X
400 North Loop 1604 E #315, San Antonio, TX 78232
Phone: 210-494-3511
Menu
Phone
Dr. Tostado Working Dr. Tostado Working
My Dentures Are Leaving Sores on My Gums

My Dentures Are Leaving Sores on My Gums

Posted on by .

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Food debris beneath the denture – Food particles can get trapped beneath a loose denture and irritate your gums.
  3. Damaged denture – Cracks or chips in a denture can irritate your gums and make them sore.
  4. 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.
  5. 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?

An upper and lower denture

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.

How Long After Teeth Extractions Does Facial Collapse Occur?

Posted on by .

Diabetes complications have led to two amputated toes on my left foot and needing my ten remaining upper teeth extracted. I understand facial collapse will follow the extractions, so I have been talking to my dentist about dentures. I requested a high-end denture with teeth that look real, but for some reason, my dentist doesn’t seem confident about doing a  high-end denture. He didn’t refuse, but he talk more about more affordable options. I know what I want. I am also concerned about how facial collapse will affect my denture in the long term. Is facial collapse rapid? Thank you. Spencer from Fort Worth

Spencer,

Thank you for contacting our office. Dr. Tostado would need to examine and x-ray your teeth to explain your options and develop a treatment plan. A custom high-end denture is personalized, improves denture fit, and helps your replacement teeth look more like your natural smile. We will discuss why facial collapse occurs and how to prevent it.

How Long After Teeth Extractions Does Facial Collapse Occur?

Facial collapse is gradual and occurs over ten to twenty years after all your teeth are missing. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, your jawbone resorbs 25 percent in the first three months after teeth extractions and up to 50 percent in the first six months.

How Will Dentures Affect Your Facial Appearance?

When dentures rest on your gums, they accelerate bone shrinkage. As your bone shrinks, you will need periodic denture relines and replacements. As your jawbone narrows over the years, a removable denture will not stay in place.

How Can You Prevent Facial Collapse?

Lower denture with implants for information on facial collapse and teeth in a day

Teeth-in-a-Day implant dentures can replace upper or lower teeth and prevent facial collapse

You can prevent facial collapse with implant-supported dentures. Dental implants are the most effective solution for preserving the jawbone and keeping facial muscles intact.

Implants have these benefits:

  • A dentist places them in your jawbone to stimulate the bone like natural tooth roots.
  • They help prevent bone shrinkage.
  • They decrease the risk of premature facial sagging.
  • Denture stability and function will increase.

When a prosthodontist (tooth restoration and removal specialist) removes your remaining teeth and immediately places implants, it can prevent the need for bone grafting procedures. The implants will stimulate your bone, and you can get replacement teeth the same day (Teeth-in-a-Day).

Can You Fix Facial Collapse?

Yes, there is hope for correcting facial collapse. Grafting procedures can build up the jawbone, and after a healing period, a prosthodontist can place dental implants to keep the jawbone intact. The bone grafts and a new custom denture will lift your facial muscles and help reshape your face.

We recommend getting a second opinion from one or two prosthodontists to discuss your options for Teeth-in-a-Day with a custom denture.

San Antonio, Texas, prosthodontist and cosmetic dentist Dr. Gilberto Tostado sponsors this post.