Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth and surrounding tissues. If you need a full or partial denture around age 60, you are not alone; significant dental intervention in midlife is a common outcome of decades of oral health history. Modern dentistry offers comfortable and stable prosthetic options, making the process of restoring a full smile a routine procedure.
Prevalence of Tooth Loss in Midlife
The need for extensive tooth replacement in the sixth decade of life is common. While complete tooth loss (edentulism) has decreased significantly, partial tooth loss remains highly prevalent. Approximately 13% of adults aged 65 to 74 have lost all their natural teeth, indicating that the path toward full edentulism often begins earlier.
Many people in the 60-year-old age bracket have already lost several teeth. For individuals aged 65 and older, the average number of remaining permanent teeth is around 20.7, meaning many are missing a substantial portion of their original 32 teeth. This partial loss often leads to the need for partial dentures or eventual full extraction and replacement.
Primary Causes of Tooth Loss at Age 60
The primary driver leading to tooth extraction at this age is advanced periodontal disease, or gum disease. This chronic bacterial infection slowly destroys the soft tissues and the bone that anchor the teeth in the jaw. About two-thirds of adults aged 65 and older suffer from some form of periodontal disease, making it the leading cause of tooth loss.
The disease progresses over years, often without pain, until the supporting bone structure is compromised and teeth become loose. Another major factor is the accumulation of structural damage from a lifetime of use. This includes severe, untreated decay or the failure of extensive dental work, such as large, old fillings.
Enamel thinning and micro-fractures from years of chewing and clenching also weaken the teeth. Many medications commonly taken by people over 60 cause dry mouth (xerostomia), which reduces the protective effect of saliva. Reduced saliva flow accelerates both decay and gum disease progression, often necessitating extractions.
Types of Dentures and Modern Alternatives
When facing tooth replacement, patients typically choose between traditional dentures and implant-supported alternatives. Traditional dentures are custom-made appliances that rest directly on the gum tissue; full dentures replace an entire arch, while partial dentures fill gaps between remaining natural teeth. Conventional full dentures are placed only after the gums and extraction sites have healed, a process that can take several months.
Immediate dentures are fabricated before the natural teeth are removed and inserted immediately following extractions. This allows the patient to avoid being without teeth during the healing period, and the denture acts as a bandage to protect the gums. However, they require frequent adjustments as the jawbone and gums shrink during the initial healing phase.
A modern alternative is the implant-supported overdenture, often called “snap-in” dentures. These prosthetics attach to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone, typically two to four per arch. The attachments secure the denture with a snap, providing greater stability and chewing function than traditional models. Implants also help stimulate the jawbone, which minimizes the natural bone loss that occurs after teeth are removed and helps preserve facial structure.
The Adjustment Period and Daily Care
Adjusting to new dentures requires patience, as the mouth and facial muscles must learn to work with the new appliance. During the first few weeks, it is normal to experience soreness, increased saliva production, and difficulty with speaking and eating. Sore spots often develop where the denture rubs against the gum, requiring follow-up visits with the dentist for precise adjustments.
To aid the transition, new wearers should begin by eating soft foods cut into small pieces and chew slowly on both sides of the mouth simultaneously to balance pressure. Dentures must be removed nightly to give the gum tissues rest and allow them to recover. Proper daily care involves brushing the dentures with a soft brush and non-abrasive cleaner, and soaking them in water or a specialized solution to prevent warping. Regular dental checkups are necessary to monitor the fit and ensure the underlying gum and bone remain healthy.