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Dentures

Feb 17

How many implants are needed for a lower denture?

By Dental Implants, Dentures

Surveys indicate that 80% of patients who have a lower denture are not happy with they way it fits or functions. A mandibular denture can lift when you speak or chew, or cause pain in the molar areas.

Although as few as two implants can be used to stabilize the denture, the number of recommended implants may vary, depending on the issues you are experiencing.

  • Dentures that lift when you speak or chew – This problem can occur due to lack of jawbone density or insufficient seal of the denture against your jawbone. Often, two dental implants between the premolar and canine area are sufficient. Your implant dentist will ensure proper spacing of the implants to prevent the denture from tipping and coming off the implants.

  • Burning or sharp pain when you bite – As the jawbone shrinks due to missing teeth, the tooth nerves can slowly move to the bone ridge. Sensitivity commonly occurs in the nerves in the area where premolar teeth existed. Biting puts pressure on the nerves and causes radiating pain.

    In this case, stabilizing the denture with implants is not enough. The tooth nerves need to be alleviated of the pressure that the denture is placing on them. At least four dental implants will be needed to accomplish this. Careful planning and placement is required to ensure there are adequate bone density, ideal placement, and no pressure on the nerves. Some dentists recommend a bar-retained denture. The customized bar will extend over the nerve-sensitive area and alleviate your pain. Some patients hesitate to receive a bar-retained denture because it is more expensive than receiving implants alone.

Finding a skilled implant dentist is important to the success of stabilizing your denture and addressing the cause of your slippage or pain. We recommend that you seek two or three opinions from experienced prosthodontists. An examination and diagnostic studies are required to determine the best treatment options for your case. In advance of your consultations, prepare questions and compare notes. If you need financing or a payment plan, you can ask each prosthodontist about his or her financial arrangements.

This post is sponsored by Naperville board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Jan 09

Best dentures options for 80 yr old with floating dentures, losing weight

By Dentures

Our family has longevity on both my father’s and mother’s side of the family. My grandparents and great grandparents all lived well over 90 years old. My dad is 80 years old and has worn dentures for over 20 yrs. His current dentures float and it’s hard for him to eat. He has a good appetite but the dentures make him not want to eat much. He is not overweight and he is losing weight so I am concerned. He has arthritis but no major health problems other than that. What are the best options to replace his floating dentures? Thanks. Jennifer

Jennifer – Your father needs examination and diagnostic studies to make a definite determination of the best options for him, but it is likely that dental implants will remedy the problems with his dentures.

If your father is a candidate for dental implants, mini implants are an affordable option to stabilize his dentures. If it’s within his budget, standard implants will provide even more stability. Floating dentures will be eliminated. The implants are surgically implanted in the jawbone and dentures are secured to them.

Your father will be able to eat and speak with ease and confidence. The stabilized dentures will improve digestion and help nutrients to be absorbed, and weight gain will follow.

Successful implant placement and healing depend on a skilled implant dentist who uses quality fixtures. Without these precautions, implant mistakes and infection can occur, requiring the process to be repeated, and the final, desired result can be delayed for months.

Check the training, experience, and credentials of several implant dentists, and choose two or three with whom you can have consultations. Do a little research on implant-secured dentures to help you determine what questions to ask about the process. Be sure to bring your father with you to the appointments.

Quality implants will last your dad for his lifetime.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Nov 24

Can’t find anything like my old denture powder

By Dentures

My old denture powder has been off the market now for several years. I never had any problems with it. No matter what denture powder or adhesive I’ve used since then, it’s nothing like what I used to use. My dentures slip all the time now. What should I use to keep them in place? – Karen

 

Karen – As you may know, certain zinc-containing denture powders are no longer produced. Prolonged or excessive use of the products increased the risk zinc poisoning and gingival (gum), gastrointestinal, and neurological problems.

Some of the symptoms experienced by some people with prolonged or excessive of these denture powders include gastroesophageal reflux disease; gum irritation, pain, or bleeding; and numbness, tingling, and difficulty walking. Many people who used the products experienced no problems at all. Products that were considered to pose a health risk were discontinued. Look for denture adhesives and cleaners that have a seal of acceptance from the American Dental Association.

After years of having missing teeth, the jawbone begins to shrink and dentures don’t fit properly. You should have your dentures and jawbone examined by a skilled prosthodontist. Relining your dentures may give you a better fit. Depending on how long you’ve had your current dentures, you may need new ones.

Regardless of how long you’ve been wearing dentures, dental implants will help them fit better. The implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, and the dentures are secured to them. The dentures will be stable, and it will be easier to speak and eat with them. They also help prevent jawbone shrinkage. Your implant dentist will let you know your options to help your dentures fit better, with or without dental implants. If dental implants are one of your options, ask how they can be made affordable for you.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist and board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Oct 03

Options for loose dentures

By Dentures

My dentures aren’t that old and they are loose already. This was one of my biggest fears when I found out that I needed dentures. Will relining be enough? If not, what are my options? Vicky

Vicky – Your dentures need to be examined to determine the best way to improve the fit. Your dentist will assess the situation and determine if relining will give you a better fit, or if the dentures need to be remade.

You didn’t mention how long you’ve had dentures, but generally after years of wear, they need to be relined. If you have only recently received dentures, it’s unlikely that you’ve experienced enough jawbone loss to cause them to be loose. Inferior denture base material can cause dentures to prematurely loosen.

Relining your dentures may at least be a temporary option for giving you a better fit. It is possible that your dentures can be adapted to accommodate dental implants. Dental implants are surgically implanted in your jawbone and will stabilize your dentures and give you a better fit.

You can consider getting a second opinion from a prosthodontist—a dentist who specializes in the aesthetic replacement and restoration of teeth.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Aug 14
dentures-after-teeth-are-extracted-blog

How long is the wait for dentures after teeth are extracted?

By Dentures

I have lost more than half my teeth to gum disease. I was going to the wrong dentist. They kept doing deep cleaning but my teeth were still getting loose. My daughter finally got me to go to a periodontist. Now the gum disease is under control but I have lost so many teeth that I need dentures. The few remaining teeth that I have will pulled soon. This has been a very upsetting experience for me. How long will I have to wait for dentures after all of my teeth are pulled? Yolinda

Yolinda – The length of wait before you receive dentures depends on the type of dentures you receive. Customized dentures are fit about three to six months after your teeth are extracted. This allows time for your gum tissue to heal. The waiting period ensures that the dentures will fit properly. While you wait for the gum tissue to heal, you will wear temporarily wear immediate dentures.

Immediate dentures are placed immediately after tooth extraction. When all of your natural teeth are missing, your jawbone will automatically begin to shrink. Immediate dentures will need to be refit or relined. If you choose immediate dentures to be your permanent dentures, they will need to be refitted several times to fit your shrinking jawbone. Some patients still require a new denture.

If you choose to have your dentures stabilized with dental implants, permanent dentures are secured to the dentures after the jawbone heals and bonds to the implants. The healing period is four to six months. In this case also, temporary dentures will be attached to the implants.

We recommend that you find a dentist who experienced in dental aesthetics or cosmetic dentistry. He or she will provide you with customized dentures that look natural when you smile.Your options for dentures will be thoroughly explained.

This post is sponsored by Naperville prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Jul 25

Why is my overdenture loose?

By Dentures

I got an overdenture in May. It seemed to be okay at first but only one of them really snaps correctly. The other is loose and makes it feel like the denture is floating or shifting to the left. My dentist told me that my dentures wouldn’t be as secure as 4 or 6 dental implants but I wouldn’t expect them to loosen up this soon. Why is my overdenture loose? I thought I would avoid this problem with an overdenture. Thanks – Tommy

Tommy – Your dentist is correct that you won’t have the same stability with your dentures as you would with four or six implants, but both sides of the denture should securely snap in place.

There may be an issue with the way the denture fits on the ridge of your jawbone. Or the balance of your bite may be the issue. Your dentist will also check the components of the denture that snap onto the dental implants to find out what is preventing them from snapping tightly onto the implants.

If your dentist is unable to identify the cause of the looseness of your overdenture, you can get a second opinion from an experienced implant dentist.

This post is sponsored by Naperville implant dentist and board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

 

 

Jun 27

Who do my denture teeth feel gritty?

By Dentures

My denture teeth feel gritty and it is very annoying. Every time my tongue touches the denture teeth, it feels like sandpaper. What is causing this? Will I need new dentures? – Fran

Fran – The cause of your gritty-feeling dentures depends on several factors.

If your dentures are new, the gritty feeling could be due to low-quality denture teeth material. Lower quality materials can be rough or gritty.

Often it is the materials used on the denture teeth that cause the gritty feeling. A hard-bristle toothbrush, gritty toothpaste, and gritty powders will scratch denture teeth and make them feel rough.

Whether your dentures are new or not, you should have them examined by an experienced prosthodontist. He or she will let you know what can be done to improve the comfort of your dentures and let you know if your dentures need to be replaced.

This post is sponsored by Naperville board-certified prosthodontist and implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Jun 18

Does my prosthodontist need to whiten my dentures or will whitening toothpaste work?

By Dentures

My dentures won’t get white. I have used several brands of fizzing tablets just for dentures and they are not working. I called my prosthodontist’s office and they told me to come into the office. If I can do this myself for cheaper I would rather do it myself. Will whitening toothpaste work or does my prosthodontist really need me to come in to get my dentures white? – Iris

Iris – Whitening toothpaste will only scratch your dentures. It won’t whiten them. The chemicals that whiten and strengthen natural tooth enamel will harm your dentures.

If you can’t get your dentures white, have your prosthodontist examine them. He or she has the correct products and materials to whiten your dentures without damaging them. Your prosthodontist will also let you know how to care for your dentures at home to keep the denture teeth white.

This post is sponsored by Naperville board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

May 17

Will dentures get rid of my gum disease?

By Dentures

I have gum disease and it’s been a long fight and many visits to the dentist. I still am struggling with it but it’s much better than it was last May. All these dental visits have cost me a lot of money even though I have dental insurance. I don’t want to say that I am giving up but I think it will be easier if I get dentures. My dentist doesn’t want me to get them. She says that I really should keep my own teeth. Will dentures get rid of the problem? If my life would be easier I will find another dentist to give me dentures. Thank you for your help. Marjia

Marjia – If you have periodontal disease, or gum disease, it needs to be treated. Getting dentures won’t make it go away. In fact some people are affected by periodontal disease after they receive dentures, even though they were not previously affected by it.

If dental plaque builds up between the dentures and your gums, an infection can result, and if it’s left untreated, gum disease will occur.

Many people need dentures, and dentures benefit people who would otherwise be without any teeth. There are some problems unique to denture wearers. The dentures can rub on your gums and irritate them. Dentures can loosen or slip around. You will find it more difficult to eat and speak with dentures. When all of your teeth are missing, your jawbone begins to shrink and your face will develop a shriveled appearance, making you look much older than you are. You can prevent jawbone shrinkage, but it requires the placement of dental implants to support your dentures, which is an additional expense.

Your dentist’s efforts to save your natural teeth are in your best interest. Continue to receive your treatments for periodontal disease and preserve your smile. You will be happy that you did.

 

This post is sponsored by Naperville board-certified prosthodontist and implant dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Apr 17

Best way to repair a broken denture without going to the dentist

By Dentures

My dentures keep breaking and obviously my dentist doesn’t know how to fix them because they keep breaking in the same spot. Until I get a new pair, I am going to fix them myself. It can’t be any worse than what she is doing. I am looking online about how to repair them. I know better than to use superglue. So I am looking for a strong seal that is okay for oral use. What’s the best way to repair them? Tom F.

Tom – Your dentures need to be examined by a skilled dentist or prosthodontist to determine why they keep breaking. Until that determination is made, your dentures will likely continue to break.

A dentist may be able to repair the dentures in his or her office, or they may need to be sent to a lab for repair. It is also possible that you need new dentures.

Your attempts to repair your dentures may damage them further, so we recommend that you can a second opinion on the condition on your dentures and have them professionally repaired.

This post is sponsored by Naperville board-certified prosthodontist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

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