Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is a severe infection that damages the tissues supporting the teeth, including the gums, bone, and ligaments. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. Many people with advanced periodontal disease may eventually need dentures to restore their ability to eat, speak, and smile confidently. However, a common question arises: Do dentures cure periodontal disease?
In this article, we will explore the relationship between dentures and periodontal disease, explain how dentures work, and discuss whether they can address the underlying issues of gum disease. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of whether dentures are a solution to periodontal disease.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth. It is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth, which leads to inflammation and infection of the gums. If not treated, it can progress to a severe form of disease called periodontitis, where the infection spreads deeper into the tissues and bone supporting the teeth.
There are two main stages of periodontal disease:
Gingivitis: The early stage, where the gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily.
Periodontitis: A more advanced stage where the gums pull away from the teeth, leading to bone loss, tooth mobility, and eventually, tooth loss.
It’s important to note that periodontal disease is a progressive condition, meaning it worsens over time without intervention.
What Are Dentures?
Dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace missing teeth. They can be full dentures (replacing all teeth in the upper or lower arch) or partial dentures (replacing only a few missing teeth). Dentures are made from acrylic, nylon, or metal materials and are custom-fitted to the patient’s mouth to restore function and aesthetics.
While dentures can restore the ability to chew and speak, they do not restore the natural bone or gum tissue that has been lost due to periodontal disease. Dentures are a solution for replacing teeth, but they do not cure the root cause of tooth loss, which is often periodontal disease.
Can Dentures Cure Periodontal Disease?
No, dentures cannot cure periodontal disease. While dentures can replace lost teeth and help improve function and appearance, they do not treat the underlying infection, gum inflammation, or bone loss caused by periodontal disease. Periodontal disease requires a targeted treatment plan to address the infection and prevent further damage to the gums and bone.
Here’s why dentures don’t cure periodontal disease:
1. Dentures Don’t Address Gum Inflammation
Periodontal disease is primarily an infection of the gums, and dentures do not treat this inflammation. If you have periodontal disease and are experiencing swollen, bleeding gums, dentures will not resolve these issues. The infection must be treated through professional dental care, such as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), antibiotic therapy, or sometimes surgery.
2. Dentures Can’t Regrow Bone
One of the major effects of advanced periodontal disease is the loss of bone around the teeth. This can lead to loose or missing teeth.
Unfortunately, dentures do not restore the lost bone. While dentures can replace missing teeth, they do not stop bone loss or help regenerate the bone that was destroyed by the disease.
3. Dentures Don’t Prevent Further Gum Damage
Although dentures can provide a functional solution for missing teeth, they do not prevent the progression of periodontal disease if the infection is still present in the gums. Without proper treatment, gum disease can continue to affect the surrounding areas, leading to further tooth loss or the need for additional dental procedures.
4. Treating Periodontal Disease is Essential Before Getting Dentures
Before placing dentures, it’s critical to manage any existing periodontal disease. If the disease is left untreated, it can lead to additional complications such as bone loss, which may result in an ill-fitting denture. Therefore, your dentist will typically treat the periodontal disease first and ensure that the gums are healthy before recommending dentures.
How to Treat Periodontal Disease
While dentures do not cure periodontal disease, there are effective treatments available to address gum disease. Here’s an overview of common treatments for periodontal disease:
1. Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment that involves cleaning the teeth and removing tartar and plaque from above and below the gumline. This deep cleaning procedure helps reduce infection and inflammation in the gums. In many cases, scaling and root planing can help reverse early stages of gum disease.
2. Antibiotics and Antiseptics
In some cases, antibiotics or antiseptic treatments may be prescribed to help control bacterial infections in the gums. These treatments can be applied directly to the affected areas or taken orally to fight the infection and prevent it from worsening.
3. Gum Surgery
For advanced periodontal disease, surgical options may be necessary. These may include flap surgery (to remove infected tissue and restore gum health), bone grafting (to rebuild lost bone), or soft tissue grafts (to replace lost gum tissue). These procedures are typically performed by a periodontist.
4. Maintenance and Regular Check-Ups
After initial treatment, regular dental visits are crucial to maintaining gum health and preventing the recurrence of periodontal disease. Your dentist will monitor the condition of your gums, clean your teeth, and check for signs of infection or inflammation.
When Are Dentures Necessary?
While dentures do not cure periodontal disease, they may become necessary if the damage caused by the disease is too extensive to repair. In cases of severe periodontal disease where the teeth have become loose or are missing, dentures can provide a functional and aesthetic solution.
Full Dentures
Full dentures are used when all of the teeth in a dental arch are lost.
They are made to fit over the gums and can replace an entire set of teeth, providing a natural appearance and improved functionality.
Partial Dentures
Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain in the mouth. These dentures fill the gaps left by missing teeth and help restore chewing and speaking abilities.
The Importance of Oral Hygiene Even with Dentures
It’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene, even if you wear dentures. While dentures themselves don’t cause gum disease, improper care of dentures and the gums can lead to other oral health problems.
Cleaning your dentures regularly and visiting your dentist for check-ups is important for keeping your mouth healthy.
Cleaning Dentures: Use a soft brush and denture cleaner to gently clean your dentures daily. Avoid using toothpaste, which can scratch the surface.
Caring for Gums: Brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth with a soft toothbrush every day to remove plaque and stimulate circulation.
Regular Check-Ups: Even if you have dentures, regular dental visits are important to check for signs of gum irritation, infection, or other problems.
Conclusion
Dentures are a valuable tool for restoring function and appearance after tooth loss, but they do not cure periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a complex condition that requires specific treatment to address the infection, inflammation, and bone loss associated with it. If you have periodontal disease, it’s crucial to seek professional dental care to manage the condition and prevent further damage.
Once the disease is under control and the gums are healthy, dentures can help replace missing teeth and improve your quality of life. However, remember that maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits is essential to prevent future oral health issues. Dentures can enhance your smile, but they are not a cure for periodontal disease itself.
