Removable dentures are a cost-effective and reliable treatment method for replacing missing teeth, including a single tooth or the entire jaw.
However, for people with receding gums, fitting a fixed denture can be a more challenging process. Because without a secure base, dentures may not provide the desired comfort and bite functionality, and may also cause speech and chewing problems.
At this point, the question of whether those with receding gums should have dentures comes to mind. Dentists can still fit dentures to patients with receding gums, but they should provide adequate gum support or compensate for gum loss with alternative techniques.
What are the causes of gums receding?
Gum receding occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth retracts and becomes exposed. Strong and healthy gums hold your teeth in place like the soil holds a tree, if they recede, your teeth will be damaged and will start to give up over time.
The main causes of gum receding are periodontal disease, poor and inadequate oral hygiene, inadequate and incorrect tooth brushing, toothpick use, tobacco use, and gum inflammation called gingivitis. Let's briefly touch on the main factors:
Periodontal disease
At this stage, it starts to bleed both spontaneously and while brushing. Bad smell and taste occur in the mouth. In periodontitis, gum receding and tooth loss occur because unhealthy gums are not treated. Since the root surface of the tooth is exposed as a result of gum recession, teeth can become sensitive to heat and cold.
Inadequate and poor oral hygiene
If you brush your teeth incorrectly and floss, and do not have regular dentist check-ups, tartar and plaque formation occurs in the gums. This tartar and plaque formation weakens the gums and triggers gum disease.
Genetic causes
Genetics generally determine whether an individual is prone to gum receding. This may result in thinner, weaker gum tissue. In addition, the individual's genetic history is also important in terms of the body's general resistance to viruses and other gum diseases.
Results of receding gums
Receding gums indicate that there is a problem with your gums and that you need to get treatment immediately. Because if preventive measures are not taken, it can cause various complications. It negatively affects the health of your teeth and can prevent the installation of dentures and implants.
Risk of tooth decay and tooth loss
Receding gums occur when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth is damaged or retracts, exposing the tooth root. Thus, the tooth roots become vulnerable to harmful bacteria and can cause tooth loss.
Tooth sensitivity
Receding gums expose the roots of the teeth and the tissues that protect the roots are damaged. Hot or cold foods, sweet or acidic foods cause pain in those with receding gums.
Bleeding and inflammation of the gums
Since receding gums are weakened, they are more prone to bleeding and inflammation. If left untreated, it can trigger more severe gum diseases.
Increased bad breath (Halitosis)
The tooth tissues and roots exposed by receding gums become vulnerable to bacteria. This can cause unpleasant bad odors in the mouth.
Aesthetic appearance and smile
Receding gums can cause the teeth to appear larger and the gap between the teeth can cause an unattractive appearance. Such changes in the unpleasant smile can negatively affect your self-confidence and social life.
Why gum receding causes problems with dentures?
Reduced support in dentures
Gum receding causes the amount of tissue that supports and holds the dentures to decrease. Dentures without adequate gum support also cause decreased stability. In other words, the base area required for denture stability decreases. This instability can cause the dentures to loosen, causing chewing and speech disorders. It can slip or move during speaking and eating.
Discomfort and irritation due to poor fit
Dentures that do not fit properly due to gum receding can create unstable pressure points, causing irritation and pain. Therefore, it can trigger speech and eating disorders.
Difficulty speaking and chewing
With receding gums, the stability of the dentures decreases and the base area to which they will be attached is also limited. This causes the dentures to loosen, causing chewing and eating disorders. Dentures can slip or move during speaking and eating.
Increased need for care
As a result of receding gums, gaps form between the teeth and tartar and plaque formation occurs in these areas. If not cleaned sufficiently, it can cause infections and periodontal diseases.
Risk of bone loss
Gum receding can lead to bone loss, creating difficulties when wearing dentures. As gums recede, supporting bone structure and tissue are reduced, which can reduce the stability needed to securely attach the denture
How long does it take for the gums to heal before dentures are made?
The healing time for the gums before dentures are made can vary between 4 and 12 weeks, depending on additional treatments. During this time, the gums are completely healed, the inflammation is reduced, and the dentures fit comfortably and appropriately on the gums.
How to wear dentures in case of receding gums?
Wearing dentures when your gums recede requires special effort to provide stability and comfort and to protect your oral and dental health.
- First of all, if you are experiencing discomfort with your dentures because your gums recede, you will need to see your dentist immediately.
- The dentist will decide whether there are additional treatments such as bone graft or soft tissue graft for you and will apply a special treatment plan for you.
- Then, dentures suitable for receding gums are selected. Flexible dentures, implant-supported dentures and partial dentures are evaluated according to bone density.
- Partial dentures adapt to gum shapes and are suitable for replacing a few teeth instead of a full set of teeth.
- Implant-supported dentures provide more stability for those who experience significant recession, and are an ideal and more permanent option. Fixing your dentures with screws creates a strong base for your dentures and also minimizes the effects of gum recession with the help of implants.
- In the case of receding gums, your dentist may need to adjust existing prostheses or replace them with new ones to accommodate changes in the gum tissue.
- At this point, preliminary treatment may be required in cases where gum recession has occurred. Procedures such as measuring and root planning or soft tissue grafting can help preserve gum health and create a more solid and retentive base.
- Personalized prostheses that are suitable for the patient's oral structure and provide enhanced comfort are created
- The soft reline technique is applied for patients with receding and sensitive gums. This method involves applying soft and flexible liners and cushioning materials to the base of the prosthesis. This soft method adapts to gum changes and distributes the load more evenly across your gums, providing more comfortable use.