No, dentures don't stop gum disease; they replace teeth lost to it, but bacteria can still affect your gums, causing inflammation, pain, and discomfort, especially with poor denture hygiene or fit, so treating active disease first and maintaining excellent oral care for gums and dentures is crucial. While dentures can halt disease progression by removing infected teeth, they don't cure it, and you still need to clean your gums and dentures daily and see your dentist regularly.
While extracting teeth affected by severe gum disease may help relieve symptoms and stop localized damage, it doesn't automatically cure the condition. Gum disease is an infection of the gums and bone, and without proper treatment, it can continue to progress, even in areas where no teeth are present.
Gums heal faster without dentures because there's less pressure and friction. Blood circulation improves, and complications are less likely. But wearing dentures keeps your appearance and function intact, even if they're uncomfortable if not fitted right.
If you have periodontitis, your dentist might suggest a deeper cleaning treatment called professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR). This is when your dentist removes plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from both above and below your gumline. It was previously known as scaling and root planing.
The short answer is yes. In certain cases, the best way to prevent the advancement of gum disease is to remove all of the natural teeth and get dentures. In this article, we'll explain more about what gum disease is, how to keep it from worsening, and how dentures can help treat gum disease.
Even though dentures are still an option, if gum disease gets worse and leads to bone loss, it might make wearing dentures uncomfortable and less stable. Getting treatment early, like removing teeth and getting dentures, might help stop things from getting worse.
Comparing Fixed Dentures and Removable Dentures
Fixed options provide a more natural and long-lasting solution but come with higher costs and longer treatment time. Removable options are budget-friendly and easier to maintain, but may not offer the same level of comfort or stability.
It is only possible to reverse gum disease when it is in its early stage, which is gingivitis. So, when is it too late to reverse gum disease? Advanced periodontal disease is the stage when it's not possible to reverse the disease.
Several procedures may be necessary to reverse the effects of advanced periodontitis and replace any lost teeth. Surgical options include bone or soft tissue grafts and a procedure called flap surgery or pocket reduction that folds back gum tissue to remove the bacteria beneath.
No, your life is not over if you have gum disease. However, it is crucial to take action. With prompt treatment, improved oral hygiene, and ongoing care, you can manage gum disease and significantly reduce its impact on your overall health.
During the Procedure
You might feel some pressure or pulling, but it shouldn't be painful. Placing the Dentures: After your teeth are removed, placing the dentures shouldn't hurt much because your mouth is still numb from the anesthesia.
If you have excess pressure placed on your gums from your dentures over a long period of time, this can cause the gum tissue to recede from the teeth. Receding gums is a problem because it can leave your teeth exposed, which can lead to decay.
Once you're used to wearing dentures, you should be able to eat nearly anything. Some meals (such as those that are hard, sticky, or challenging) may be inherently difficult to eat. Even if you have a firm mouth and false teeth that fit well, you may want to avoid certain meals.
But here's the truth—doing so can spread the infection, turning a bad day into a nightmare. It's a common myth that once a tooth is gone, the problem vanishes. In reality, a dentist often holds off on pulling an infected tooth to first manage the infection. This allows for safer and more effective treatment.
Surgical treatments
If you have advanced periodontitis, you may need dental surgery, such as: Flap surgery, also called pocket reduction surgery. Your periodontist makes cuts in your gums to carefully fold back the tissue. This exposes the tooth roots for more effective scaling and root planing.
Laser-assisted periodontal therapy, such as LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure), selectively removes diseased tissue while sparing healthy gum. Patients benefit from less pain, minimal bleeding, and faster healing—a win-win for comfort and results.
Symptoms
Unlike other infections, periodontal diseases silently affect you, causing your gums to become inflamed and bleed. Periodontal disease is not a life-threatening condition.
Here is our selection of the best toothpaste for Gum disease 2022.
The "dentist 2 year rule" refers to two main concepts: the 2-2-2 oral hygiene rule (brush 2x/day for 2 mins, see dentist 2x/year) or the Australian Child Dental Benefits Schedule, a government program providing benefits for eligible children over a 2-year period. For general adults, the actual recommended checkup interval varies, but 1-2 years is common for healthy patients, while high-risk individuals need more frequent visits.
Having periodontal disease doesn't always mean you'll lose your teeth — with early detection and proper treatment, tooth loss can often be prevented.
The 2-2-2 rule in dentistry is a simple guideline for good oral hygiene: brush twice a day, for two minutes each time, and visit your dentist twice a year, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems by establishing consistent habits for plaque removal and professional monitoring.
If affordability and a quick solution are your primary concerns, traditional dentures may be the better option. However, if you seek long-term durability, comfort, and improved oral health, dental implants supported dentures could be the ideal choice.
Insufficient Jawbone Density
Dental implants require a sufficient amount of jawbone to support the implant and ensure its stability. Some people may have insufficient jawbone density due to factors such as tooth loss, gum disease, or even aging. In these cases, dental implants might not be a suitable option.
While most people will require immediate dentures for a period of months while their gums heal and their mouth adjusts to the new dentures, some may only need them for a few weeks. Others may need to wear them for up to a year.