Baton Rouge Dentist

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

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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?

Snap-on denture as an affordable alternative to individual implants
A snap-on denture only needs two implants

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.

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

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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

Diagram of lower affordable dental implants with four screws
Ask an implant dentist about affordable implant options

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.