I Can’t Keep My Denture In Anymore

I've been in dentures for 25 years and they just won't stay in anymore. I went to see a dentist who said that getting a new one won't matter. Is there anything I can do? I can't even eat anymore. I'm miserable.

Ivy

Dear Ivy,

I don't know who this dentist is you saw, but never return to him or her again. Of course there is something you can do. First, though, you need to understand the reason your dentures won't stay in anymore. When your teeth were removed, your body immediately started resorbing the minerals in your jaw bone. As a result, year after year, your jawbone got a little smaller. Because your lower dentures rest on that bone, which has disappeared, there is not a way for it to stay in. This is known as facial collapse.

The way to fix this, is by first having the bone built back up again. This is done with a bone grafting procedure. From there, you have two choices. You can simply get removable dentures again. Bear in mind that the whole process of facial collapse will start over again.

A second option is to get implant supported dentures. With this, you'll start by having dental implants placed in your jaw bone. Those function as prosthetic tooth roots, which signal to your body that you still have teeth and need your jawbone. After the bone integrates with the implants, you can have your dentures anchored to them.

This is known as implant supported dentures and will give you a much higher quality of life than you had with your removable dentures.

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Disclaimer: This article is general information from Dr. Harveer Kaur and is not a substitute for a dental exam, diagnosis, or treatment. Every mouth is different. If you have a concern about your teeth or gums, call our Ahwatukee office at (480) 283-0733 or our Chandler office at (480) 895-3252 and we will help you sort it out.

Dr. Harveer Kaur, DDS, BDS

Dr. Kaur is the founder of Kokopelli Dentistry, serving patients in Ahwatukee and Chandler, Arizona. She focuses on family and cosmetic dentistry.

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