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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

My Dentures Make Me Gag, So I Only Wear Them in Public

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I only wear my dentures in public because they make me gag. My dentist has adjusted the denture three times, but I’m still gagging. Will I need a new denture? Thanks. Deniz from Brooklyn

 

Deniz,

We recognize that the gag reflex can make wearing dentures challenging. Look for a skilled cosmetic dentist to find a comfortable and effective solution. Here’s a breakdown of options we can consider:

Addressing Denture-Related Gagging

Two ways to resolve denture-related gagging include implant-supported dentures and removable denture adjustments. Your oral health and budget help determine which options are suitable for you.

Implant-Supported Denture Benefits

This option typically provides the greatest comfort by minimizing palate coverage. Instead of relying on full palate suction, implants secure the denture, eliminating the primary trigger for the gag reflex.

Removable Denture Adjustments

If you can’t get implant-supported dentures immediately, a dentist may be able to adjust your current denture.

Upper: The denture extends to the vibrating line. Lower: The denture is farther from the vibrating line to minimize gagging.

Upper: The denture extends to the vibrating line.
Lower: The denture is farther from the vibrating line to minimize gagging.

The optimal denture base extends to the “vibrating line.” However, in cases of extreme gagging, a carefully shortened denture base may provide relief, as described by Dr. Finlay Sutton and pictured to the right.

This process requires meticulous trimming to maintain adequate suction. Over-trimming can compromise the denture’s stability. Confirming that your denture does not extend onto the soft palate is crucial to minimize gagging.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Szarek strives to give his patients the best dental care in Lowell.

Losing weight with dentures? 4 ways dental implants help

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My husband’s dentist recently recommended dental implants because has been struggling with bad dentures for the past 3 years. We have had many conversations with his dentist. I can’t count how many adjustments, readjustments, regular liners, and soft liners have been tried. No matter what his dentist does, either the dentures are too loose or too tight and causing irritation and sores on his gums. Either they slip out or hurt his gums so bad they bleed. He can’t eat right with the dentures so most of the time he either skips meals or eats very lightly. Sometimes he takes the dentures out just to eat. He has lost 30 pounds since he had the dentures and he is not a big guy to start with. What does our dentist need to do to get this right? Are dental implants really the answer? – Flo

Flo – Your husband should consider securing his dentures with dental implants.

How Dental Implants Stabilize Dentures

  • The implants are surgically placed in your jawbone.
  • During the healing period, the fixtures fuse to your bone.
  • Standard implants can be used, or you can choose snap-on dentures, which use two implants and are more affordable. If it’s in your budget, choose implant overdentures with four to six fixtures will provide maximum stability and help the prosthesis feel more like natural teeth.
  • The dentures will rest on the implants, instead of on your husband’s gums, so they will no longer irritate his gums or cause sores. When dentures are stabilized with dental implants, chewing efficiency will improve, so it will be much easier for your husband to eat with dentures.
Diagram of snap-on dentures which are secured by dental implants, for information on stabilizing your dentures from the office of Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Snap-on dentures

You can consider getting a second opinion. It can increase your comfort level in the dentist’s recommendation. Or it might help you determine that you need to switch dentists. Find an experienced implant dentist who is also skilled in cosmetic dentistry. Your husband will get cosmetic dentures that fit well and that are secured to quality implant fixtures. The change will finally give your husband a positive experience with dentures.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

How long will it take for my dental implants to stop hurting?

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How long will it take for my dental implants to stop hurting? My dentist keeps telling me to give it more time. I got the implants in August to secure my dentures. They are tender overall but when I eat it’s totally uncomfortable. I’ve lost weight because of it. Most of the pain is on the top left side of my mouth. That helps because I usually chew on the right side anyway. It’s just the pressure from chewing. Sometimes it feels like it’s going into my sinuses. How much longer is it going to take before the pain goes away? Thanks Dinah

 

Dinah,

During several weeks after getting dental implants, pain and discomfort are normal. If you received your implants in August, by no means should you be feeling pain when you chew. Your dentist shouldn’t tell you to give it more time.

Although Dr. Szarek would need to examine your implants to let you know exactly what’s going on, your dentist needs to take a closer look to identify the source of your discomfort. If he can’t figure it out, we have some suggestions.

When Implant Dentures Hurt While Eating

We suggest that you give your dentist another opportunity to address the issues. If you’re not satisfied with his efforts:

  • Schedule consultations with at least two, experienced implant dentists.
  • Don’t provide your dentist’s name.
  • Be specific about your symptoms, and when and where you feel the pain.
  • Let each dentist know when you received implants and that the pain occurred after receiving them.

Your implants and your bite (the way your denture teeth fit together) will be carefully checked. It’s possible that more diagnostic studies are needed.

The implant dentist will determine if your denture needs to be adjusted, or if the dental implants are causing your discomfort. If you decide to have the work completed by a new dentist, your dental records can be transferred. Ask your current dentist to give you at least a partial refund toward the corrections that need to be made.

 

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Five Things You Should Know Palateless Dentures and Dental Implants

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If you’re missing all of your teeth, a palateless denture provides an affordable, comfortable option to replace them. Before you ask your dentist about this option, get the facts.

  1. A palateless denture is made to replace your upper teeth. It is open in the center, so it doesn’t cover the root of your mouth. The denture is made in the shape of your arch, similar to the shape of your gumline. It helps the denture fit securely.
  2. If you’re interested in a palateless denture, you should expect it to be secured with dental implants. Here’s why:
    • A traditional upper denture covers the roof of your mouth. This provides suction to keep the denture in place. Without a palate in your upper denture, it would frequently dislodge and fall out due to lack of suction.
  3. Grooves are made in the base of the denture so that it can snap onto dental implants. Implants provide stability and keep the denture from slipping around.
  4. As few as two dental implants can be used to snap on the denture, but the more implants there are, the more stable your dentures will be.
  5. People who have worn dentures with a palate and later try this option prefer the palateless version. It’s more comfortable, and eating is much more enjoyable.

Interested in Dental Implants and a Palateless Denture?

If you want to receive implant dentures, schedule consultations with two or three implant dentists. Each dentist should be concerned about reviewing your medical and dental history to find out if you are a candidate for implants. No dentist should recommend dental implants without verifying your eligibility.

Diagnostic studies are needed to ensure you have enough jawbone density for implants. If not, bone grafting will be required. Don’t choose the cheapest option. Look for a dentist with extensive training who offers high-quality implant fixtures. Why invest your time and money into an oral appliance that won’t last?

Wearing dentures can be made as comfortable as possible with a palateless denture that is supported by dental implants. Implants prevent jawbone shrinkage and facial sagging. The time and investment are worth it.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

 

Will teeth whitening work on my dentures?

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I’ve only had my dentures for 3 years and they look dingy. I paid too much for them for them to look like this. My dentist keeps telling me to use denture cleaner, but I do that regularly and I keep my dentures clean, very clean. I’m beginning to think that the dentures are low quality, even though they were expensive. I want to preserve them as long as possible so I don’t have to get new ones but the color of the denture teeth is bothering me. My sister suggested that I try whitening strips on them. Will this work? What brand do you recommend? Thanks. Ethel

Ethel – The situation with your dentures is unfortunate. It does sound like you’ve invested in poor-quality dentures. Neither teeth whitening strips nor any other form of whitening will change the color of your dentures. The teeth in the appliance are colorfast. Although stains can be removed from them with denture cleaner, you won’t be able to make them lighter than the original color.

It seems that you’re taking good care of your dentures. Although teeth whitening won’t work, continue to do what you can to preserve them. Below are a few tips.

  • Use pastes and cleaners specifically designed for dentures. Many types of toothpaste are too abrasive for denture teeth.
  • Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean the appliance and your gums, tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth.
  • Remove your dentures before you sleep overnight.
  • Avoid boiling your dentures. Extreme heat can permanently destroy the shape.
  • Don’t bleach your dentures. Bleach is not meant for oral appliances, and it can be toxic.
  • If stubborn stains aren’t removed with denture cleaner, they can be ultrasonically cleaned in your dentist’s office.
  • Keep your dentures moist. Safely store them in a mild soaking solution.
  • Ensure you store your appliance out of the reach of children and pets.

In time you will need new dentures. When you do, find an accredited cosmetic dentist. He or she is trained in dental aesthetics. You will receive high-quality, cosmetic dentures that look natural. Your prosthesis will be customized to complement your facial features and preferences. You’ll have input on the shape and color of the denture teeth, too.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.