Archives for January 2023

Are Implant Dentures Worth It?

Posted on January 31, 2023 by AllSmiles.

In late November last year, I received new dentures. The cost made me almost sure that they would be beautiful. And after my dentist assured me they would exceed my expectations, I had no doubts. But reality has hit, and I am almost in tears. The dentures are extremely uncomfortable, and they look fake. When I look in the mirror and smile, I’m embarrassed. My feelings and my pocketbook are hurt. At this point, there is no way that I can afford to replace my teeth with implants, but I am so very unhappy that I must do something about it. I’ve been doing some research, and I read about using implants to support dentures. Is this option worth considering? – Diana L., Florida

Diana –Thank you for contacting 5 Star Dental Group in San Antonio.

You have two significant concerns with your dentures. They are uncomfortable, and they don’t look natural. An artistic prosthodontist can help. It is possible to get natural-looking dentures that fit your facial features and personality. A prosthodontist will listen to your preferences and design dentures that match them. Even if you do not get dental implants, you will be pleased with custom dentures.

Are Implant Dentures Worth It?

Implant dentures are worth it if you want them to feel more like your natural teeth. Supporting a denture with two to four implants is less expensive than individual implants. A dentist can place two to eight dentures in your jawbone with overdentures. After a healing period, a prosthodontist (tooth replacement specialist) can attach the denture to the implants.

Implant overdentures improve function in these ways:

Eating – Your chewing efficiency will improve, and you can taste your food better with a palateless denture.
Speaking – Stable dentures will not move while you talk so you can socialize confidently.
Facial appearance – The implants stimulate your jawbone like natural teeth, prevent the bone from shrinking, and cause premature facial sagging.

Even if you choose removable dentures, your prosthodontist will ensure they are comfortable and beautiful.

Request an implant dentures consultation to discuss your options.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post.

My Dentures Are Leaving Sores on My Gums

Posted on January 26, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My dentures are rubbing my gums and leaving sores. What is the best way to get dentures to fit correctly? My dentist tried to adjust the denture twice, but he really made things worse. I used sandpaper to trim the denture down, and that did help a bit but not perfectly. What can my dentist do to give me a better fit? Thanks, Chris P

Chris,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Tostado’s office. He or Dr. Acuña would need to examine your denture to determine why it’s rubbing on your gums, but we will explain the causes.

Why Do Dentures Rub on Your Gums?

A denture may rub on your gum for one of these reasons:

Your jawbone is shrinking – When all your teeth are missing, your jawbone shrinks progressively. A denture that is not snug will rub on your gums.
Food debris beneath the denture – Food particles can get trapped beneath a loose denture and irritate your gums.
Damaged denture – Cracks or chips in a denture can irritate your gums and make them sore.
Bacteria beneath the denture – Removing the denture and cleaning it daily prevent bacteria buildup that can cause inflammation and sores. For details, read our post about the results of wearing your denture overnight.
Poor-fitting denture – If a denture fits too loosely or tightly, it can rub your gums.

What Is the Solution for Dentures That Rub Your Gums?

Get a second opinion if your dentures continue to rub on and irritate your gums

The solution for dentures that rub on your gums depends on the cause. After an examination, a dentist may do more or one of the following:

Reline the denture
Adjust the denture
Give you suggestions for denture care
Take impressions of your mouth for a new denture

If your dentist cannot adjust your dentures, schedule a consultation with a prosthodontist or cosmetic dentist to discuss your options.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post. Dr. Tostado is a prosthodontist specializing in custom dentures.

Are Dental Implants Removable If I Change My Mind?

Posted on January 9, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I know dental implants are considered permanent, but what if I change my mind about them? Are dental implants removable? I don’t want to feel stuck with them if I don’t like them. Thanks. Jerald

Jerald,

Thank you for your question. We understand your concerns about feeling comfortable with tooth replacement, especially dental implants, which are considered permanent.

Are Dental Implants Removable?

Dental implant with crown, abutment, and implant screw tagged

Dental implant screws fuse with your jawbone and are meant to stay in place

A skilled prosthodontist, oral surgeon, or implant dentist can remove dental implants. A conscientious doctor will ensure you understand the pros and cons of dental implants and provide quality care so that you want to keep them.

Well-placed, high-quality dental implants have a high satisfaction rate. A January 2021 BMC Oral Health article on patient satisfaction with dental implants reports that ten years after implant placement, patients were satisfied with the following:

Aesthetics
Function
Comfort
Cleanability

Still, sometimes a patient has reasons to get dental implants removed.

What Are the Reasons for Removing Dental Implants?

Reasons to remove dental implants include infection, faulty procedures, medical issues, or sensitivities that can lead to dental implant failure.

Infection – Inflammation and infection can occur with faulty or substandard implant fixtures or replacement teeth.
Faulty procedures – Failure to take a 3-D CT scan to plan for implant placement can lead to risky practices, including placing implants in shallow bone or the wrong location. A dentist may prematurely load the implants with replacement teeth or fail to attach the crown or denture correctly.
Medical issues – Uncontrolled chronic illnesses, including diabetes and some autoimmune diseases, can deter healing and cause implant failure.
Smoking or vaping – Restricted blood flow from smoking or vaping hinders bone and tissue healing around dental implants.
Allergies or sensitivities – In rare cases, a patient may negatively react to titanium dental implants, and the doctor must remove them. According to an August 2008 Clinical Oral Implants Research article, the prevalence of dental implant titanium allergies in patients is low, 0.6 percent.

Why Should You Not Remove Dental Implants?

Your doctor should not need to remove dental implants due to cosmetic concerns or discomfort related to the restorations. Instead, allow time for your dentist to resolve them, or seek a second opinion.

Examples:

Your bite is off – A prosthodontist or dentist with advanced occlusion and bite training can adjust or replace your new crown or denture for comfort.
You do not like your crown or denture – Before your dentist attaches your crowns or denture to the implants, ensure you are delighted with the look and feel.
Your replacement teeth are not stable – Your prosthodontist and implant surgeon will work together to identify and resolve the cause of instability.

Schedule Dental Implant Consultations

Before choosing dental implants, we recommend scheduling consultations with at least two prosthodontists to explore your options. Ensure you understand every phase of the implant process, including:

Planning
Surgery
Recovery
Final Restoration

Knowing what to expect can help determine if you want dental implants for a lifetime or prefer a removable alternative.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post. Request a consultation today.