denture Archives - Dr. Rick Lane

Do I have other options than a denture for missing teeth?

Posted on March 13, 2021 by goodtooth.

Hello,

I have had dentures for over 30 years and I’m only 60 years old. At this point, I’m miserable. My denture won’t stay in even when I use dental adhesive. The last time I met with my dentist, he told me that I don’t really have much of any ridge left. And he even said it could continue to get so bad that I cannot keep a denture in at all. What am I supposed to do?

I am so embarrassed to smile and I cannot get my head around living the rest of my life worrying about if my denture will fall out. Please tell me you have some other options for someone in my situation.

Thank you for your time,

Denise in Kansas

Denise,

diagram of jaw bones to compare facial collapse

This diagram demonstrates facial collapse and shows how the bone deteriorates over time. The top image shows a healthy jaw. The images shown below and toward the bottom show significant bone loss.

I’m so sorry to hear that you are going through this situation. Unfortunately, you are not in an ideal situation to explore other options to replace missing teeth. In fact, your options are somewhat limited due to a condition known as facial collapse. As you have explained, what happens when you lose your teeth is that your body doesn’t think there is any reason to support them anymore. So the bone deteriorates because the minerals are used elsewhere in your body because your body resorbs them. This kind of condition will not improve. In fact, as your dentist mentioned, it will only get worse. Denture wearers who are experiencing facial collapse complain of them being very uncomfortable, falling out at embarrassing times and eventually if it gets bad enough the denture won’t stay in at all.

When it gets to the point where you are at, the only thing that can be done is to build that bone back up. This may take some research and patience to find a dentist that has the skill and experience to do the bone grafting. There are many oral surgeons who won’t even attempt to do the procedure at this point. But, with some perseverance you should be able to find someone to help you. It would be good if you were open to traveling if needed.

When the bone grafting is complete and the body has healed, there are several options to get your teeth back and get you smiling again. Your options are pretty dependent on what your budget is and how much treatment you are willing to do. The first option is to have a new removable denture made that will fit on your new arch. This is an affordable option, however as time goes on you will be in the same situation you are in now. When the tooth isn’t there, the body will begin the resorption process again. So, you will experience the same denture problems again. But, it will be essentially like starting over.

Dental implants are an option, but they do cost more than other alternatives. The implant is surgically implanted into your jawbone. The more dental implants that are used to secure your dentures, the more stable and secure they will be. But, the most important factor here is that the post signals to the body that the minerals are required to support it and to keep it in place. So, in the area immediately around the implant site, the bone will be stimulated and you won’t experience bone loss. When there are even just two dental implants on the top arch and two on the bottom, it is called an overdenture. Or sometimes this procedure is referred to as a snap-on denture. The more dental implants you can afford, the better off you will be regarding bone loss and a stable denture.

There are other dental implant hybrid restorations. In these cases, the dentures are fastened to the implants. This tends to be a little more expensive. Also, mini implants work similarly but they are smaller and less expensive. They won’t give you the same stability as multiple traditional dental implants.

The best thing you can do at this point is to find a couple implant dentists who are willing to help you and then talk through your options. Then, you will be able to determine which one is best for you. Remember, at this point it’s not about price shopping. You need to research the dentist’s credentials, ask about cases similar to yours, and ultimately make the decision on the dentist you feel like you can trust the most.

Thank you for sharing your story. Hopefully, it will be helpful to others who are so young and considering dentures, or anyone considering dentures for that matter. Over time, bone loss will occur and can present several difficulties. Your story will help others when they are faced with having to remove all their teeth. Or it may help others who aren’t that far down the road with dentures to consider getting dental implants to improve their longevity and performance.

Hopefully, you are encouraged in that you do have options. We wish you all the best.

This post is sponsored by Petaluma dentist Rick Lane, DDS.

Are dental implants the only choice?

Posted on June 7, 2019 by goodtooth.

I’m looking for some guidance on affordable tooth replacement options for my mom. She is approaching 80 and had a stroke three years ago. I’m responsible for managing her care. But she never really took care of her teeth to begin with, so they’re not in good shape. She has been wincing when she bites for about two months, but claims she’s not in pain. Adding to it, she appears to have lost a tooth. I know it probably sounds odd, but I don’t remember her having a gap between her teeth and there is one now. I know she was missing several on the other side, but I feel like this one was new. She says it isn’t and that it has always been that way. Is it possible she lost it without knowing it and swallowed it? She seems ok in the sense that she’s not having digestive issues.

I’m not really sure what to do with the whole thing. Since she’s resistant to going in, that kind of leaves me speculating as to what’s going on and how we’ll have to approach fixing it. She does have a limited budget. So I believe that means dental implants are out of the question. Are there other tooth replacement options like a bridge work?

Thank you,

Mary in Oregon

Dear Mary,

Sounds like you have a whole lot going on there. To start, yes, teeth can fall out. It’s a symptom of advanced gum disease. If your mom didn’t take good care of her teeth before and isn’t getting help now, there’s a real chance all her teeth are loose or in danger of being lost. Chances are, if you think there’s a new space there, she did swallow the tooth. In which case, she probably would have passed it through her digestive system without an issue. If she complains of abdominal pain, has bloody stool, or other odd symptoms, she should be checked out by her primary care physician. But things like that rarely cause damage on the way through.

If she does have advanced periodontal disease, then dental implants may be an unrealistic option. They can only be placed when someone has good oral health. And, if other teeth are loose, that would make a dental bridge unfeasible too.

All that said, getting quality nutrition is paramount, especially at this stage of life. And if she can’t eat without hurting, her overall health and quality of life will suffer. She’ll need to get checked out to see if any of the remaining teeth are healthy and salvageable. Then, from there, a treatment plan can be devised. In all likelihood, the most viable and most affordable solution will be dentures. Either a partial to replace the missing few or extracting the rest and having the full arch replaced.

A possible option that she may be interested in are implant-supported dentures. This treatment is a good alternative for someone that wants the added benefits of dental implants, without the cost. The more dental implants that are placed, the more secure the denture will be and helps to avoid common denture problems.

If your mom is resistant to care, that adds another barrier. You may want to check with her and see if she’s at least open to “meeting” a dentist. She may feel reassured that the first visit is purely to have a look and discuss options. At least then she’ll be established at an office and you’ll have a game plan ready for when she’s willing to start treatment. Best of luck as you consider the next steps.

Dr. Rick Lane is an implant dentist located in Petaluma, CA. He offers many options to replace missing teeth, including dental implants, implant overdentures, dental bridges and partial dentures.

Is it OK to order dental implants online?

Posted on May 9, 2019 by goodtooth.

I’m missing my entire arch of teeth and had them replaced with dental implants. They are the kind that snap into place with four dental implants. I think they are called overdentures or snap-on dentures. The locator male retention caps need to be replaced. I was wondering if I can order them online because I don’t feel like spending $100 at my dentist when I found four for only $20 online. Apparently, I cannot order them since I’m not a dentist. Is there any way around this? I just don’t think I should be charged five times the cost of the part. I’ve already spent so much to get my teeth replaced.

-Gerry in South Dakota

Gerry,

Thank you for your question. It sounds like you know the exact part you are looking for, which is a good sign. Most implant dentists wouldn’t worry about marking up such a small item, especially since you spent so much on your implant-supported denture. Of course, dentists need to mark up items and services to cover their overhead. But, this instance seems like such a small purchase in the cost of operating a practice.

Here are some things to try. First, call a couple dentists and explain your situation. Most of the time, it will be the dental assistant or office personnel that answers and there’s a good chance they are in charge of ordering supplies. And since people that work at dental offices are genuinely kind, helpful and want to provide great customer service, it is possible you will find an individual that would be willing to place the order on your behalf. Often, the dentist isn’t involved in the ordering process.

However, you may be able to get it and order them without being a dentist. Try going on ebay instead of the dental supplier website. Normally, we would not recommend ordering anything online if they were coming from overseasor an unknown seller. But, for such a small item, you may luck out from an online personal seller. Those outlets likely won’t require any documentation that proves you are a dental practice. All that to be said, the most important thing is that you know how to replace the part on your denture without causing damage.

You need to make sure you order the appropriate cap. They come in different levels of firmness and some are softer than others. Each part provides a different level of resistance. If you have any hesitation or are unclear which type will work for you, it is important to consult with your dentist.

Lastly, give your dentist another try. Be very nice and ask if they will order them on your behalf and explain your concern about being overcharged. It’s always good to give them a second chance. You may be surprised that they may do the ordering and replacement at very little charge. You don’t want to cause any undue damage to your appliance.

Thank you for your question. Dr. Rick Lane is an implant dentist in the Petaluma area. Again, it is recommended to try again with your implant dentist. We have a feeling, they will come around.

My dental implants are so bad, I can’t even eat!

Posted on April 14, 2019 by goodtooth.

I haven’t ate normal since the whole dental implants process started over a year ago. I am starting to lose weight now and pretty much stick to a liquid or soft food diet. There has to be something wrong with them. I can’t take it anymore.

When this all began, I had nearly half of my normal teeth. But, they were bothering me and the dentist told me that only two of them were worth saving. So, he recommended that I have all of the remaining teeth extracted so I could get implant-supported dentures. I was really nervous because of how expensive everything was going to be. But, the dentist got me set up with a financing plan through the office.

image of a woman holding her jaw and discomfort

I feel like I’ve been in pain ever since. The dentist kept telling me that once everything healed properly and after the denture was secure, I would get to feeling normal again. But, I’ve been telling them that something feels wrong and they haven’t done anything about it. Their solution was for me to get another treatment, which would cost even more than I was originally quoted. I just want to be able to eat normally again and I cannot afford to try something different. To be honest, I was better off before this all started.

In the research I’ve done, I think the dentist misplaced the implant and that is why I cannot tolerate the denture. Shouldn’t they be responsible for fixing it, if they didn’t accomplish what I paid for?

Please help!

-Ken in Virginia

Ken,

First off, I’m sorry you are having to go through this dental implants nightmare. There are many possible reasons for your discomfort. Unfortunately, you were somewhat vague with the source of your pain. After this amount of time has passed, it could very well be the placement of the dental implants. But, it could also be an ill-fitting denture too. If you haven’t been able to wear a denture in over a year, then something hasn’t been right from the beginning. They should definitely fix it for you, free of charge

But, it sounds like it’s time to seek a second opinion from another reputable implant dentist in your area. The one you have been seeing is not doing the right thing. A skilled implant dentist should be able to figure out the problem after an examination and in you describing your problems with the denture. He or she should also be able to evaluate and determine if there is something wrong with the placement of the dental implant.

The best case scenario is that the denture needs some minor adjustments to alleviate your problems. You need to get back to a healthy diet and there is no excuse for this situation carrying on as long as it has.

Now, if additional work is required to make it right, the new dentist may be able to help you build a case to request a full or at the very least a partial refund for the failed implant work.

Good luck to you. Dr. Rick Lane is a dentist in Petaluma, CA that is experienced in dental implants. As you have found out, it is imperative to check out the dentist’s credentials to make sure they have the skill and training required beyond dental school to be successful. Not every dentist has the expertise in implant dentistry required.

Will nail polish remover clean my dentures?

Posted on March 11, 2019 by goodtooth.

I have worn dentures for over six years. Overall, they have been fine. I’ve started to notice that they are becoming really stained and I’m wondering if it’s from smoking.

I’ve tried brushing them and it isn’t helping. I had a family function last week and I was embarrassed about how dark they are now. So, I used white nail polish to make them look nicer.

You don’t have to tell me that was a bad idea. But, now they look terrible. I feel like they are picking up all kinds of stains now. Do you think I can use nail polish remover to remove the polish? At least then they will go back to how they looked before.

-Gerald in New Mexico

Gerald,

Removable dentures are made of acrylic, which is similar to what most artificial nails are made of. The nail polish remover typically has acetone in it, which may damage the acrylic. So, using nail polish remover is a bad idea. It may end up damaging your denture more.

Now, there are some nail polish removers without acetone. But, that isn’t the way to go either. It is difficult to predict how different chemicals will react with it.

Even though you may be embarrassed about your nail polish decision, it will be best to schedule an appointment with your dentist. They may have some professional cleaners or special equipment to help clean them up.

If not, you may end up needing to replace it. If the fit is still good, it is possible that only the teeth that show when you smile need to be replaced. However, it is difficult to give specific recommendations without having seen your case in person. So, you’ll have to talk this over with your dentist.

Hopefully, you’ve learned that nail polish remover should not be used on stains. In the future, you can try soaking them in denture cleaner to help keep up with the stains. Also, you can used a soft-bristled toothbrush. Or baking soda or a gentle toothpaste can be used to help keep them looking nice. Just be sure to avoid any product that is abrasive and used for whitening. That will end up damaging your dentures too.

Lastly, I’m sure you’ve heard it before. But, quitting smoking is the best option. If that’s not possible, keep up with cleaning your denture daily to keep it clean.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Rick Lane, located in Petaluma, CA.

My denture keeps falling out!

Posted on January 9, 2019 by goodtooth.

I am in my 60’s and have had dentures for over 30 years. I’m so mortified because my denture keeps falling out! I use adhesive but it isn’t helping anymore. I’ve been told that my ridge is almost gone and there may be a point where it won’t even stay in at all. Please tell me there is something that can be done.

-Paulette in Idaho

Paulette,

This is not a good place to be. When all your teeth are gone, the body actually resorbs the minerals and vitamins to be used elsewhere in the body. It doesn’t think you need the bone any longer since the teeth are gone. So, the bone shrinks and eventually it will get so bad that the denture will not stay in. This condition is called facial collapse and occurs in patients that have had dentures for many years.

It may take some work, but it is possible to build the bone back up. You’ll need to find a dentist that is experienced in bone grafting. It is a complicated surgery. But, the right dentist mabye be able to help build your jawline back up. It may take some time and possibly traveling to a different area to find the right dentist.

There are some other options available for you, depending on your budget. The most economical would be to have a new denture appliance made to fit over the new ridge created by the bone grafting. However, you are young enough that you will experience the same condition where the bone is resorbed.

So, you may want to consider using dental implants. A dental implant is surgically implanted into your jawbone and it stimulates the bone to help prevent facial collapse. The more dental implants you have placed, the more the bone will be retained.

Here is an example of a snap-on denture.

Implant overdentures may be a possibility for you too. It is a combination of dental implants and dentures that snap into the them. This can be done with as little as two dental implants. Remember, the more dental implants that are used, the more secure your denture will be.

Good luck as you try to find a dentist that can help you work through this. Also, thank you for sharing your story. Many patients feel that they don’t have any options left once their teeth are falling out. They choose dentures and may not realize that facial collapse can cause a lot of problems. There is a good chance that if you fully understood the position you would be in now, you may have considered other alternatives thirty years ago.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Rick Lane, a dentist in Petaluma.

Are dental implants a possibility after dentures?

Posted on November 21, 2018 by goodtooth.

Would you be able to tell me if I will ever be a dental implants candidate? My teeth were always terrible growing up. They were so bad that I ended up getting dentures in my early twenties. I’ve always been ashamed of my smile. I have never had much extra money so fixing my teeth wasn’t a priority. Now, that my daughter is about to move out, I should have some extra money. The last time I mentioned the possibility to my dentist, he said I couldn’t get dental implants. Do I have any options?

-Linda in Texas

Linda,

Thank you for reaching out. The good news is that you do have options. Here are some possibilities based on what you have described.

New Dentures

It sounds like you haven’t loved your dentures for a while. If you’ve had them since you were 20, they are probably getting dingy. The good news is that dentures can be made to be beautiful. Not all dentists focus on the aesthetics of dentures. They may end up looking fake and lifeless. But, if you find the right dentist that is focused on cosmetic dentistry, they can be beautiful.

Dental Implants & Bone Grafting

If you’ve had dentures for a long time, it is likely that you are struggling with bone loss. When there are no longer teeth present, the body resorbs the minerals to be used in other parts of the body. The result is bone loss, which is called facial collapse. It can cause problems for getting dental implants. This is because the implant post is surgically placed into your jawbone. So, if you don’t have enough bone present at the implant sites, you will not be a dental implants candidate. However, you can get bone grafting surgery, which will build up your jawbone. This may make it possible to get dental implants done. You need to know that choosing this option is a major investment in time and money.

Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures may be the best option for your particular case. For this option, several dental implants are placed and then the denture is attached to them. This will stabilize the denture and it will stay in place all the time. It is important to realize that you still may require some bone grafting. Also, you will need to plan for healing time between the procedures. But, if you find an excellent implant dentist that has a proven track record with cases like yours, this may be the way to go.

Hopefully, this gives you some options to explore.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Lane, a dentist in Petaluma, CA.

Will implant overdentures result in big savings?

Posted on August 4, 2018 by goodtooth.

I am in my mid-50s and would like to find out about how much I could save from implant overdentures. Since my early 20s, my teeth haven’t been in very good shape. Currently, I have a dental bridge on my upper teeth, on both the left and right side. It was supposed to replace only one tooth. However, I ended up losing one of the teeth that the bridge was attached to on both of them. Therefore, I have already had both of the dental bridges replaced once. They now cover the back four teeth as well, with two fake teeth in the middle.

I’m starting to feel some looseness on one of the newer bridge, which is exactly how things started to decline last time. I have been putting off going to see the dentist because I’m so sick of dealing with it. When I was in last, the dentist said I could still be a dental implants candidate. But I am nervous to hear the final cost.

I’ve also heard of implant overdentures and want to see if they are a possibility for me. Honestly, I’m not sure I could afford dental implants to replace all my missing teeth. I may have to try and talk him into doing a larger bridge or a denture. Maybe you could help me get a ballpark of fees before I go in, so I can be better prepared.

-Paulette in Iowa

Paulette,

The most important thing to do right now is to have that loose bridge looked at. It may just need to be reattached or it may actually have decay underneath it that requires immediate attention. A repair would be less expensive than replacement. Also, it could be that stabilizing it will help extend the life of the bridge. The dentist will be able to diagnose the problem and give you options.

Cost of Implant Overdentures

The cost for implant overdentures will vary based on your location and also for each dentist. To give you a better idea, dental implants costs can be anywhere from $2,000-$6,000. To replace a full upper set of teeth would vary significantly, from $28,000 on the low end up to $84,000 on the high end. So, on average you may end up mid-range at approximately $40,000-$60,000. These costs would be to replace each tooth with a dental implant.

Complete dentures are much less expensive. For example, you could replace all of your upper teeth for approximately $2,500. A partial denture is even more affordable, somewhere around $2,000. However, you need to realize that dentures typically need to be replaced every 10 years and there are also other problems over the life of a denture, like facial collapse. This condition results when you no longer have teeth. The bone is resorbed so that the minerals can be used in other parts of the body. Therefore, denture patients end up looking much older than they are and have other issues like a denture moving around and eventually falling out. This is due to the loss of the jawbone.

This diagram shows how a dental bridge fits over your natural teeth.

You mention replacing it with a larger bridge. But, that doesn’t sound like a feasible option for you. Implant overdentures may work for you and would utilize both treatments, dentures and dental implants. An overdenture can be held in place with anywhere from two to eight dental implants. They don’t require that the appliance is attached to a natural tooth, like a bridge. So, the overdenture would be securely held in place by dental implants. The more dental implants you have, the more bone will have remain in place because implants prevent facial collapse too. Overdentures end up to be around $1,000-$3,000 per tooth, so that would equate to approximately $2,000-$24,000 and then the $2,500 for the denture. Again, these are estimates and they are large ranges. However, overdentures typically end up being about half the cost of a full set of dental implants.

Benefits of an Implant Overdenture

Overdentures cost much less than dental implants.
More comfortable than traditional dentures.
Help to prevent facial collapse.
Much more stable.
Chewing efficiency is sufficient.

Hopefully, this gives you an idea of costs. Yet, to clarify costs for your specific case and geographic area, it would be wise to discuss your options with a reputable implant dentist. Also, you need to get that loose dental bridge examined.

This post is sponsored by Petaluma dentist Dr. Rick Lane.

How do I pick an implant dentist?

Posted on April 11, 2018 by goodtooth.

I was told that I should consider dental implants. But, I’m feeling overwhelmed in trying to find the right implant dentist for me. Do you have any tips when trying to find the right implant dentist?

– Michael in Ohio

Michael,

The best thing to do when trying to find the best implant dentist for you is to schedule a consultation to learn more about the dentist, the staff and the practice philosophy. During the initial consultation you should be able to find out what your specific treatment needs are and the plan for moving forward.

Tips for Selecting an Implant Dentist

Experience of the implant dentist – You may not realize that not every dentist is experienced in dental implants. In order to be successful, an implant dentist will need to pursue extensive training in the field. You will want to find a dentist that does them regularly. For example, ask how many implants the dentist does in a month and a year? Also, ask to see their portfolio of work to see cases similar to yours.
Options to replace missing teeth – You should never feel like you are being pushed into dental implants. While dental implants are the best and most permanent solution to missing teeth, you may have other options. In some cases, a dental bridge, partial denture or implant-supported denture will work just fine to replace missing teeth.
Dental implant care – Just because your natural teeth may be gone or extracted, doesn’t mean you no longer have to care for your teeth once the dental implants are placed. You will still need to continue with regular check-ups and exams to help make sure they are looking good and to prevent gum problems.
Treatment plan – Try to consider your oral health into the near and far future. Do you still have natural teeth remaining and will they require tooth whitening or enhancing to create a beautiful, natural-looking smile. Find a dentist that will keep the big picture in mind and not just this one treatment.
Dental implant process – Many people don’t realize that the entire dental implant process from start to finish may take six to eight months to complete. This will allow for the implant to fuse to the bone and heal properly. Ask the dentist about timelines and find out upfront how the payment options will work.
Trust your dentist – It all comes down to trust. The right dentist will answer your questions, present your options and ultimately recommend that you gather all the information you need to make the right decision for you.

Hopefully, these tips are helpful as you consider the next steps in your dental implant journey.

This post is sponsored by Petaluma dentist Dr. Rick Lane.

Need tips on convincing someone to wear complete dentures.

Posted on March 3, 2018 by goodtooth.

My brother is making so many excuses and is terrible about wearing his dentures. I don’t like to be seen with him because he looks silly. However, he doesn’t seem to care. The newest set of dentures he got was a few months ago. I’ve even sat at the dinner table with him and he has taken them out. It is becoming a serious problem. Do you have any tips on how I can encourage him to wear them more regularly?

-Denise in Utah

Denise,

Change can be difficult for a lot of people. Here is what he may not be telling you about common denture problems:

Hot spots – Many times a new appliance may be hitting high in certain areas making it very uncomfortable to wear. The dentist should have double-checked the fit to ensure there were no spots where it is rubbing him. It is possible he didn’t tell the dentist and figured it would get better or didn’t want to deal with it. If comfort is an issue, try to get your brother to schedule another appointment to get it checked out.
Dentures are too loose – When someone is missing teeth or they have been removed, bone loss occurs. When this happens, it may make the denture feel like it doesn’t fit and is loose. Early on, the patient often experiences swelling and when it subsides, it may cause the denture to feel loose too. Again, some minor adjustments at the dentist and possible relining of the appliance may solve this problem.
Fit issues – Dentures sometimes fit poorly and move around causing sores. Adjustments can be made to avoid pain and injury.
Excess saliva – When your body senses an object it is not used to, more saliva is produced. It is a response that cannot be controlled and many times denture wearers complain that they have too much saliva. Regular use and wear will help reduce this problem.
Talking is difficult – Talking with a new prosthesis also takes time to adjust. The more your brother wears it and practices talking with it, he will become more comfortable.
Denture falls out – Sadly, over time most denture wearers have a fear that the denture may fall out. The tongue naturally wants to push it out, which can cause a loss of suction to keep it in place. Over time, bone loss also compounds this issue. Sometimes, changing the brand of denture will help solve this problem.

The best thing to do is be honest and try to find out what is really bothering him about the denture. Try to learn if he is in pain and explain how you ultimately just want what’s best for him.

If dentures just aren’t the right fit for him after all, try meeting with an implant dentist to discuss his options. Even a few dental implants will help with stability and give him his confidence back if he is a candidate for an implant overdenture.

Thank you for your question.

This post is sponsored by Petaluma dentist Dr. Rick Lane.