You’ve made the transition to full dentures in Mukilteo, WA, a significant step in restoring your smile and confidence. After the initial fittings and adjustments, you might think your days of regular dental exams are over. After all, with no natural teeth left, what is there for a dentist of Mukilteo to check?
This is a common misunderstanding. Continuing to see our dentist regularly is just as important for your overall health and comfort as it was before. At Driftwood Dental Studio, we want to help our community understand that dental care is about more than just teeth. It’s about the health of your entire mouth. Your dentures are a custom-made solution, but your mouth is a dynamic, living part of your body that continues to change over time. Regular checkups ensure everything remains healthy and your dentures continue to serve you well.
Maintain the Health of Your Gums and Mouth
Even without teeth, your gums and the soft tissues of your mouth require professional attention. Bacteria can still accumulate on your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth. This buildup can lead to inflammation, irritation, and even infections if not managed properly.
During your visit, we perform a thorough examination of all your oral tissues. We check for signs of common issues like:
- Gingivitis or Gum Irritation: Poorly fitting dentures or inadequate cleaning can cause your gums to become sore, red, and swollen.
- Stomatitis: This is an inflammation of the tissue under a denture, often linked to yeast (Candida) overgrowth. It can cause redness and small bumps on the roof of your mouth.
- Fungal Infections: The warm, moist environment under a denture can be a breeding ground for fungi, leading to infections like oral thrush.
Regular professional cleanings and checkups help prevent these problems before they become painful or more serious.
Ensure Your Dentures Fit Perfectly
Over time, your jawbone and gums naturally change shape. This is because a lack of teeth in your jaw causes a loss of bone density. This process, called bone resorption, is a normal part of life while wearing dentures in Mukilteo, WA. As your jaw changes, the dentures that once fit snugly can become loose and unstable.
A poor fit can cause a variety of problems:
- Discomfort and Sores: Loose dentures can rub against your gums, creating painful sores and making it difficult to eat or speak comfortably.
- Difficulty Chewing: An unstable denture makes it challenging to chew food properly, which can impact your nutrition and digestion.
- Embarrassment: The fear of dentures slipping while you talk, laugh, or eat can cause social anxiety and a loss of confidence.
During your regular visits, we assess the fit and function of your dentures. We can make necessary adjustments or recommend a reline, a procedure where new material is added to the base of your denture to match the current shape of your gums. In some cases, we may need to create a new set of dentures to give you the best smile.
Get Professional Denture Cleaning and Care
You may think, “But I clean my dentures at home!” While it’s great that you keep up with your daily cleaning at home, our professional cleanings provide a level of care you just can’t achieve on your own.
- Benefit from Specialized Tools and Techniques: We can remove stubborn stains and hardened plaque (calculus) that can build up on your dentures.
- Eliminate Odors: By removing bacterial buildup, your dentures will look brighter and smell better.
- Preserve Your Smile: Professional cleanings help preserve the acrylic material, extending the life of your appliance and keeping your breath fresh.
- Access Care Tips: We can provide personalized advice on how to care for your dentures at home, from the best techniques to top products.
Detect Oral Cancer
One of the most critical reasons for regular dental visits to Driftwood Dental Studio is an oral cancer screening. The risk of oral cancer does not disappear when your natural teeth do. In fact, risk factors like age and tobacco or alcohol use remain significant.
During each checkup, our dentist of Mukilteo performs a comprehensive screening of your entire mouth, including your gums, tongue, cheeks, and throat. We look for any abnormalities, such as:
- Red or White Patches
- Lumps or Thickened Areas
- Sores That Don’t Heal
- Difficulty Swallowing or Chewing
Early detection is key to successfully treating oral cancer. These regular screenings are a simple, painless, and potentially life-saving part of your dental care routine.
Monitor Your Overall Oral Health
Our dentist can check for signs of other health issues that may manifest in the mouth, such as diabetes or vitamin deficiencies. We also examine the health and function of your jaw joints (TMJ) to identify any potential problems with your bite or jaw movement that could be related to your dentures in Mukilteo, WA.
These visits are also an excellent opportunity for you to ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have about your oral health. Whether you’re experiencing dry mouth or have questions about denture adhesives, we are here to provide expert guidance and support.
Act Now to Protect Your Dentures in Mukilteo, WA
Your dentures are an investment in your quality of life. To protect that investment and your overall well-being, visit a dentist of Mukilteo for regular dental checkups. Think of these visits as routine maintenance that keeps your smile comfortable, functional, and healthy for years to come.
Don’t wait for a problem to arise. Be proactive about your health by reaching out to Driftwood Dental Studio today and booking your dental checkup!