Believe it or not, not enough gum for dentures is a problem for people wishing to restore their smile. Gum diseases and gum recession (which we will discuss later) are the leading causes for people seeking denture treatment.
Removable dentures are said to be among the most reliable and cost-effective tooth replacement options in the field of dentistry today. And dentures have definitely come a long way from the times when you might’ve seen a clackety set on your grandparent’s nightstand.
Whether you have lost some of your teeth or most of them, removable, complete, or partial dentures can prove to be a great solution. But the one question that most patients ask when they are recommended dentures is whether they can use them if they don’t have enough gums.
That is the question we are here to answer today. So read on and learn more about why you might not have enough gums for dentures and what you can do about it.
Why I Have Not Enough Gum for Dentures?
There is a valid reason why you might not have the gum capacity required to hold onto a set of dentures. And that reason is the gum recession.
Gum recession refers to a condition where your gums start to loosen their grip on your teeth. The gum tissue surrounding your teeth starts to pull back and exposes the sensitive areas of your tooth, such as the tooth nerves and roots. This creates tiny pockets between the teeth and the gum line, making your oral cavity highly susceptible to harmful bacteria.
Why Do Gums Recede?
There may be several reasons behind your receding gums and their lack of structure. Some of them include:
Periodontal Diseases
Periodontal disease is the prime candidate for receding gums. This terrible bacterial infection destroys the gum tissue surrounding your teeth and destroys your oral cavity, leading to severe tooth loss. It is vital to treat this disease in its initial stages to prevent it from worsening.
Belligerent Toothbrushing
If you are brushing your teeth too hard or incorrectly, you might actually be brushing away the enamel from your teeth and causing your gums to recede.
Genes
Some people are more susceptible to receding gums and associated gum diseases than others due to genetic conditions. Regardless of how well you care for your teeth, you may be vulnerable to receding gums if it runs in your family.
Bad Oral Hygiene
Ignoring your oral hygiene is another major reason why you do not have enough gums for dentures. Failing to brush, floss, and look after your teeth properly allows the harmful bacteria in your mouth to thrive and attack your teeth and gums at their leisure. This leads to a build-up of tartar between your teeth which can eventually lead to gum recession.
Crooked or Misaligned Bite
A misaligned bite or overcrowding of teeth does not allow your teeth to come together evenly when you bite. This places too much force on the gums and bones of your mouth, leading to gum recession.
What are the Symptoms of Receding Gums?
Gum recession can be scary because most people are unaware when they fall prey to it. You see, this condition starts gradually and eventually progresses its way through your oral cavity.
Some of the most common symptoms of receding gums include:
- Sensitivity during brushing or flossing your teeth
- Pain or discomfort close to your gum line
- Sensitivity during dental cleanings
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or extremely sweet things
Should You Be Worried About Receding Gums?
The answer is a resounding YES. Gum recession should not be taken lightly at all, as it is a serious indication that something is not going right with your oral health. Apart from sensitivity issues, you can also experience eventual tooth decay and tooth loss.
Even if you don’t observe any obvious symptoms right away, consult dental experts regularly to make sure they can detect any early signs of gum recession.
Is it Possible to Get Dentures if You Do Not Have Enough Gums?
This depends on how much bone and gum tissue you have already lost and the type of dentures your dentist deems suitable for you.
Gum graft surgery is a simple surgical treatment that can help correct the condition of your receding gums. In this procedure, the dentist uses a graft from your mouth or a sterilized human donor tissue to replace your missing gum tissue. This is a simple surgery performed by periodontists and is minimally invasive.
Undergoing gum graft surgery can allow you to explore multiple options for tooth replacements, including dentures.
How to Prevent Gum Recession
The gum tissue you have lost cannot come back. But you can take some necessary steps that can prevent this condition from progressing further.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash for rinsing your mouth every day.
- Brush your teeth gently yet thoroughly twice daily.
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
- Stay away from tobacco products and smoking.
- Visit your dentist at least twice a year to get regular professional cleanings.
Conclusion
Tooth loss can affect people in the worst ways. If you are looking for tooth replacement alternatives and are worried that you do not have enough gums for your dentures, visit your dentist to discuss all the options available to you. There are multiple options when it comes to dentures. Your dentist can recommend the best treatment option for you based on the amount of gum tissue you have remaining.
To learn more about denture care and gum recession, contact Norwood Dental. Our dental team and dedicated dentists can help you explore the various options available to restore your lost smile.
FAQs
What happens if you don’t have enough gums for dentures?
If you are concerned that you do not have enough gums for dentures, visit your dentist to discuss the different denture options and treatments you can choose from.
Can I get dentures if I have gum disease?
The answer is yes. In fact, in some instances, a dentist might actually recommend that you remove the loose teeth caused by gum disease and get dentures to prevent the problem from progressing further. Taking the step to remove your teeth and getting dentures before the complete onset of gum disease is the sensible choice to make.
How can I add more gums to my teeth?
You can opt for gum graft surgery to rectify your gum tissue loss. A periodontist will add donor tissue to your gums, which can provide a solution for your receding gums.
Is gum grafting painful?
Today’s gum grafting procedures are minimally invasive. Thanks to the anesthesia administered before the procedure, you won’t feel any pain whatsoever. You may experience some discomfort and pain after the numbness wears off, but some over-the-counter painkillers can sort out that situation.
Can my gums grow back?
Unfortunately, that is not possible. Gums that are lost are gone for good. Visit your dentist to discuss possible gum grafting and bone grafting treatments.
How do you know if you need dentures?
If you suffer from loose teeth, periodontal disease, or severe toothache, your dentist may recommend getting your teeth removed and opting for dentures or some other form of tooth replacement.
Why are my dentures rubbing my gums?
Your dentures may be rubbing into your gums due to poor fitting. Ill-fitted dentures can even cut into your gums, leading to soreness or swelling. You can consult your dentist, who can easily fix the problem by refitting them.
Can I eat normally with dentures?
It can take a while to get used to wearing dentures, but once you are sure they fit properly, you can eat just about anything with your new set of prosthetic teeth.