I got a partial denture last month to replace the lower left missing teeth. Something about the denture makes my lip and tongue burn on the left side of my mouth. I saw my dentist last week, and she said I am allergic to the plastic plate in the denture. She said that a dental bridge is an option. However, I cannot afford $4,300 for a bridge. I stopped wearing the denture, but my mouth and tongue still hurt. My dentist gave me a lidocaine solution to numb my mouth. That’s a temporary solution, but what can I do about my missing teeth since I can’t afford a bridge? Thanks. Krystle from NH

Krystle,

We are concerned about your allergic reaction and your dentist’s treatment option of a dental bridge as the only alternative to your partial denture. A lidocaine rinse that gives you 15 minutes of relief is not a solution to your symptoms.

What If You’re Allergic to Your Partial Denture?

If you are allergic to your partial denture, schedule an appointment with an allergist for testing. Give your dentist a list of the allergens. An experienced dentist can explain the denture materials available other than acrylic. Ask the allergist to test you for the materials to prevent another reaction and save you the time and expense of choosing options that might cause a reaction.

Valplast Partial Denture

A Valplast partial denture is a thermoplastic resin. The material is strong and more flexible than acrylic. Although we cannot find reports of Valplast allergic reactions, it is not impossible to be allergic to it. Some allergies are unusual.

Metal Partial Denture

Nickel is a common allergen. Other dental metals can cause allergies, too. Ensure you get allergy testing for the metals in a partial denture that your dentist may recommend,

Fixed Dental Bridge

Although a fixed dental bridge can replace missing teeth, if you cannot afford it, don’t feel pressured to go over budget to get it.

Consult a prosthodontist or cosmetic dentist to discuss your options for a partial denture. An allergist or your primary care doctor can help you get relief from the allergic reaction to your current denture.

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