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Archives for September 2019

Can I Get a Soft Denture?

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I’m 40 years old and stuck with dentures. I hate how they feel on the upper part. Is there any way to get a soft denture?

Alicia

Dear Alicia,

dentures versus dental implants

When you hear the term soft denture, it actually is referring to a soft liner. This is usually available for patients with a bumps on their bony ridges. There is a pliable soft denture as a whole if that is what you are thinking. The soft liners will make your dentures more comfortable. You should be aware that they are harder to clean and don’t last as long, so will require replacing. If you’re okay with that, you will find they help with the discomfort.

You said you’re 40 years old. That is awfully young to be in full dentures. I know there are things in life which are quite beyond our control. However, I want to be certain your dentist sufficiently warned you about the dangers of having dentures at such a young age.

When your teeth were removed, your body recognizes that. As a result, it perceives you don’t need your jawbone to retain your teeth roots. IN an effort to be efficient with its resources, it begins to resorb the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere in your body.

This has the unfortunate effect of shrinking your jawbone. Eventually, it will shrink so much, you won’t have enough jawbone left to support your dentures. This is known as facial collapse.

How to Prevent Facial Collapse with Dentures

I’m going to suggest you look into getting implant overdentures. These use four to six dental implants, which are placed into your jawbone. Then, after a period of healing, your dentures will be anchored to them.

Because the dental implants serve as prosthetic tooth roots, your brain realizes you still have need of your jawbone. Because of that, it leaves the minerals intact, thereby preserving your jawbone.

You’ll also find another lovely benefit. Even the best fitting dentures, reduce your chewing capacity by 50%. Having implants placed will increase your chewing capacity giving you a more pleasant life experience.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Dentist or Oral Surgeon for Extractions?

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I have a terrible fear of the dentist and pretty much only go when I need a tooth pulled. I’m 50 years old and missing a large number of teeth at this point and feel like I need to get dentures. Do I go to a dentist or an oral surgeon for that?

Ben

Dear Ben,

dentures versus dental implants

I’m sorry for the struggles you’ve encountered. Many times, when someone is dealing with dental anxiety it is a result of trauma in the past with a dentist, often in childhood. This causes many patients to only go in for treatment when they have a dental emergency, such as you’ve done.

I would go to the dentist who is going to do the dentures for the extractions. If you go to two practitioners, one for the extractions and one for the dentures, there will need to be perfect communication. Denture preparation is something most dentists know how to do.

Because of your dental anxiety, I’m going to suggest you use a dentist who has sleep dentistry available. This will allow you to get your dental work done without any anxiety. In fact, if you want, you can nap through the entire procedure.

A Danger with Dentures

Before you settle on dentures, I want you aware of what you’re getting into. Even the best fitting dentures will reduce chewing capacity by 50%. The dentures for your top arch are held in by suction and the bottom ones just sit on the ridge of your jawbone. This is where the biggest problem arises.

When your teeth are removed, your body recognizes you no longer have any teeth roots. In an effort to be efficient, it resorbs the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere in your body. This causes your jawbone to slowly shrink. Eventually, you won’t have enough jawbone left to support your denture. This is known as facial collapse. Because of your young age, this is especially important for you.

The Solution to Facial Collapse

The best way to prevent facial collapse is to have dental implants placed in your jaw. These will mimic the roots of your teeth and let your body know you still need the bone to retain teeth. With about four to six implants you can anchor dentures to them. These are known as implant overdentures and will completely eliminate the problems caused by dentures.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.