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Dentist or Oral Surgeon for Dentures

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I am 68 years old and always had a terrible fear of the dentist because of a traumatic experience in my teen years. Because of that, my teeth are an absolute mess and need to come out. I’m not sure I know how to approach this. If you need dentures, do you go to a dentist or an oral surgeon to remove the remaining teeth?

Fred

Dear Fred,

Hilton Head Affordable Dentures

I would look for a dentist who can do both the surgical removal of your teeth as well as the dentures. This will give you the best outcome. I’m going to also suggest, though it is completely up to you, that you look into snap-on dentures. This gives you two dental implants that can anchor your dentures a little bit to your jaw. This way you won’t have to worry about them slipping around. Obviously, the more dental implants the better and more secure they are, but two is enough to keep them in.

Because of the dental anxiety you mentioned, I think when you look for the dentist to do this, you find one who offers oral conscious sedation. This is will give you a pain-free and anxiety-free procedure. It is administered by a pill but is quite strong. In fact, some people have dubbed it sleep dentistry because you can sleep through the entire procedure. I honestly wish someone had told you about sedation dentistry earlier because it could have helped you with your fear of the dentist and saved your teeth. Either way, at least you can go to the dentist this time knowing it will not be the horrible traumatic experience you had in the past.

One last thing to check before committing. You are still young and I want you to have a smile you are proud of. Ask to see some of their “after” pictures of dentures they’ve done. You want a dentist who can create a beautiful smile for you. These days, dentures can look natural and beautiful so don’t settle for someone who is going to make you fake looking teeth.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Can I Get Dental Implants After Twelve Years in Dentures?

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I’ve never been able to afford good anything and that included my dental work. When I lost my teeth, I could only get dentures. It was humiliating but it was all I could do. Now it is twelve years later and I have just come into a lot of money. I mean a LOT. I have always hated these dentures. Is it too late for me to get dental implants?

Callie

Dear Callie,

implant supported dentures

First, congratulations on your windfall! It says a lot that the first thing you are trying to do with your money is to invest in your health. Now to answer your question. Technically, it is never too late to get dental implants. But, (isn’t there always a but?) the length of time you’ve been wearing dentures will mean that you may need an additional procedure before proceeding.

An illustration is facial collapseWhen your teeth were removed, your body began a process of resorption. Recognizing you no longer have teeth, your body begins to take the minerals that were in your jawbone supporting your teeth to use elsewhere in your body. This is in order to be as efficient as possible with your body’s resources. Somewhere between ten and fifteen years, depending on the speed of the resorption, you may no longer have enough bone to support your dentures. This process is called facial collapse in dental ciricles (pictured left). In addition to the problems it causes with your dentures, it will age your appearance by decades.

In order to retain your new dental implants, you will need that bone back. The good news is there is a procedure that can help you get that structure back, known as bone grafting. Once you’ve done that, after a period of healing, you will be ready to get those implants!

The important thing for you is to find a dentist with post-doctoral training in dental implants. It is an advanced procedure and you don’t want just any dentist. Then, once the dental implants have had time to integrate with your bone, your dentist can anchor a new set of dentures to them. These are known as implant overdentures. Unlike the dentures you’ve had for the last decade, these will be completely secure. You will find your quality of life goes up significantly, including your ability to eat. Even the best fitting removable dentures will reduce your chewing capacity by 50%. That will no longer be true.

I want to mention one other consideration. Dentures can be beautiful, but you will need an expert cosmetic dentist to do that. After you make a list of qualified dentists with dental implant training, I would consider looking at their ability to provide beautiful results. The best cosmetic dentists are AACD accredited, so I’d start there.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Is there a Soft Denture?

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I have a denture and I am especially struggling with the upper denture. The plate on my upper palette hurts and it makes me gag quite a bit. Is there such a thing as a soft denture? I think that would make things easier to tolerate.

Daisy

Dear Daisy,

implant supported dentures

I’m sorry you are struggling with your dentures. You are not alone in that, in all honesty. While there isn’t such a thing as a soft denture, there are soft linings. Unfortunately, this will not help with the situation you are facing. They can give some patients who have a bony ridge some gentle relief. However, they are more expensive and wear out more quickly. Additionally, the line won’t do anything about the palette issues.

I have often found patients with a strong gag reflex do better with implant overdentures than with removable dentures. These take your denture and anchor it to four to six dental implants. Because it is anchored to the implants, there is no need for the dental plate.

I’m going to suggest you get them on your bottom arch as well. It’s actually more important to have implants on the bottom than the top. This is because while the top is held in by suction, the bottom simply rests on your lower jaw bone. Here is the problem with that. When your teeth were removed for dentures, your body recognized that. In an effort to be as efficient as possible with your body’s resources, it begins to resorb the minerals in your jawbone in order to use them elsewhere.

The longer you are in removable dentures, the more your jawbone shrinks. Eventually, there won’t be enough jawbone for you to keep your dentures in place. This is known as facial collapse. Having the implants placed serves as prosthetic tooth roots, helping your body to realize the jawbone is still necessary to keep them in place.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Can I Have a Pretty Smile After 30 Years

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I’ve had dentures for a little over 30 years. I’ve never had a pretty smile with dentures and wondered if it is too late for me to get dental implants? There is someone I know who has them and they seem to be prettier.

Avalon

Dear Avalon,

It is absolutely possible to get a beautiful smile, even after 30 years in Dentures. You should be aware that there are a few steps to make this happen. First, when you have been in removable dentures as long as you have, then it is long enough for you to have a significant amount of bone loss leading to facial collapse. I’m guessing you’ve found it hard to keep them in recently, even with denture adhesives.

This is because when your teeth were first removed, your body recognized that and immediately began resorbing the minerals in your jawbone in order to use them elsewhere in your body where it perceived they’d be more useful. Eventually, there is no longer enough bone to even retain your dentures.

Your first step is going to be to have some bone grafting done in order to build back up that missing bone structure. Once that is done you can then get your dental implants.

Implant Supported Dentures

implant supported dentures

Once your bone grafting is healed, you can then have the implant overdentures placed. The more you have, the more secure your bite and the more you will preserve bone structure. Generally, patients place between four to eight dental implants. Once the bone has had a chance to integrate with the implants, then you’ll be ready to have a denture anchored to them.

The key to your dentures looking both natural and beautiful is to have a skilled cosmetic dentist to create them. There are two places you can look to find skilled cosmetic dentists. The first place is mynewsmile.com. This site is run by a retired cosmetic dentist who prescreens anyone who wants to be listed for both their technical knowledge and skill as well as their artistry.

A second place to check would be on aacd.com. This is the website for the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. They also have a “find a cosmetic dentist” link. However, you need to make certain you check that you’re looking for an accredited dentist. Any dentist can pay to be a member. AACD accredited dentists have been through rigorous testing. Either they or a dentist listed on the previous site I mentioned will provide you with a stunning smile.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

When You Can’t Keep Dentures In

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What do you do if your dentures no longer stay in? I’ve had my dentures for 23 years. The ridge they are usually on is no longer there. Is there anything I can do to keep them in?

Mary Anne

Dear Mary Anne,

An illustration is facial collapse

You are dealing with the fallout from facial collapse. When your teeth were removed, your body began to resorb the minerals in your body as a means of being as efficient as possible with its resources. It recognized you no longer have teeth roots in your jaw. The jawbone is there to retain and stabilize the roots. Without the roots, your body thinks, “Hey! Those minerals would be really helpful at another part of your body that still needs it.”

While great for body efficiency, it puts you in a horrible position. You no longer have enough jawbone left to keep your dentures in. This is known in dental circles as facial collapse. When that happens, it makes it impossible for you to have a normal functioning life. The good news is, there is a solution.

The first thing you’ll need to do is have some bone grafting done. This is an outpatient surgical procedure that can use either natural or synthetic bone. Once that is healed, you have two choices.

After Bone Grafting

implant supported dentures

From there, you can either get new dentures made with your shiny new ridge for your jawbone and go about your merry way. Just be aware that the whole cycle of bone resorption will start again. Eventually, you will no longer have enough jawbone left to keep your dentures in and you’ll need bone grafting again.

A second option is to have dental implants placed for implant-supported dentures. The most important benefit to this is the implants signal to your brain that you still have “teeth” there and they will leave the minerals from your jawbone intact. This protects you from facial collapse.

Another benefit is your dentures will be completely secure. You will not have to worry about them slipping. You also will find your chewing capacity increases significantly. Even the best fitting dentures reduce your chewing capacity by at least 50%. Dental implants help you get your chompers back. You will once again be able to eat whatever you want to.

Know upfront that dental implants require surgery and will cost more than just replacing your dentures.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Dental Implants and Gum Disease

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I’m losing my teeth because of gum disease. I’d hear that dental implants were the best tooth replacement. I want to get those and have a beautiful smile again, but my dentist said I can’t. I don’t understand. You’d think the best replacement would be a good idea. What’s up?

Kate M.

Dear Kate,

An illustration of a dental implant

It’s fantastic that you want the best tooth replacement possible. THat will be great for you when you’re able to get dental implants. While you have gum disease, it won’t be possible though. Here’s why. If you think about the fact that the gum disease caused you to lose your teeth, it means it will do the same to the implants that are prosthetic tooth roots.

That doesn’t mean you can never get dental implants. It just means you’ll have to treat your gum disease first. Then when your gums are healthy, you will be a good candidate.

In the meantime, your dentist can give you some temporary tooth replacements. The two of you can get to work attacking that gum disease and getting yourself ready for the best.

If it takes a while to get the gum disease under control you may need to have some bone grafting done to build back up the bone structure enough to support the implants.

Why Dental Implants are the Best

The number one reason is it can prevent facial collapse if you have regular oral hygiene. The longer your teeth are gone, the more bone structure you’ll lose. This is known as facial collapse. But, with implants, your body will think your natural teeth are still there and leave the bone in place.

The second reason is the security. Implants are permanent and very secure. They’re like having healthy natural teeth back in your mouth again.

Finally, they provide a much higher standard of living. You can eat and drink as normal. Plus, upkeep is easy. You brush and floss as you normally would.

Just be aware, if you don’t keep up with your oral health, the gum disease can and will return causing the dental implants to fail.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Should My Dentist Refund My Dental Implants If I Can’t Eat?

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I don’t know what to do and I’m out of money. I went to a dentist because my teeth were bothering me whenever I ate. The dentist told me all my teeth needed to be removed. She said she could give me implant supported dentures and I’d be eating pain-free in no time. It’s been a complete disaster since day one. I’ve had the implants and dentures for over a year and have been in massive pain and haven’t been able to eat. I’ve lost 50 pounds. I’ve gone back to the dentist multiple times and they keep insisting nothing’s wrong. I’m distressed and don’t know what to do. I took out a loan to get these and have absolutely no money left. Is there a way to get a refund? I have to find another solution for my teeth.

Laverne A.

Dear Laverne,

Implant overdentures

I know hindsight is 20/20, but I sure wish you’d have gotten a second opinion before having all your teeth taken out. It’s always better to save as much natural tooth structure as possible.

I don’t have details about what exactly you’re feeling, but based on what you’ve said generally, I’d think either your dental implants were improperly placed or the dentures weren’t made well. No matter what the issue is, if you can’t eat and it’s been a problem from the beginning, your dentist should repair it free of charge. Because she’s not, you’ll have to take other steps.

I’d like you to get a second opinion from another dentist, preferably a skilled implant dentist. Don’t tell them the whole story or the dentist you went to, in case they’re pals. Instead, just mention your symptoms, let them look at the work, and give their opinion. They may need to take some x-rays to properly diagnose the problem.

When implants are done correctly, it’s like having healthy teeth in your mouth. You’ll be able to eat anything you want. If it turns out you just need a minor adjustment, then you can probably just go ahead and have that dentist do the work. If it’s more serious, then this second dentist can help you get a refund from your first dentist. Then you can get the work done properly without any additional cost burden to you. Hopefully, the new dentist can get you eating well fairly soon.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Is It Too Late for Me to Get Dental Implants?

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Back when I lost my teeth, no one knew about dental implants. Without completely giving away my age, let’s just say I had dentures placed back when the first Bush was president and leave it at that. I’ve never quite liked how they look. They don’t look natural. They don’t really fit anymore and my face squashed on them. Whenever I look in a mirror I feel ancient. Did I wait too long to get implants? I keep hearing younger people talk about how great they are.

Lorraine T.

Dear Lorraine,

The two issues you’re facing can be common even today, although there’s a solution to both. You have a two-fold issue going on here. One is aesthetics. The other is mechanics. Let’s address aesthetics first.

Whoever originally placed your dentures was not a skilled cosmetic dentist at the time. Even dentures can be made to look not just natural but gorgeous as well. In the future, whenever you’re having work done which requires some artistry, make sure you go to a skilled cosmetic dentist. An AACD accredited dentist will certainly be able to give you a beautiful smile.

The next issue is mechanics. When your teeth were removed, your body started reabsorbing the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere. After so many years (certainly less than the Bush’s), you don’t have enough jawbone left to secure your denture anymore. That’s why your dentures no longer fit and your face looks squashed.

All that being said, I have great news for you. It’s not too late for you to get dental implants. It will mean you’ll need to get some bone grafting done. You’ve lost so much bone, the grafting will ensure you have enough to sustain the implants. This used to be a much more difficult procedure than it is now. In fact, it can be done in one day, but you’ll need a few months healing time before you can proceed with getting dental implants.

Also, you don’t need a single implant for each tooth. Generally, just getting six or so implants will be adequate. A good implant dentist will give you a recommendation based on your particular case.

This change will greatly improve your quality of life. They’re much more comfortable than dentures. You’ll find your comfort, along with your ability to eat food greatly increased. Plus, they’ll make you look at least a decade younger because your face will no longer be squashed.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Can My Dental Implants be Saved?

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I had gum disease. My dentist did extra cleanings trying to fix it and save my teeth, to no avail. I lost several teeth. My dentist emphasized the importance of replacing those teeth before the others shifted. We talked about removable partial dentures and dental implants. I went with dental implants. I thought they’d be permanent, but now they’re loose and I’m worried I’m going to lose those, too. Can they be saved?

Stace P. – South Carolina

Stace,

I’m a little frustrated on your behalf. The biggest problem you’re facing seems to be your dentist. His decisions border on incompetence. When you have gum disease, he should never have allowed you to get dental implants. The gum disease needed to be dealt with first. Then, replacing your teeth would have a much better shot.

Other things should have been done to address your gum disease aside from simply doing more cleanings. I hope those were offered to you.

Going forward, I’d like you to see a periodontist. Maybe if the gum disease is quickly handled, there will be a chance at saving your dental implants. I’m not too optimistic, though. If you lose them, you’ll need to have some bone grafting done, then start the implant procedure over.

I feel strongly you’re a good candidate for a refund. Gum disease is contraindicative for dental implants. Your dentist knew better. He should give you your money back.

As far as implants themselves, if your teeth were healthy, your choice was correct. Yes, dentures are an option, but the prosthetic root of implants does a great deal for your oral and physical health, including protecting you from facial collapse. It’s worth the trouble to re-do the procedure (under the correct circumstances) if they can’t be saved.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Alternatives to dentures

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Help me. I just left the hospital after a car accident. I lost most of my upper teeth. I am way to young for dentures. Please tell me there is now an alternative!

Chris R. – Florida

Chris,

I’m so sorry about the accident and your losing your teeth at a young age. That must be quite a trial to endure. Fortunatly, I have good news for you. There is now a much better solution for replacing your teeth than dentures.

Talk to your dentist about dental implants. They are far superior to dentures. It does require a surgical procedure to secure replacements for your tooth roots. Above those will be placed dental crowns.

It will be like having your natural teeth back. You can eat what you want and brush and floss your teeth just like before.

It’s quite an advanced procedure, so make sure you go to a dentist who has specialized training so you can avoid any unnecessary complications.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

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