As we age, our oral health demands more attention and care, especially if we have dentures. Dentures not only restore our smile but also play a crucial role in maintaining proper oral function and overall well-being. However, ensuring their longevity and optimal performance requires regular maintenance and professional oversight. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the importance of denture care, the significance of annual exams by a qualified dentist like Dr. Marion, and how they can enhance your quality of life.
Care for your Dentures
Dentures, whether full or partial, need daily cleaning to prevent plaque buildup, stains, and bad breath. For a detailed print out of partial and denture homecare, click here.
Here’s a quick rundown of essential denture care practices:
- Daily Cleaning: Brush your dentures with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner to remove food particles and bacteria.
- Soaking: Remove your dentures every night and soak overnight in a denture-cleaning solution to keep them moist and clean.
- Rinse After Eating: After meals, remove and rinse your dentures to eliminate food debris.
- Handle with Care: Handle your dentures gently to avoid damage. Avoid using hot water, which can warp them.
- Regular Exams & Professional Cleanings: Marion will recommend how often he recommends that you be seen in the office for these procedures.
Importance of Annual Exams by Dr. Mark Marion
No dentures fit perfectly forever. Having an annual exam to assess the fit of your dentures is necessary to ensure optimal comfort, functionality, and oral health. Over time, changes in the jawbone structure, wear and tear, or even losing or gaining weight can affect the fit of dentures, leading to discomfort, difficulty chewing, and even oral sores. A thorough examination by Dr. Marion allows for early detection of any issues with denture fit. Adjustments can be made to improve comfort and prevent potential complications such as rubbing or sore spots to ensure better eating and more clear speaking. Regular exams also provide an opportunity to address any underlying oral health concerns and ensure that your dentures continue to provide the best possible fit and function, ultimately enhancing your overall quality of life.
Oral Cancer Screenings
During your denture examination, Dr. Marion will do an oral cancer screening, determine if you need more extensive oral cancer detection with equipment that utilizes wavelength technology, and how often that specialized testing should be done. That high tech equipment allows the provider to see layers deep into the tissues of your mouth. Oral cancer screenings at your annual exams are crucial for people with dentures because they help detect any abnormalities or cancerous growths in the soft tissues of the mouth, including the gums, tongue, and palate. Despite wearing dentures, individuals are still susceptible to oral cancer, and routine screenings ensure early detection and timely intervention.
Additionally, denture wearers may find it challenging to notice changes in their oral tissues due to the presence of dentures, making professional screenings by a dentist essential for thorough assessment. Early detection through screenings significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and cure, highlighting the importance of regular oral cancer screenings for individuals with dentures. Click here to learn more about the technology used to conduct an oral cancer screening at Marion Smile Center.
Professional Denture Cleanings
Professional cleanings by Marion Smile Center’s team are essential for maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of your dentures. Despite diligent daily cleaning efforts, stubborn stains and tartar buildup can accumulate over time, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Our skilled dental professionals use specialized techniques and equipment to thoroughly clean your dentures, ensuring the removal of plaque, tartar, and surface stains.
By entrusting your dentures to our team for professional cleaning, you can enjoy a renewed sense of freshness and confidence in your smile. With regular professional cleanings, you can extend the lifespan of your dentures and promote better oral health overall. Eliminating any plaque and bacteria on the dentures / partials will help reduce bad breath.
Depending upon whether you have had all your teeth or just some of your teeth extracted will determine how often we recommend that you be seen in our office.
* Full Dentures: For our patients who have had all of their teeth extracted and are wearing full upper and lower dentures, you still need to be seen by one of our dentists AT LEAST YEARLY and have an annual examination and denture fit check. During this annual visit, one of our dental assistants will place your dentures in our ultrasonic cleaning machine to be as clean and shiny as when you first received them.
* Dentures with Some Remaining Teeth: For those patients that have still have some of their teeth, Dr. Marion will determine how often you should be seen in the office for your professional dental cleanings and exams. The ADA recommends that patients have professional exams and cleanings AT LEAST EVERY 6 MONTHS for our dentally healthy patients, and more often than that, typically every 3 months, for patients with inflammatory gum disease.
Implant Supported Dentures
Implant-retained dentures offer a revolutionary solution for individuals seeking improved stability and functionality in their dental prosthetics. Dr. Melanie Quest, Implant Specialist at Marion Smile Center, anchors dentures to dental implants surgically placed into the jawbone. These prosthetics provide a secure fit that prevents slippage and enhances comfort during eating, speaking, and smiling.
Moreover, implant-retained dentures promote jawbone preservation, preventing bone loss and maintaining facial structure. We’ve all seen the photos of older people who have the portion of their faces around their mouths sunken in. By placing implants into the jaw bone, more bone will form around the implant. This preserves the bone and helps prevent bone resorption maintaining a full and more youthful appearance.
* To safeguard implant-retained denture effectiveness and longevity, exams and cleaning of the implants are recommended EVERY 6 MONTHS. These routine check-ups allow our team at Marion Smile Center to meticulously assess the integration of the implants with the jawbone and ensure the dentures are functioning at their best. Through professional cleaning, we remove any plaque or debris that may compromise the implants’ integrity, promoting oral health and longevity. Since implants are below the gumline, just like a tooth is, they need professionally cleaned to ensure optimal gum and bone health. Keep in mind that just because an implant isn’t ‘alive,’ that does not mean that it does not need to be cleaned regularly. If bacteria builds up below the gumline, it can cause gum disease and bone loss, causing your implants to loosen or even fall out. Our dental hygienists have a special instrument that helps them flush the implant area with an antimicrobial rinse that destroys bacteria around the implants. By prioritizing these regular examinations and cleanings, we empower patients to enjoy the confidence and comfort that implant-supported dentures offer for years to come.
Maintaining Optimal Oral Health
In addition to annual exams, there are other steps you can take to maintain optimal oral health with dentures:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Even with dentures, it’s essential to brush your gums, tongue, and palate daily to remove bacteria and stimulate circulation.
- Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to promote gum health and overall well-being.
- Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption increase the risk of oral health problems, including oral cancer. Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake for a healthier mouth.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain oral moisture and prevents dry mouth, which can lead to discomfort and oral health issues.
Proper denture care and regular dental exams are indispensable for maintaining oral health and overall well-being. By following these guidelines and scheduling annual exams with Dr. Mark Marion, you can ensure your dentures fit comfortably, enhance your ability to eat, speak more clearly, and enjoy a radiant smile for years to come. Don’t delay—prioritize your oral health today by calling 724.452.4300 to reserve an appointment!
Partials, Dentures, and Implant-Supported Dentures in Western PA
Have you been wanting a smile makeover and looking into dentures? Enhance your smile and reclaim your confidence with cosmetic dentistry at Marion Smile Center in Zelienople, PA. Click here to see life changing before and afters of our patients in our Smile Gallery. Our dedicated team is committed to providing personalized care and top-quality dental solutions tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re considering partials, full dentures, or implant supported dentures, Dr. Mark A. Marion and Dr. Melanie A. Quest will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a comfortable fit and natural-looking results. With our state-of-the-art facility and compassionate approach, Marion Smile Center is your trusted partner in achieving a radiant smile that reflects your inner beauty. Call 724.452.4300 to schedule your consultation or click here to request an appointment to take the first step towards a brighter, more confident you.
Click here to learn more about denture services offered in Zelienople, PA.
