While age does make teeth more prone to falling out, that’s only one out of many factors that can contribute to tooth loss! Yet replacement solutions like dentures are so closely associated with older adults that young people with missing teeth might feel shame or guilt.
You’re never “too old” to get the dental care you need, especially when it comes to replacements. Keep reading to find out why dentures are an age-inclusive treatment.
Accidents Happen, Even to Teeth
No one’s immune to accidents, or the dental injuries that might come with them. Contact sports, auto collisions, and even casually scootering down your driveway can cause tooth loss just as easily as anything else. Depending on the extent of your physical trauma, your dentist can fit you with a full or partial set of dentures to complete your smile and restore oral function.
Gum Disease Doesn’t Discriminate
Dental conditions like gum disease don’t know how old you are. As long as your soft oral tissues are exposed to harmful bacteria for long enough, you’ll likely develop this infuriating infection. Another misconception to note is that poor oral hygiene isn’t the only way you can develop gum disease. Sometimes unfavorable genetics or certain health conditions play a role. Either way, if the disease progresses enough to loosen teeth, cleaning out the infection and getting dentures is the best way to prevent further loss.
Complicated Health Issues
Certain conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and Parkinson’s can make patients more vulnerable to infections like gum disease. Many others can damage and weaken teeth, indirectly leading to tooth loss. Bulimia and acid reflux, for example, expose pearly whites to corrosive stomach acid. Basically, health is a lot more complicated and interconnected than you might think. Be kind to yourself and think of dentures as a viable replacement solution.
Your Replacement Options
Clearly, tooth loss isn’t simply about age. Dentures can provide the same benefits to young people as they do older generations – improved comfort, aesthetics, and function. Since there are a few different types, let’s review your treatment options.
- Full dentures are what you normally see in cartoons. They’re a complete set that will replace your top and bottom teeth.
- Partials are probably what your dentist will recommend if you still have a few healthy teeth. They’ll essentially be fitted to work around your natural teeth.
- Bridges are a good, specific example of a partial denture. If you have two or three teeth missing in a row, you can “bridge” the gap with these.
- Implant-retained dentures are quite unique. Using dental implant technology, your dentist can secure your dentures so they’re more comfortable and don’t shift as much.
Which type of denture is best for you will depend on your unique oral situation. That’s why budding and mature adults alike should consult their dentist before making treatment commitments. Together, you can create a personalized care plan that will have you looking and feeling your best!
About the Practice
Drs. Vidya Kini Kukkundur and Joseph Sandberg would be happy to help patients of any age find their best-fit replacement solution. Dr. Sandberg in particular is trained in dental implant placement, so if implant-retained dentures are the treatment for you, you won’t need a referral for another practice. To start your denture journey, contact their office at 856-596-4333.