Posts Tagged ‘partial denture problems’

Dental implants vs. removable partial dentures

Saturday, September 22nd, 2012

Hello,

I currently have removable dentures and I am sick of them! I have been missing several upper teeth for over 20 years. I am considering dental implants and was wondering if that would be a good way to go even though it has been many years?

Currently I have nine teeth missing on top and three missing on the bottom.

- Dolores in Minnesota

Dolores,

Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth. They are a permanent solution that looks, feels, and functions just like your natural teeth used to.

There are three main problems when it comes to removable partial dentures and they are outlined below.

  • First off, they can place additional stress on the the teeth that are used to fasten them in place. Over time, patients can actually end up loosing those teeth that they are attached to. This is especially frequent in individuals that are missing many upper teeth as you have mentioned.
  • Removable partials also trap food particles in the clasps that are used to attach them to the teeth. This means that tooth decay can become a serious problem in those areas.
  • Patients also complain of the discomfort caused by removable partial dentures. The upper partial sometimes covers up your palate. In these cases patients have complained of having issues with gagging.

Dental implants will not present any of these problems that you are facing with partial dentures. There is some healing time during the two main parts of the dental implant procedure. And although they tend to cost more, the quality of life you will experience will be well worth it.

When searching for an implant dentist, it is imperative that you proceed with caution. Many dentists make the claim to be implant dentists and in actuality may not have any additional implant training to speak of. And since the designation is not a regulated field within dentistry you need to research the dentist and really look into their credentials and experience with dental implant cases.

It is also quite possible that you may require bone grafting. This step will need to happen before you get the implants placed and is largely due to a condition called facial collapse. What happens over 10 to 20 years of not having teeth is that your body resorbs the jawbone to be used elsewhere in the body. Bone grafting will build the bone back up so the implants can be surgically implanted.

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

Related link: dental implant failure

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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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