When Might Somebody Be Considered A Poor Candidate For Dentures?

When you are missing teeth, several tooth replacement options are available to you, including dental bridges, dentures, and implants. All offer unique benefits that patients who visit Dr. Stephen Matarazzo are happy to take advantage of. 

Dentures are a very popular option offered by Dr. Matarazzo to Quincy, Massachusetts, area patients. Dr. Matarazzo offers Fountain of Youth dentures to those patients seeking full dentures. These quality dentures fill out facial features, reduce wrinkles, and give a more youthful appearance. 

While many patients who visit Dr. Matarazzo are good candidates for this tooth replacement option, not everyone will be. Let’s look at why you may not be a good denture candidate.

Missing a Single Tooth

If you are missing a single tooth and looking for a way to fill that space, a denture will not be a great choice. Even if your dentist offers partial dentures, these are intended to replace multiple teeth. Full dentures replace full arches. Instead of looking into dentures for single-tooth replacement, you may want to look at alternatives, including a bridge or dental implant.

Full Dentures – Before / After Pictures

Bad Gag Reflex

Dentures rest atop the gums and need to be not only a certain thickness but also a certain length to fit in the mouth properly. While many patients will have little issue with dentures, there can also be an adjustment period. Those with strong gag reflexes may find it difficult to put in dentures without feeling the need to gag. While this is typically a psychological issue that can be overcome, if you are unable to get past this, you may want to seek alternatives for tooth replacement.

Oral Cancer

If you have had oral cancer in the past that was healed with surgery, the anatomy and function of your mouth may have changed. These changes can sometimes make it difficult for a conventional denture to rest properly in place with the correct function. Oral cancer situations will be addressed case-by-case to determine if a denture or some other form of tooth replacement will be best for you.

To learn more about dentures near you, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Matarazzo today by calling (617) 405-3939.

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