When is enough enough? I’m 52. Why can’t I just have all these teeth pulled and get dentures?

It is completely understandable when someone reaches the point of total frustration with teeth and their problems. Unfortunately, dentures are rarely the solution to this problem. Dentures are not anything like natural teeth. In fact, they are foreign chunks of acrylic that look like teeth and gums, but feel awful. Even when dentures fit well and look natural, they can still hurt and be very difficult to chew with.  As a general rule, patients are encouraged to avoid dentures at all costs, if possible. When a patient has a terminal dentition and all teeth are lost, the only other option is dental implants. Implants can give patients the teeth they used to have earlier in life. It would be beneficial to seek out the expertise of an implant dentist to discuss you case specifically.