September 2020 - Kentucky Dental Group

I lost my teeth due to an extended illness. I have a severe metal allergy so my dentist said I wouldn’t be a good candidate for dental implants because they are made of metal. I thought I’d be okay with dentures. Better dentures than nothing. Unfortunately, I’m just not adjusting to them well. The plate makes me gag. Most of the time I don’t even put them in. Is there a solution for someone in my position?

Candace

Dear Candace,

There is a growting availability of metal free dental care.

You said you have a dental allergy. Do you know if that allergy includes titanium? The metal in dental implants is strictly titanium, which is quite biocompatible. It’s been used in prosthetics for decades without problems. It may be your dentist is just uncomfortable placing dental implants and therefore steered you away from it.

Let’s say for argument’s sake that you are allergic to titanium. That doesn’t mean you cannot have dental implants. These days zirconia implants are available. Not every dentist is using them yet because they haven’t been around as long os the traditional titanium ones, but I’m certain you’ll be able to find a dentist who is placing them.

I’d do a search for a metal-free dentist or a holistic dentist. They are both dentists who’d be more willing in your situation.

A Word about Dentures

You aren’t alone in finding it difficult to deal with dentures. Many patients do. The good news about implant overdentures is you won’t have to worry about that gag reflex because there will no longer be a plate necessary. You didn’t mention how long you’ve been in dentures. That will have an impact on whether you can immediately have dental implants placed or if you’ll need an intermediary procedure, known as bone grafting. The longer you are in dentures, the more your jaw bone shrinks. Make sure whoever you see does all the necessary diagnostics, including a CT scan.

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

Since having a zirconia crown placed on a back tooth, I’ve had a burning aching throat and a dry tongue. We’ve eliminated allergies to things like the zirconia and any mouthwash or toothpaste I’m using. This has been another problem after dental work in a series of dental disasters. From a previous procedure, I had lingual nerve damage that took over a year to get better. One thing that may be a factor is the excessive amount of water the dentist needed to use during the procedure cause me to choke and need to stop several times. I can see how this would cause my throat to hurt for a few days, but not for as longa s it has been hurting. I’ve been to a couple of doctors. One can’t figure out anything. Another said it is burning mouth syndrome, but doesn’t know what can help it. Have you heard of this?

Brooke

Dear Brooke,

I agree with the assessment the one doctor gave you about burning mouth syndrome. Though it has been said there is no understood cause for burning mouth syndrome, there has been a pretty good link between dental trauma and burning mouth syndrome.

You’ve mentioned several issues that seem to be directly related to the connections seen. Your choking during the procedure, the lingual nerve damage that happened at your last appointment. Given the fact that you still need more work and the experiences you’ve had, it is no surprise your body is reacting.

The simplest solution for this issue is to see a sedation dentist. If you get a strong enough level of sedation, such as oral conscious sedation (OCS), it will relax you completely. You’ll be able to have an anxiety-free/pain-free appointment. Those who have suffered with dental anxiety and used OCS have found it completely changes their life. If you want to, you can even sleep through your apartment.

I think if you have a positive dental experience, it will go a long way toward helping with the symptoms you are experiencing.

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

Metal Allergies, Dentures, & Dental Implants

A Word about Dentures

Burning Mouth Syndrome

Archives for September 2020

A Word about Dentures