Individuals experiencing tooth loss due to gum disease often wonder if dentures are an option. While gum disease presents challenges, it doesn’t automatically prevent denture placement. Addressing underlying oral health issues can allow for successful denture use.
Dentures and Your Gums
Having gum disease does not inherently disqualify an individual from receiving dentures, but it requires careful management. Denture stability and comfort rely on healthy gum tissues and jawbone. When gum disease progresses, it can compromise these foundational structures, affecting denture support.
Gum disease typically begins as gingivitis, characterized by inflamed, swollen, and easily bleeding gums. If left unaddressed, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, a more severe form of the disease. Periodontitis involves infection that extends below the gumline, leading to the destruction of the bone and tissues that support the teeth. This bone loss directly affects the foundation needed for dentures to fit securely and comfortably.
Why Gum Disease Treatment is Essential
Treating gum disease is necessary before denture placement for long-term success. Untreated gum disease, especially periodontitis, causes ongoing inflammation and infection. This persistent infection can further deteriorate the jawbone, problematic as dentures, particularly conventional ones, depend on adequate bone structure for support and stability.
Placing dentures on diseased or inflamed tissues can lead to discomfort, pain, instability, and improper fit, causing sores, irritation, and potential infections. Active gum disease can also compromise overall health, linked to systemic conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Addressing the disease creates a healthy, stable oral environment, fundamental for proper fit, comfort, and longevity of any denture.
The Path to Dentures with Gum Disease
For individuals with gum disease considering dentures, the process typically begins with a thorough dental examination. This initial assessment allows the dental professional to diagnose the extent and severity of the gum disease. Based on this diagnosis, a tailored treatment plan for the gum disease is developed.
Treatment options vary by disease stage. Milder cases like gingivitis may only need professional cleanings. For periodontitis, deeper cleaning procedures such as scaling and root planing are common, sometimes with antibiotics. Advanced cases might require surgical interventions like flap surgery or bone grafts to repair damaged tissues and regenerate lost bone. These treatments eliminate infection and inflammation, creating a stable foundation for dentures, followed by a healing period before placement.
Ensuring Long-Term Denture Success
Even after receiving dentures, especially with a history of gum disease, ongoing care is important for maintaining oral health and denture longevity. Regular dental check-ups monitor underlying gum and bone tissues, ensuring dentures continue to fit well. These appointments allow detection and address any signs of gum disease recurrence or changes in oral structures.
Proper daily denture cleaning is crucial to prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which can irritate the gums and lead to infection. It involves using a soft brush and non-abrasive cleaner to remove debris from the dentures. Cleaning the gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth with a soft-bristled brush or a washcloth helps stimulate blood flow and removes bacteria. Dentures should ideally be removed overnight to give the gum tissues a chance to rest and be exposed to air, promoting healing and reducing the risk of issues like denture stomatitis.