Some patients complain of discomfort while wearing their dentures. Fortunately, this issue usually can be resolved in some way. When you have soreness, be sure to let your dentist know so that he or she can fix the problem.

If you have just gotten your dentures recently, within the past month or so, you may experience some soreness as you get adjusted to the appliances. Your dentist can make an adjustment to the appliance to give you relief from this symptom.

Has some time passed since you first got your dentures? The jawbone slowly wears away after the teeth have been removed or lost. As a result, the jaw’s contour changes over time and the denture doesn’t fit as well as it did initially. This, too, can cause discomfort.

As a result, the patient may experience sore gums due to the change in the fit of the denture. However, the denture can be re-lined to improve its fit and eliminate your sore gums.

Eventually, the jaw’s shape may change so drastically that re-lining the dentures will not be a sufficient solution. When this happens, the patient will need to get fitted for a new appliance. Not only will this give the patient more comfort, but it will also result in a more aesthetically pleasing and functional denture.

Sometimes denture wearers may develop infections that can cause soreness in the gums as one symptom. You can also be evaluated for this issue, and if it is at fault, it can be treated with antibiotics.

To get the most benefit and comfort from your dentures, be sure that you are following all of the instructions to care for them properly. Ask your dental providers if you have any questions about how to maintain them.

Patients shouldn’t have to endure sore gums merely because they’re wearing dentures. If you develop this symptom, come in to our office to have your dentures evaluated. There is likely a way to re-fit or re-design the denture so that it’s more comfortable for you.

Some patients may put off routine dental care out of financial concerns, but when you keep up with your regular appointments every six months, you actually may end up saving money by avoiding severe issues that require expensive treatments.

When your dentist sees you twice a year, it’s easier to keep tabs on any relatively minor changes and address them. For example, a patient may develop signs of early-stage gum disease from one visit to the next. This type of gum disease likely can be treated with a thorough professional cleaning, which is pretty affordable. However, if it progresses, it will require a more invasive – and expensive – intervention.

Eventually, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, which requires very costly solutions, such as dentures or dental implants.

The dental cleanings that you receive at these routine appointments can also save you money. They remove any bacteria and plaque that lingers on your teeth even after your own brushing and flossing routine. Without those cleanings, those bacteria can proliferate and they risk causing gum disease and tooth decay.

In some cases, regular visits to your dentist can even save your life through oral cancer screenings. The dentist will examine your entire oral cavity for thickenings, lumps, white patches or non-healing sores that could indicate a malignancy. When oral cancer is diagnosed early, before it has spread, the prognosis is good. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of cases are detected while they are contained to the oral cavity. Regular screenings can increase your chances of being in that percentage.

Of course, there are many other benefits that you get from visiting a dentist’s office every six months, including a more attractive smile and an opportunity to get expert advice on any concerns that you may have about your home oral care routine.

Our office accepts a wide variety of payments for check-ups and cleanings, including several insurances, cash and credit cards. Contact The Dental Place at 972-264-5795 to learn about your payment options and schedule an appointment.