Can Dentures Be Fitted to Receding Gums?

Dentures in Scarsdale are one of the most popular ways to replace missing teeth and give patients fully functional and beautiful smiles.

Modern dentures have little in common with their older counterparts. They are custom-made and look natural, and with a bit of practice, patients can learn how to eat and speak with them as normal.

However, if you are considering dentures, you may be wondering how they will be fitted if you’re also dealing with gum recession.

Keep reading this short blog post to learn more:

What Causes Gum Recession?

Gum recession occurs when the soft tissue around the teeth slowly starts to pull back. One of the most common ways people notice gum recession is by looking into the mirror and seeing their teeth appear longer.

The condition is usually caused by gum disease, an infection of the gum tissue that eventually increases tooth sensitivity, and causes loose teeth. This condition can even lead to tooth loss. Gum disease occurs when tartar builds up near the gum line, allowing harmful bacteria to attack the soft tissue.

Types of Dentures

Dentures are a type of dental prosthetic used to replace missing teeth. There are commonly two main types of dentures:

• Removable: Removable dentures can replace either the full or partial arch, depending on how severe your tooth loss is. With partial dentures, the device is fixed by using your surrounding teeth, while full dentures are supported by the jaw and surrounding tissues.

• Fixed: Patients may also get implant-support dentures, which cannot be removed. The procedure involves placing four dental implants throughout the jaw and attaching the dentures on top.

Getting Dentures or Treating Gum Recession: Which Comes First?

Receding gums is a serious condition, and the underlying cause must be treated before you can receive dentures or any other type of tooth replacement procedure, such as implants.

First, you’ll need to see a dentist for a consultation to determine what caused the recession and get the proper treatment. For instance, if the condition is caused by gum disease, treatment can include:

• Deep cleaning the remaining teeth to remove tartar buildup
• Cleaning bacteria from beneath the gum line
• Taking antibiotics (gels or pills) to fight the infection

Gum recession doesn’t stop on its own. Once effectively treated, you can be fitted for dentures, as long as the gums don’t continue to recede.

How Scarsdale Smiles Can Help

If you are dealing with missing teeth, dentures might be a great solution for you.

You can find out if this is the right tooth replacement procedure for you by seeing Alexander Cox, DMD, FAGD, for a consultation. He’ll analyze your oral health and provide you with the best path to restore the look and function of your smile.

Ready to find out if dentures are right for you? Then schedule an appointment with Scarsdale Smiles online or call us at (914) 723-1186.