If you have missing or damaged teeth, dentures offer a number of benefits for your comfort and oral health. They help you chew food safely and effectively, improve speech, and maintain the shape of the mouth and the appearance of your smile. Here are a few ways to tell if you could benefit from one of these helpful devices.

How to Tell if You Need Dentures

1. Missing Teeth

All dentures are comprised of artificial teeth and gums, custom designed to fit the contours of your mouth and replace missing teeth. After a person has lost multiple teeth, there is often excess pressure placed upon the remaining teeth, but a partial or full set of artificial ones will relieve this stress and contribute to better overall comfort, appearance, and oral health. In general, if you've lost three or more teeth, this is an option worth exploring with your dentist.

2. Persistent Toothaches

When caught early, tooth decay can often be stopped with fillings and crowns. But if it isn't caught until a later stage, the decay will have more opportunity to affect the nerve, and this can result in significant, chronic pain. A root canal may be an option, but if the decay is too advanced, your dentist may recommend extracting the affected tooth or teeth. This will get rid of the pain, but you'll need artificial teeth to fill in the gaps left behind.

3. Issues Chewing Food

When serious decay is present or teeth are missing, chewing food can be a challenge. You may find yourself avoiding certain types of foods or chewing on only one side of the mouth. Replacement teeth will give you more comprehensive coverage to make chewing and swallowing safer and easier.

4. Swollen Gums

Swollen gums are the most common sign of periodontal disease. If it's caught early enough, gum disease can be treated, but if it has reached an advanced stage, it may result in bone and tooth loss. The gum tissue essentially breaks down to the point that it cannot hold the tooth securely in place. Once a person starts losing teeth due to gum disease, dentures will help restore the functionality and appearance of the mouth.

If you experience any of these issues, see if dentures are right for you. Waters Edge Family Dental has more than 30 years of experience serving the Rock Hill, SC, region. They provide general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services, from preventive exams and procedures to fillings, crowns, extractions, and implants. Call (803) 328-3891 to make an appointment or visit them online to browse their services.