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.

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 Have Two Missing Teeth and Can’t Afford Dental Implants

Posted on December 21, 2022 by AllSmiles.

I lost my upper left canine and premolar teeth five years ago and have been wearing a partial denture since then. Two weeks ago, I talked to my dentist about how uncomfortable the partial denture feels. She explained that I could get a dental bridge or implants, and she really pushed for implants. I cringe at the thought of being $6,000+ in debt for dental implants, so I need another perspective on my alternatives. Please assist. Thank you. Kaye

Kaye,

Thank you for contacting our office. Dr. Perry would need to perform an oral exam and take x-rays to determine your treatment options. Still, we understand your concerns. A smile is part of our facial expressions and personality, so we must weigh our options carefully when teeth are missing. Even if you cannot afford dental implants, getting natural-looking results is essential for your self-esteem and confidence.

What Are the Options If You Can’t Afford Dental Implants?

If you cannot afford dental implants, the options include a fixed or a removable prosthesis (artificial teeth).

Removable Replacement Teeth

Whether you are missing one or multiple missing teeth, a partial denture can replace them. If you already wear an uncomfortable partial denture, you can get a more comfortable new one from a skilled dentist. You can consult with a cosmetic dentist for a partial denture with these improvements:

Better quality
Sturdy, comfortable framework
Natural-looking replacement teeth

Fixed Replacement Teeth

Fixed replacement teeth include a dental bridge and dental implants.

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is a series of dental crowns connected at their sides. The end crowns fit over your natural teeth, and the crown(s) in the middle replaces the missing tooth or teeth.

A dentist must shave down two natural teeth for the ends of the bridge to fit over them.
Your jawbone will shrink wherever your teeth are missing.
A well-made dental bridge can last five to ten years.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots with a crown attached to the top. You can get a dental implant for each missing tooth. A dental implant is the most expensive form of tooth replacement. Consider three features of dental implants:

Your jawbone anchors your implants, not adjacent teeth.
Dental implants stimulate the jawbone and prevent bone shrinkage.
An implant screw can last 20 years or longer. You will only need to replace the dental crowns.

Your oral health and your budget influence the tooth replacement option you choose. We recommend scheduling at least two second-opinion appointments to discuss your options and how each dentist can make treatment affordable. If you cannot afford dental implants, speak with a cosmetic dentist about achieving the most natural-looking results possible with a partial denture or a dental bridge.

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

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.

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.

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.

Are partial dentures my only option?

Posted on October 31, 2021 by AllSmiles.

After a battle with advanced gum disease, seven of my upper teeth are missing. I still have my two front teeth, but gum loss created a gap between them. I want dental implants, but my dentist says my bone won’t support them, so I can get partial dentures, which are more affordable. I know that if I try to close the gap, I will need braces and more partial dentures after my teeth are straight. It’s just the expense of all this that scares me. Are partial dentures my only option? I’m not sure what to do. Thank you. Vickie from Columbia, SC

Vickie,

Thank you for your question, Vickie.

We understand your concerns about your smile and your oral health. Although your dentist is offering the most affordable option, we recommend that you look for a dentist who is just as—or more—concerned about your appearance as you are.

Dr. Perry would need to examine your mouth, teeth, and x-rays for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options. Still, two options that will give you a better smile than a partial denture are an implant-supported bridge or individual implants.

Before offering a solution, a dentist will need to gather more information, including:

A comprehensive examination
A CT scan to measure your bone volume
The size of your front teeth
The size of the gap between them

We recommend getting an opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist concerned about your appearance but will work with you to make dental implants or whatever treatment you choose affordable. After diagnosis, the dentist can explain if you can complete treatment in phases. Financing and payment plans will help you pay for care over time without accumulating a lot of debt.

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

If I can’t afford All-on-4, what are my options?

Posted on May 30, 2021 by AllSmiles.

I have been looking for implant dentures and saw a dentist who said he would do All-on-4 implants for me. I asked him for options, but he said that is my only recommendation. His cost is over $25,000, which is impossible for me to pay. If I cannot get implant dentures, what else is left? Thank you. Franklin from GA

Franklin,

We are concerned about a dentist who only recommends one type of treatment and does not offer options. For example, did the dentist examine your teeth and take a CT scan before recommending All-on-4 implants? All-on-4 is a technique that allows some patients to get implant dentures without bone grafting. But it does not work for everyone.

Implant Denture Alternatives to All-on-4

You can find a skilled implant dentist who offers affordable alternatives to All-on-4. Some alternatives include:

Snap-on denture – Two standard implants support your denture. A dentist will place the implants toward the front of your mouth. And your denture base will snap onto the implants.
Mini implants – Two or more many implants can stabilize your denture. But their support is not as strong as standard implants. Still, the risk is lower than All-on-4 implants, which require specialized skill and specific use.

If You Need Bone Grafting

If you need bone grafting because your jawbone levels are low, a dentist may recommend All-on-4 to prevent the need for grafting. But it is not your only option.

Depending on your case, you may have a better outcome if you agree to bone grafting.
Expect to three to four months of healing time before your dentist can place the implants.
A skilled implant dentist will explain the results you can expect with a snap-on denture vs. mini implants.

Schedule a Consultation

Although you cannot afford All-on-4, it does not mean that you cannot get implant dentures. Schedule a consultation with a skilled implant dentist to discuss alternatives that cost less. Before a dentist can offer definite treatment options, you will need an exam and a CT scan. The CT scan will measure your bone volume and help the dentist see your oral cavities to plan for precise implant placement.

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

How Does Advanced Gum Disease Affect Dentures or Dental Implants?

Posted on March 10, 2020 by AllSmiles.

After losing 7 teeth within a year, I finally got the courage to visit the dentist. She diagnosed me with advanced periodontal disease. My case is out of her hands, and she is referring me to a periodontist. Although I’ve neglected dental appointments all my life, the good news is that I am fortunate to have employment and good dental coverage. I don’t know what to expect with a periodontist, and my dentist hinted that I should save my questions for the expert. I still would like to know if my gumline is slow are both dentures and dental implants an option for me? I’m only 51 years old, and I prefer not to have full dentures. – Kinston from GA

Kinston,

Your dentist is wise to refer to a periodontist to treat your gum disease. The periodontist will evaluate your medical and dental history before recommending any form of tooth replacement.

Factors that can affect your options

Advanced gum disease– Healthy gums are essential for healing around the implant for a snug fit. Diseased gums will interfere will the healing process.
Bone loss – You need enough bone volume to support dental implants. Advanced gum disease spreads to the bone and can deteriorate it. Additionally, missing teeth result in bone resorption. If you’re a candidate for dental implants, you might need bone grafting first.
Your physical health – Certain autoimmune diseases and health conditions, including diabetes, must be well controlled before you receive dental implants. Your body must be healthy enough to promote healing, so the implants and your jawbone will fuse.

Removable dentures

Removable complete dentures will decrease your chewing efficiency. They are not stable, and they can lift or slip.

Implant overdentures

Although it might not be possible or practical for you to receive individual dental implants, your dentist can secure a denture to two or more dental implants. Implants make dentures look and feel more like your natural teeth. Your dentist can snap—or screw—the denture onto dental implants. Any option that includes dental implants will give you a healthier and more attractive smile.

Best wishes for a steady recovery and healing from periodontal disease.

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