Affordable Dental Implants Archives

Are My New Dentures Causing an Allergic Reaction?

Posted on October 23, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My dentures have bothered me since I got them this February. I am almost sure that I am allergic to acrylic. My dentist keeps making excuses or coming up with reasons that the dentures are bothering me, and I am getting sick about this. When I first got the dentures, my mouth burned within five minutes of wearing them. My dentist explained that my gums were still healing and that there wouldn’t be any problems in a month or two. The problems didn’t go away. When I returned to the dentist, he told me that my gums were irritated because I must not be wearing the dentures enough. I was wearing them every day for at least 8 to 10 hours. How much is enough? I want to switch to dental implants, but I am not sure I can afford them, if my insurance will help me with the cost because of the allergy, or if I need to consider new dentures from another dentist. What are my options? Thanks. Geoff from MA

Geoff,

We understand your disappointment with uncomfortable and irritating new dentures.

Are Your New Dentures Causing an Allergic Reaction?

It is possible to have an allergy or sensitivity to dental acrylic. Sometimes, nickel in the metal base or an ingredient in the denture adhesive is causing the problem.

Snap-on denture as an affordable alternative to individual implants — An affordable implant denture can use as few as two implants

If you’re using an adhesive, try going without it. At this point, the dentures should fit so well that they don’t need adhesives. If your denture is loose, ask your dentist to adjust or reline it.

Does your denture contain metal that may be causing a reaction? You may consult with an allergist to determine whether you have metal sensitivities. Ask the allergist to send the report to your dentist. New dentures from your dentist or a second-opinion dentist might improve the situation.

Dental implants can stabilize your denture, but you must speak with a dentist about using materials that do not trigger a reaction. If you have dental insurance, contact the company to ask about plan benefits for dental implants. An implant dentist can explain your options for affordable implant dentures.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Read how he strives to give patients some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.

My New Denture Doesn’t Back Far Enough On My Gums

Posted on May 26, 2023 by AllSmiles.

I think my lower denture doesn’t go back far enough. When I chew, I can feel my gums where my wisdom teeth used to be. My denture stops before the wisdom teeth location. Is that normal? I’ve had the denture for a month and told my dentist about the discomfort, but I am not sure that she is concerned. How far back should the denture go? Thanks. Curtis from San Diego

Curtis,

Although you can expect discomfort with a removable denture, based on your description, your dentist can improve the fit of your new denture

How Far Back Should a Denture Go?

A denture should go as far back as possible beyond the former location of your wisdom teeth to the retromolar pad area. However, if a denture extends too far on the retromolar pad, it can interfere with the upper denture.

How to Correct a Denture that Doesn’t Extend Back Far Enough

If a denture does not extend far enough in your mouth, your dentist will need to take new impressions of your mouth, and the laboratory will need to do some extra work. Perhaps your dentist doesn’t understand your concerns or doesn’t want to correct her mistake.

Preliminary impression of your mouth

Lower dental impression tray
Photo courtesy of Midway Dental Supply

A lower denture requires a preliminary impression made with a stock tray for denture impressions that measures the retromolar pad. The top right photo on this page shows an impression tray for lower teeth, but the bottom picture is a lower denture impression tray.
The back of the denture impression tray has flanges that extend further than the impression tray for natural teeth. The extension registers the retromolar area and as much of the mandible or lower jaw as possible. A lower denture is more stable if it extends farther back than your wisdom teeth.

Lower denture impression tray
Photo courtesy of SurgicalExcel

A dentist can ensure the impression goes as far back as possible with these steps:

Gently pull on your cheek
Ask you to move your tongue to register how far the denture can go without affecting your tongue or cheek movement.

We wonder if your dentist was sloppy in taking the impression or had reasons that she wanted to keep your denture shorter. Since you paid for the denture, your dentist may not be willing to redo it. Also, you need more than your concerns for a legal case. You can share this post with your dentist or leave a negative online review.

You can also get a second opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist and get a properly fitting new denture. For your long-term comfort and denture fit, the dentist may recommend supporting your denture with at least two dental implants.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post.

Why Do Mom’s Dentures Fall Out When She Sneezes?

Posted on January 27, 2023 by AllSmiles.

My mom’s dentures fall out almost every time she sneezes. They are that loose. I guess it wouldn’t seem like a big deal if she didn’t have bad allergies and sneezes a lot. We laugh about it a lot at home, but it really embarrasses her when it happens in public. I feel bad for her. She is 78 years old and has worn dentures for almost 20 years. My mom has gone to her dentist several times to get the dentures adjusted or relined, but they still fall out. Her dentist says that the problem is not her dentures but her jawbone, but he has yet to offer a solution other than getting new dentures. Is it too late for dental implants? Thanks – Bridgette

Bridgette.

Thank you for contacting Dr. Perry’s office. Your comments indicate that you understand your mom should have other options than getting dentures relined or replacing her dentures.

Why Would Dentures Fall Out When Sneezing?

If your jawbone is shrinking, the force of sneezing can dislodge dentures that do not fit snugly. You can get as few as two standard dental implants to snap-on dental implants for stability. Mini implants are smaller in diameter and will keep dentures from falling out, but they are not as stable as standard implants.

Is It Too Late for Implant Dentures?

It is not too late for implant dentures. Getting implant dentures in senior years is still possible if you have good oral and overall health. You are probably a candidate for dental implants if you are healthy enough to receive general dental procedures. An implant dentist must take a 3-D CT scan to examine your jawbone levels and oral anatomy. If you have worn dentures for years, you may require bone grafting before getting dental implants.

Request an Implant Denture Consultation

We recommend checking the credentials and experience of two to three implant dentists in your area. Schedule consultations with two dentists to discuss options for implant overdentures. Your mom will probably need a new denture. But implant-retained dentures will end her loose dentures and embarrassing moments.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post. Please read about how he strives to provide his patients with the best care possible.

I’m Wearing Dentures with Not Much Jawbone Left

Posted on October 27, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I’m concerned because I am wearing dentures with little bone structure, and I’m not sure how much longer I can keep going like this. Although I am only 66 years old, this is my 20^th year wearing dentures. I will not be able to keep a denture in my mouth soon. Chewing with dentures is not like chewing with your teeth. The bottom denture already lifts every time I eat. A coworker told me about implants, but I cannot afford implants. Is there a type of denture my dentist may not know about that would fit me better? Thank you. Kent from RI

Kent,

Thank you for your question. We understand that wearing dentures can be challenging. And when you are losing jawbone volume, your concerns increase. We will discuss the best approach to resolving the issue.

Wearing Dentures without Much Bone Structure

If you wear dentures but do not have much jawbone structure left, eventually, you will not be able to keep a denture in your mouth. Getting new dentures is not the answer.

Why new dentures are not the answer

Your jawbone will continue to shrink when all your teeth are missing. Tooth roots stimulate the bone and prevent shrinkage. The denture base will rest on your gums and make shrinkage worse. Each new denture will continue to loosen.

Building Up Your Bone for Wearing Dentures

Your dentures need a firm foundation, and the only way to support them is to rebuild the bone with grafting. After an implant dentist or an oral surgeon grafts bone tissue, your body will grow more tissue to support replacement teeth.

Supporting Your Denture with Dental Implants

After bone grafting, you will wait for the grafts to heal so the bone builds up again. According to the American Academy of Osseointegration, bone grafts can take up to six months to heal. After a healing period, you will be ready for a new denture. But this time, a dentist will recommend supporting your upper and lower dentures with dental implants. Otherwise, your issue with keeping a denture in will recur.

How Many Implants Will You Need for a Denture?

Four to six implants improve denture stability. But as few as two implants can support a denture and prevent it from rubbing on your gums and wearing on your jawbone. Also, implants stimulate the jawbone around them and minimize shrinkage.

Are You Wearing Dentures with No Bone Structure?

If you wear dentures with no bone structure, it is best to request a consultation with a highly experienced implant dentist. It seems that your current dentist has not mentioned implant dentures as an option for you. So, find a skilled implant dentist on your own.

Search online for dentists with advanced training in dental implants to request a consultation for implant dentures. Ask the dentist about phasing your treatment or low-interest financing options if you need to pay for care over time.

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge implant dentist, sponsors this post.

Will I Need Bone Grafting for Dental Implants?

Posted on September 29, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I need extractions for my remaining teeth because I lost most of them to injury and disease. I think I would need bone grafting if I got implants or implant dentures My family dentist says he can place implants, but when I ask them how many implant patients he has had, his answer was “a few.” I’ve been missing teeth so long that I am concerned about needing bone grafting before implants. How do I explain to my dentist that I would rather someone else do the implants? Thank you. Richard from Minneapolis

Richard,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Perry’s implants. Your decision to get dental implants will improve your oral health and quality of long-term quality of life. You are wise to look for a dentist with advanced implant training for the long-term survival of your implants.

Will You Need Bone Grafting for Dental Implants?

You will need bone grafting for dental implants if you lack enough bone volume to support the implants. After taking a 3-D CT scan, an implant dentist or oral surgeon will explain whether you need bone grafts.

What Is Dental Implant Bone Grafting?

Dental implant bone grafting is a method of building up the lost bone with a graft. Grafts are necessary because the jawbone shrinks when all your teeth are missing. Without enough bone, your dental implants will lack support. It takes about four months for the grafts to heal before you can get implants.

In cases where a dentist must remove damaged teeth, extractions, bone grafting, and implant placement may occur on the same day.

What Are Sources of Bone for Grafts?

An implant dentist may use these sources for bone:

Donor’s bone
Synthetic bone
processed bone from a cow or big
Bone harvested from your shin or hip

Are You a Candidate for Dental Implants and Grafting?

An implant dentist will determine if you are a candidate for implant dentures and bone grafting after taking x-rays and a CT scan. You are probably a candidate if the following is true about you:

Good oral health
Good overall health, including free of gum disease
A non-smoker

How to Find a Dentist for Implants

You can find a dentist for implants by looking at dental websites and reviewing each doctor’s biography for these qualifications:

Post-graduate training in implant dentistry
Continuing education in implant dentistry
Currently and regularly performs implant surgery
Positive online reviews

After choosing two or three dentists who meet the qualifications, schedule consultations to discuss your concerns and learn about your treatment options and costs for implant dentures. Explain to your family dentist that you appreciate and value his work in support of your oral health. Still, you prefer a dentist with years of training and experience with implant patients.

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge, Louisiana, family and implant dentist, sponsors this post.

I Can’t Afford Dental Implants, and I’m Losing All My Teeth

Posted on July 26, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I’ve had periodontal disease for several years; unfortunately, I trusted that my dentist was doing the right thing with treatment. He wasn’t, and my teeth are so loose. My daughter finally convinced me to see another dentist, and I did. My periodontal disease is progressive, and I will lose my few left teeth. I know my choices are dentures or dental implants (I can’t really afford them). The thought of wearing dentures really scares me. Is it worth it to go into debt for dental implants and pay for them until it’s almost time for me to die? Thank you. Millie from Bay Shore, NY

Millie –

Thank you for contacting Dr. Perry’s office.

We understand your concerns because there are a lot of challenges that come with removable dentures. We will explain alternatives to individual implants.

What If You Can’t Afford Dental Implants?

There are alternatives if you cannot afford individual implants for each missing tooth. An implant dentist can use two to six implants to secure a denture for much less money than replacing each tooth with an implant. Two of the most affordable options are a snap-on denture and mini-implants.

Snap-on denture – You can get standard implants to support a denture, and as few as two implants can increase their stability.
Mini implants – A mini-implant is one-third the diameter of a standard implant and a fraction of the cost. Your dentures will be less stable than with traditional implants, but they will fit much more securely than removable complete dentures.

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, the jawbone shrinks up to 50 percent in the first six months after losing all your teeth. Implants stimulate your jawbone and help prevent jawbone shrinkage and sagging muscles that lead to facial collapse.

We recommend finding an experienced dentist with post-graduate implant training for a consultation to discuss your options for implant dentures. The dentist will explain payment plans or financing options that may fit your budget.

Baton Rouge family dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post.

I Only Have Five Teeth Left

Posted on May 17, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I have seen three dentists about getting complete dentures or new partial dentures over the past two months. I have five teeth left, and they are holding up two partial dentures. One dentist recommends removing the five teeth and getting implant dentures. The two other dentists gave me the option of keeping things the way they are and getting new partials or getting a removable denture or implant denture. They all said it was my choice. I have half the money I would need for implant dentures, but I would have to finance the rest because I do not want to drain my emergency savings. The five teeth left include my center front teeth. Is it worth saving them, or should I go with extractions and dentures? Thank you. Ted from Apex, NC

Ted,

Although Dr. Perry would need to examine your teeth and digital x-rays, we will offer guiding principles based on your description.

Should You Extract Your Remaining Teeth and Get Dentures?

Whether it is wise to save your teeth or extract them for dentures depends on several factors, including how many teeth you have left, their condition, and your overall oral health.

A Partial Dentures Stresses a Few Remaining Teeth

Tooth replacement options are not as effective as healthy natural teeth. Biting and chewing forces affect your remaining teeth even if they look healthy. But when only a few teeth remain, they are stressed when they must support partial dentures.

Advantages of a Full Upper Denture

If your remaining teeth are under stress, a complete upper denture will make chewing easier. A removable denture compromises your ability to chew well and digest food. Implant-supported dentures increase chewing efficiency.

Removing Your Remaining Teeth

When no natural teeth remain, your jawbone will rapidly shrink because you have no tooth roots stimulating the bone. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that stimulate your jawbone and slow down shrinkage and premature facial sagging.

Implant-Supported Denture

Diagram of affordable dental implants with a denture hovering over the gum ridge and implants — Implant overdentures can be affordable dental implants

After taking a 3-D CT scan of your mouth and jawbone, a dentist can determine if you are a candidate for implant dentures. They are a healthy alternative to further weakening your five remaining teeth. You can get as few as two implants for an affordable option, but more implants will increase denture stability.

Implant dentures will give you these advantages:

Help your denture look natural
Improve denture fit
Maximize function when you eat and talk
Function smoothly without clicking or shifting like removable dentures

Select an implant dentist with advanced training and experience for the best outcome.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, family and implant dentist Dr. Ryan Perry sponsors this post.

My Dental Implants Only Lasted a Week

Posted on April 24, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I got implant overdentures, and two of the six implants came out in a week. Of course, I returned to my dentist last Wednesday, and he took x-rays to determine the issue and said that he would call me to schedule another appointment and explain what to do next. My anxiety level is high. I am more fearful than anxious. I do not know what to expect or if I can trust my dentist. Is this an issue where I should give my dentist another chance or ask for a refund and run? I am so overwhelmed that I don’t know what is best. Thanks for your help. Gilbert T. from Rockford, IL

Gilbert,

Thank you for your question. We understand why you feel overwhelmed. An article published by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry confirms that dental implants have a 95 percent success rate. When dental implants fail within a week of placement, the problem is often due to negligence. Whether you receive an overdenture with two, four, or six implants, your dentist should be diligent in planning for and placing them to succeed.

What Causes Dental Implant Failure Soon After Placement?

Some causes of early dental implant failure include:

Poor-fitting implant fixtures
Infection
Insufficient bone volume for implants
Substandard implant fixtures
Incorrect implant placement
Stress on the implant before it fuses with the jawbone
Patient’s medical issues

Depending on the cause of failure for two of your six implants, the others may be at risk. We recommend getting a second opinion from another implant dentist or specialist (periodontist). Arrange to give the dentist a copy of your dental records and x-rays. The dentist will review your documents and take a 3-D CT scan if necessary to determine why your implants failed.

The following steps depend on the cause of implant failure and may include bone grafting and new implant fixtures. You can anticipate waiting periods for the implant sites and bone grafts to heal before getting new implants.

You paid for healthy implants, but two of them failed, so your dentist owes you a refund. If your dentist is uncooperative, you can report the issue to the state dental board.

We wish you a swift resolution and a smooth recovery.

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge family dentist, sponsors this post.

Need Names of Dentists for Implants in Mexico or Costa Rica

Posted on February 28, 2022 by AllSmiles.

Now that the pandemic is calmer, I want to revisit getting dental implants. I need a six-implant denture that fits my budget. For me, this means leaving the country to get them done. How do I find the names of dentists who do dental implants in Mexico or Costa Rica? Thanks. Noland

Noland – We do not have a list available of implant dentists abroad, but we are concerned about your long-term oral health related to dental implants, regardless of where you receive them.

Even in the United States, to receive successful dental implants much more is needed than a list of dentists in your area who place dental implants. An implant dentist needs extensive training and credentials to place your implants properly.

When you receive dental implants from another country, there are many factors that you need to consider. Some of the things you should consider are:

How the country regulates implant dentistry
The training and experience of your implant dentist
The quality of implant fixtures the dentist will use
what you will do if you return to the U.S. and experience problems with the implants
the number of return trips you will have to make for follow-up appointments
Whether the dental crowns for the implants will be provided by a cosmetic dentist so that you will receive natural-looking teeth

Diagram of lower affordable dental implants with four screws — Schedule a consultation for affordable implant dentures

You can consider scheduling consultations with a few implant dentists in the U.S. The appointments will help you understand the things you need to consider if you choose to receive dental implants in another country. If you are interested, you can also find out how the dentist can make implants affordable for you.

Dr. Ryan Perry, a Baton Rouge dentist, sponsors this post.

Tooth Removal and Dentures – See a Dentist or Oral Surgeon First?

Posted on October 14, 2021 by AllSmiles.

Since most of my teeth are decayed or missing, I am looking into extractions and dentures. I’m only 57 years old, but I neglected my teeth because medical issues took priority. My health is still not good, but it is stable. Should I see a dentist or an oral surgeon first? Thank you. Joel from Memphis, TN

Joel,

Thank you for your question.

If you need extractions and dentures, we recommend looking for a dentist who does both. Pre-denture tooth removal is not complex, and many general dentists do both.

Finding a Dentist for Extractions and Dentures

Look online for experienced dentists. Call a few offices and ask how the dentist handles patients who require tooth removal and dentures. Try not to hint that you are looking for a dentist who does both. Otherwise, they may offer to do both so that you will schedule with them.

Dental Anxiety

If you need dentures and have anxiety about dental visits, ask about sedation dentistry. Your new dentist will create a treatment plan using sedation to complete as much work as possible during each visit. Sedation helps you relax while the dentist completes more work than they could when your anxiety level is high.

Stabilizing Your Denture

When all your teeth are missing, you lack tooth roots to stimulate and preserve your jawbone. So the jawbone will gradually shrink. Without the bone to support your facial muscles, the muscles will sag and make you look older.

Your dentist or an oral surgeon can place dental implants or artificial tooth roots in your jawbone. Your dentist will attach a denture to them after a healing period. Not only will implants stimulate your bone and prevent shrinkage, but your denture will also look and feel better.

What to Look for in a Dentist

If you are interested in tooth removal, dentures, and implants, look for a dentist with post-graduate training in these areas:

Dental surgery
Dental implants
Cosmetic dentistry

You can schedule consultations with two dentists to discuss your concerns and your options.

Ryan Perry, DDS of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, sponsors this post.