anymore, so do you really need to keep going to the dentist?
The short answer is: yes, you do. That said, you may not need to visit as often as people with some remaining natural teeth. Let’s go over why dental visits are still necessary and how your dentist determines how often they need to see you.
Why Dental Visits Are Still Important with Dentures
Dentists do more than just treat cavities. They also:
Diagnose and treat gum disease
Check your x-rays for signs of bone loss
Screen for signs of oral cancer
Check for wounds and signs of infection where your dentures rub against your gums
Reline and replace worn-out dentures
Place implants you can use to anchor your dentures more secure
Provide guidance on proper oral hygiene techniques (yes, it still matters!)
Not seeing your dentist regularly puts you at risk of painful, frustrating, and even life-threatening oral health problems. That’s true whether you have natural teeth or false ones!
How Often Do You Need to Go?
Just like people with natural teeth, most people with dentures should visit their dentist at least once every six months. You’d be surprised how quickly problems like oral cancer and bone loss can progress. Getting biannual checkups gives you the best chance of catching these things early.
However, this isn’t necessarily true for all patients. If your oral hygiene and bone levels are good and you’re not at high risk for oral cancers, your dentist may recommend visiting just once a year instead.
Don’t assume that a once-a-year schedule is the best choice for you without consulting your dentist. It’s dangerous to skip appointments without professional guidance. Ask your dentist whether annual visits are a realistic option for you. If not, ask whether there’s anything you can do to improve your oral health enough to make the change viable. Put those suggestions into action and your dentist might have a different answer for you at your next checkup.
Make Ouellete Family Dentistry Your Dental Office Today
Whether you need biannual visits or can get away with fewer, you’ll need a great dental team to help you manage your oral health with dentures. That’s where Ouellette Family Dentistry comes in. We’ll handle all your checkups and denture maintenance and help you work toward whatever oral health goals you choose – even if that means seeing us less often. Contact us today to join our patient roster and get started.
