Dentures are false teeth that are used to replace natural teeth that had been lost. A denture consists of prosthetic teeth that are attached to a base. The base is typically pink in color to give the illusion of natural gingival tissue.
Dentures can be full or partial. A full denture is designed to replace all of the teeth of a palate. However, a partial denture is prescribed when multiple teeth have been lost from the upper or lower palate, but some natural teeth still remain.
As you age, your body changes naturally. For instance, your immune system weakens, your cells reproduce more slowly, and your skin becomes thinner. These changes affect the mouth as well as the rest of your body. One of the main concerns in aging mouths is gum tissue. Gum recession is more common in older adults because of the natural changes that occur over time.
Gum recession can make teeth appear too long.
If you've been diagnosed with lichen planus, you're in the minority. That being said, it's a fairly common ailment, and the condition affects about 1 in 100 people at some point in their lives. It's a chronic condition that results in patches of small papules (raised area of skin) on your body and your oral mucosa (in your mouth). When lichen planus is affecting your mouth, can you still receive a dental implant?
Losing one or more permanent teeth is common, especially as people age. Dental implants with cosmetic crowns have become the recommended replacement device when someone has a tooth extracted, knocked out, or lost to decay. Someone interested in this option may want to learn about the procedure.
Relevant Statistics
By the age of 50, Americans on average lose 12 teeth. More than one-quarter of people age 65 to 74 no longer have any natural teeth.
Many middle-aged individuals and senior citizens are affected by a chronic dry mouth, which is a risk factor for tooth decay and gum infection. The condition is medically called xerostomia. Xerostomia is not an illness but rather a symptom of an underlying problem. This symptom ranges in severity from mild to severe.
It's important for people dealing with this disorder to have twice-yearly appointments at a dental clinic. Dentists can help their patients manage xerostomia.
