Archive for the ‘Dentures’ Category

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My mouth keeps cracking

Friday, April 12th, 2013

I seem to keep getting cracks in the corner of my mouth. They hurt! I’m 76 and don’t feel like dealing with this annoyance. I have also been a denture wearer for over seven years. Do you know what is happening?

- Violet in Virginia

Violet,

Cracking or lesions in the corners of your lips is called Angular Chelitis. For many, the condition remedies itself. But for some, it is very painful and has been known to bleed. There are many causes. Although the dentures may not be causing the problem, it could be due to an issue before your dentures were placed. When one is missing teeth or when your teeth were removed, specifically in the front of the mouth, the mouth can over close. Without the teeth, this area of the mouth lacks support. The denture may be contributing to the irritation if it is not fitting correctly. You probably want to get into your dentist to see if it needs to be remade.

Others develop Angular Chelitis from:

  • Iron deficiency
  • Eating disorder
  • Habitual biting or licking lips
  • Excessive dry skin
  • Protein deficiency (typically occurs in elderly)
  • Infection from bacteria or fungus

A topical antibiotic will take care of infections on the skin, but you may want to meet with your doctor to ensure any vitamin deficiencies are not present. It is important to pinpoint the cause so you can be properly treated and find relief once and for all.

This post is sponsored by Cleveland dentist Hylan Dental Care.

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Fear of the dentist

Friday, March 15th, 2013

I admit, I have a mega fear of the dentist. I hate needles of any kind and I have recently been informed that I need to get complete dentures. I want to be put out! Can they do this at the hospital so I can be put to sleep?

- Carl in Arizona

Carl,

It is not unheard of for a hospital to admit dental patients so they can use general anesthesia. That said, it is very expensive and not every dentist would be willing to do it. Fortunately, there are many dentists that offer sedation dentistry. There are special sedation training and certifications which enable dentists to perform teeth extractions in their own dental office. Or many dentists work with oral surgeons that offer IV sedation or general anesthesia at their office so you can be put out for the dental procedure. Going this route could end up saving you thousands of dollars. Below is some more information about the pros and cons of oral sedation, IV sedation, as well as the use of general anesthesia.

With oral sedation or what is also known as sleep dentistry:

  • You won’t remember anything about the procedure
  • You won’t feel anything
  • You are sedated but you are still conscious. This means that you will still be able to breathe on your own.
  • Popular medications used along with sedation are anti-anxiety drugs, depressants, nitrous, and even tranquilizers
  • Not as expensive as general anesthesia.

IV Sedation:

  • Recovery time is very short
  • You are conscious and can communicate during the procedure
  • Feel sleepy during appointment
  • Patients are relaxed and calm, feel sleepy
  • Sedation is quick
  • Dosages can be adjusted and individualized
  • Higher level of sedation than oral sedation

General Anesthesia:

  • Unconscious, no control of muscles or other protective reflexes
  • No communication during procedure
  • Breathing will be done with tube to keep airway open
  • Drowsiness common for longer periods of time after treatment
  • Higher risk for other complications
  • Costs the most out of the sedation options.

Hopefully this provides you with enough information to figure out how you want to address the extraction of your teeth in preparation for dentures. Your personal doctor and dentist have all your general health information, so discuss the best option for your specific case with them.

This post is sponsored by Cleveland dentist Hylan Dental Care.

 

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How long do I have to wait to get my dentures?

Friday, February 15th, 2013

I have my surgery scheduled for next week to have the reminder of my teeth removed. I think they said it would be like six months or so before I can actually get my dentures. Is that really how long it takes for the bone to heal? That just seems like a really long time to wait.

I’m not looking forward to having this done. I have had such bad dental experiences. Any insight you have would help put me at ease.

- Cheryl in Virginia
Cheryl,
Typically it only takes a couple of weeks to heal from getting your teeth extracted surgically. So I’m not sure why they are suggesting you wait six months to get your new denture. The six month mark is significant because that is when the bone reshapes and fills in the areas where the teeth have been removed. If that were indeed the whole time period it would be pretty embarrassing and difficult to go without any teeth. Although,  it will be longer before you need the denture relined. But you will continually need to have the denture relined because the bone will be resorbed over time and the shape will continue to change. The relining ensures the best fit.

There is a procedure called same day dentures or they are also called an immediate denture. With this treatment, the denture is placed at the same appointment as the tooth extractions. So there will be no time where you have to go without teeth. When the denture is placed right away it protects the surgical area too. The bone will still continue to reshape so it will still be important that you go in and get the denture relined after six months or so.

An immediate denture may cost a little bit more, but denture patients tell us repeatedly how nice it is to not have any time where they have absolutely no teeth. If you are trying to avoid the extra cost, waiting a couple months for the reline would allow your body to do most of the reshaping.

Dental implants are an excellent choice to help stabilize and secure the denture into place. They are definitely more expensive but bring many benefits over the long run. One of the most important advantages is that they prevent bone loss around the implant which helps to avoid facial collapse.

Try not to be fearful. You will be sedated so you won’t be in any pain.
This post is sponsored by Parma dentist Hylan Dental Care.

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Should my son have all of his teeth extracted?

Sunday, November 6th, 2011

Hello,

I have a son who is 22 years old and he is a recovering drug addict. Sadly his drug problem has destroyed his teeth and our dentist is recommending he have all of his teeth extracted. This means he wants to remove 27 teeth and fit him for dentures. That sounds like a lot to me, but I’m not an expert. Do you know if dentures are made to custom fit? If this is the best thing for my son, then I’m on board. He has difficulty eating and chewing right now. But I’m a bit apprehensive.

- Carla in Illinois

Carla,

In my opinion 22 years old is far to young to have all of your son’s teeth removed and replaced with dentures. He will be dealing with long-term consequences for the rest of his life.

What happens when all of your teeth are extracted is that your jawbone shrinks in a condition called facial collapse. This is because the body senses that the bone is no longer needed to support the teeth. Therefore, by the time he is 40 years old this condition may prevent him from wearing any type of denture. He will be a dental cripple and have extreme difficulty eating. At this time bone grafting can be done to rebuild the jawbone, but the procedure is very expensive. Then as he ages, the condition will only worsen.

If any of this teeth are salvageable, that would be ideal to preserve any of the jawbone that you can. It may end up being more work for your dentist over time, but the result will likely be better for your son’s overall dental health and quality of life.

If none of his teeth can be saved, dental implants are a permanent solution that will prevent facial collapse. They are more expensive than dentures, but even placing a couple implants on the top and on the bottom will go a long way in maintaining his bone preservation.

Your son may have had a tough road with drug addiction, but that doesn’t mean he should only have one option for his treatment.

If he does move forward with the tooth extractions, the amount of novocain required for so many extractions is quite large. And the possibility for trauma is increased.

It is difficult to make recommendations without actually seeing your son, but I would recommend seeking other opinions. You want to make the best long-term decision for his dental health.

I hope this information was helpful.

This post is sponsored by Cleveland implant dentist Hylan Dental Care.

Related links: denture problems, immediate dentures

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Do I visit the dentist or surgeon first for dentures?

Wednesday, October 26th, 2011

Hello,

I have a serious fear of the dentist and have dealt with this ever since I was a kid. Now I am 50 years old and most of my teeth are missing or broken. I have decided to get dentures. Do I need to see the general dentist first or the oral surgeon to remove my remaining teeth?

I have to admit that I’m extremely embarrassed by the state of my dental health. It has kept me from social engagements and other activities. I’m ready to have my teeth fixed so I can get on with my life.

- Paul from Michigan

Paul,

There are many dentists out there that can take care of all your needs, including the remaining tooth extractions, the oral surgery, as well as the new dentures. As far as the surgery required before dentures can be placed, it is not complicated. Give the dentist a call and simply ask them their normal procedure for dentures and don’t give them any idea of your preference. If you find a dentist that can take care of the surgery, it is very likely they are experienced in doing dentures.

Since you also mentioned how you deal with dental fear, it would be an added bonus to find a dentist that offers sedation dentistry.

You may have the impression that there is a lot of coordination with both the oral surgeon and the dentist, but that is largely for an appliance like an immediate denture. For this treatment, the denture is placed the same day your teeth are removed. Many patients like this because you won’t have any time pass where you are without teeth. Even if this is not what you decide is right for you, general dentists usually give denture patients a better, more comfortable fit compared to surgeons.

There is nothing wrong with going to an oral surgeon to have your teeth removed if that is your preference. Just be sure you see the general dentist first so all of the steps are coordinated with your best interests in mind.

I hope this information was helpful in answering your questions.

This post is sponsored by Cleveland implant dentist Hylan Dental Care.

Related posts: missing all teeth

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All I can afford is dentures.

Monday, October 17th, 2011

I am fed up with my teeth and am at the point where I feel like dentures is my only option. My teeth are cracking and they are literally crumbling. When I was pregnant with my first child over 14 years ago now, I vomited every single day at least once a day for the entire nine months. This was the same during the birth of my last child nearly eight years ago.

My teeth are in terrible shape. I had to have a tooth extracted the other day because it cracked into pieces while I was doing something so simple, blowing up an inflatable toy. Several of my teeth are worn down to the gums and one of my crowns has fallen out. I think I have several cavities too. I only have $1,000 available every plan year with my current dental insurance and I don’t qualify for loans or additional financial assistance. Dentures appear to be my only option because I can’t afford anything else. I was given an estimate of $1400 for upper dentures and give a cost of 4 times that for root canals, crowns, or bridges.

- Laura in Iowa

Laura,

It sounds as if you are on a tight budget which means complete dentures or partial dentures may be your only option, depending on how bad your teeth are. You need to be aware of some problems that may be in store for you with dentures. Many denture patients feel that they are very uncomfortable and they greatly reduce your chewing efficiency. Another big concern is a condition called facial collapse. What happens with this condition is that when you don’t have teeth left, your body doesn’t think your jawbone is required to support those teeth, so it resorbs the minerals to be used in other areas of the body. This means that your jawbone will shrink. And over time, about 20 years down the road, it may shrink so much so that you may not even be able to wear a denture.

Lower tooth loss is more serious than loosing your upper teeth and the upper denture allows for more adjusting than the lower because it is help in place with a suction. This process makes it more stable than the lower which is secured by your tongue and cheeks while it rests on your lower jaw. So in the long-term, keeping as many of your natural teeth as possible is best to avoid facial collapse. Patients are generally more satisfied with uppers versus lowers.

I know you have made it clear that your finances are largely dictating your situation, but dental implants are a much more permanent solution that prevent facial collapse.Or maybe mini implants could be an option. They are much smaller than standard fixtures, the surgery is much simpler, and they are much more affordable.

I’m sorry to hear you are in such a tough spot and I hope that you find an empathetic dentist that can present all of your options to you.

Good luck.

This post is sponsored by Cleveland implant dentist Hylan Dental Care.

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Will my dental insurance cover dental implants?

Sunday, September 25th, 2011

I just found out that I am a candidate for dental implants and was wondering if my dental insurance will cover them?

- Paul from New York

Paul,

If you already have an existing dental insurance policy, it will usually help in the cost of dental implants. Most dental insurance plans will pay for the least expensive solution. Therefore, to replace missing teeth, your insurance will usually pay the amount toward a removable appliance of some kind. This could be a complete denture or a removable partial denture.  Unfortunately, removable appliances tend to be the most uncomfortable of all your options.

If you don’t already have dental insurance coverage, you may be thinking that since you need implants that you will buy some kind of dental insurance to help pay for them. I would be careful if this is the case. Most dental insurance companies may not take the bait if you are trying to take advantage of them in paying premiums and expecting coverage of dental implants.

Dental implants are still the best option to replace missing teeth. Hopefully you can find a way to afford them.

This post is sponsored by Cleveland Dentist Hylan Dental Care.

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Should I get a bridge or partial denture?

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011

Hello,

I have been told that I need a dental bridge. My dentist called it a five unit bridge to be specific. As I understand it, he was afraid that placing a partial denture wouldn’t work since I suffer from gum disease and bone loss. This could end up putting to much pressure on my already loose teeth. I received a quote of $5500 without the tooth extraction costs. Does that sound fair or should I keep looking?

- Paul in Louisiana

Paul,

The price sounds appropriate for your geographic area. Although, it may be a good idea to get a second opinion to see if a dental bridge truly is the best option for your situation. Typically, a removable partial denture is known to place less stress on the surrounding teeth. Additionally, it is a lot less risky of a procedure. The bridge actually places quite a bit of stress on the teeth that surround the area. If you end up with a problem on one of the supporting teeth, you’d likely have to start over.

Best of luck!

This post is sponsored by Cleveland implant dentist Hylan Dental Care.

Other links you may be interested in: Partial denture problems; Dental implant vs. bridge; Facial collapse

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My partial denture broke

Wednesday, May 25th, 2011

I was wondering if I can fix my removable partial denture myself? A small piece from the top portion broke off and I was wondering if super glue will do the trick? I wouldn’t normally use super glue but since the broken piece is on the gum line I’m thinking I may be able to fix it. Or do you think I need to take it into a professional?

- Clinton from Arkansas

Clinton,

I know you may think it is easier to just go ahead and attempt to fix it on your own. But it is essential that any part of a broken appliance is repaired and placed in precisely the correct spot where it broke. Unfortunately, if you go ahead and repair it and it is a bit out of place even by the smallest margin, sore spots and discomfort will likely result. Therefore, it is recommended that you see a professional.

In response to using superglue, it is important to recognize that it may only work temporarily. But it will most likely deteriorate after a couple days. Also, once the superglue fails and the denture is broken again, it will be an even more difficult fix than if you would have taken it in to begin with. This also means it could be more pricey. If superglue was to alter the fit of the denture then a new impression of your teeth may be required, which would result in an even more expensive fix.

The best approach is to take it in as soon as possible so it can be repaired properly.

Good luck.

This post is sponsored by Cleveland implant dentist Hylan Dental Care.

Related Links: Partial denture problems, Dentures, Dentures problems

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Can I get a soft denture?

Thursday, April 28th, 2011

Hello,

Have you heard of a soft denture that is soft or flexible? Do you know where I could find one? The hardness of my denture on the roof of my mouth is bothersome and feels fake.

- Darcy from Iowa

Darcy,

I have heard of many dentists that are offering dentures with a softer lining. Typically they are used when a patient has a bony ridge along their jaw. When your jawbone has these bumps, patients complain of them being sore and this softer material is more comfortable. There are some drawbacks, like they are more expensive and don’t last as long. They also are a bit more tedious to clean.

I have not heard of a dentist that makes a completely pliable “soft” denture that does not have some type of hard surface. The reason being that a complete denture requires firmness so the appliance fits properly and supports normal chewing.

Another option for you would be to consider dental implants. Or a dental implant hybrid restoration would eliminate the irritating portion of the denture that goes over the roof of your mouth. This is because the dental implants would provide the support. Although dental implants are more expensive, they are a permanent solution that feel just like your natural teeth again. They improve your chewing efficiency and prevent bone loss caused by facial collapse, which is common with denture patients.

I hope this information was helpful.

This post was provided by Cleveland dentist Hylan Dental Care.

Related links: denture problems, partial dentures

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