Dentures Can Help Younger People Too! Here’s How

While dentures have allowed many people to restore their smiles after extensive tooth loss, people usually associate them with senior citizens in particular. While seniors are more likely to wear dentures on average because tooth loss becomes more likely with age, many younger adults have used them to restore their smiles with comfortable and lifelike artificial teeth. Here’s why dentures might be a great idea for a younger patient with extensive tooth loss.

Can Dentures Be Used to Treat Younger People?

Teeth don’t need to be old to fall out, and many younger adults deal with tooth loss due to accidents, injuries, or oral health issues like tooth decay and other conditions. Dentures can easily restore a person’s smile after extensive tooth loss without surgery and can replace a few teeth with partial dentures or a full arch with full dentures.

What Can Cause a Younger Person to Need Dentures?

While the loss of a single tooth or a few teeth may be best treated with a permanent bridge, dentures may be the better option if:

• The patient has severe tooth decay. Some people have advanced tooth decay that cannot be treated with fillings or root canals, leaving the natural teeth beyond saving. In these cases, tooth extractions can eliminate the infection and prevent future ones.
• The patient has severe gum disease. Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis, and it can cause the gumline to recede, the jawbone to diminish, and teeth to be lost. Periodontal disease is the most common culprit behind tooth loss in adults.
• The patient does not eat a proper diet. Poor nutrition can deprive the body of the nutrients it needs to remain healthy and strong. This can negatively affect the body’s ability to fight infections like gum disease.
• The patient has underlying health conditions. Issues like diabetes or juvenile arthritis can make someone more likely to lose teeth, and some medications used to treat them have side effects that aren’t conducive to oral health.
• The patient grinds their teeth. People who grind their teeth while awake or asleep can erode enamel and fracture teeth, making them more vulnerable to infection.
• The patient suffered an oral injury. Trauma to the mouth is the quickest way to lose teeth. It’s an excellent idea to wear a mouthguard when riding a bike or playing contact sports.

If you’ve lost a few more teeth than you would have liked to at your age, don’t despair about having a beautiful full smile again. Consulting with your dentist can determine if you are a good candidate for dentures.

About the Author

Dr. Joe Kern earned his dental doctorate at The Ohio State University. His office in Grafton, ND has been locally owned and operated since 1997, and his staff remains dedicated to providing each patient with courteous service and effective dental health treatments. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. If you’re curious about receiving dentures, contact the office online or dial (701) 352-2013.