Baton Rouge Dentist

I Only Have Five Teeth Left

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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

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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.

My dentist is lying about why my new denture won’t stay in

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My dentist is lying about why my new denture won’t stay in. I chose my dentist because he said he could give me a denture that fits well. I had all my upper teeth extracted seven years ago and got a denture that I didn’t like. I decided to find a new dentist to replace it, but I made the wrong choice.

My dentist took an impression, did a wax bite, and two wax try-ins. After the second wax try-in, I told my dentist that it was too loose. He replied that the try-in is about the teeth, not the fit. When I received the new denture, guess what? It was loose like the second wax try-in. I took a deep breath and told my dentist that it was unacceptable. He ignored me. He said that my gums need time to adjust, and he asked me to return in a week. Of course, nothing changed. I told him that the denture doesn’t stay in long enough for me to know if I like it.

Next lie. My dentist now says my bite was off. He ground on my denture a few times and kept checking my bite. It didn’t work. What’s next? Fixodent. Really? I could do that at home. I don’t know how I kept my calm, but my dentist told me to come back in another week. When I got home, I saw how rough he was with my denture. Now 3 of the molar teeth are almost flat. And did I overhear him say that I might need a reline? Another lie?

I’m convinced that my dentist is lying, that he knows he didn’t get the impression right, and he keeps making up lies instead of saying that he permanently messed up my denture. He doesn’t want to do a new denture for free. I’m no fool, and I’m not going for the Fixodent lie, the relining lie, or any other lie. I’m in $1300 deep and have a denture with almost-flat molar teeth. Pat M. from MS

Pat,

Although your dentist made many mistakes, the problem with your denture not staying in can probably be resolved with relining it.

Let us review your description of the events:

If you told us everything your dentist did to make your dentures, he skipped a couple of steps that he learned in dental school. Unfortunately, shortcuts are common. Some dentists cut costs by skipping steps. Usually, the result is a suitable denture. But your denture doesn’t fit well. And relining it can take care of that even if your dentist didn’t get the impression right.

Dental Impressions for Dentures

A two-step impression results in an accurate fit. Some dentists take a three-step impression:

  • A preliminary impression with alginate
  • A model of the jaw
  • A custom tray made from the model

But the next steps are essential:

  • Use a heavier impression material to register the borders of the denture and maximize suction
  • Use a light-body material to fill the interior of the impression and register the details of the soft tissue

If a dentist shortens the step and uses a medium-body material, the dentist will save chair time and cost, and you’ll get a decent denture.

Your Denture Reline and Wax Try-In

  • Your dentist will likely use your denture as a custom tray for a more accurate impression.
  • You can ask him to use a two-step impression.
  • Your gums don’t need to adjust to a new denture; your dentist needs to get the impression right.
  • The purpose of the wax try-in is to check the position of the denture teeth and ensure you like your smile.

What If the Reline Doesn’t Work?

Diagram of snap-on dentures; affordable dental implants
Snap-on dentures are affordable dental implants

You might need a new denture. Think about your long-term oral health and budgeting so that you can get a few dental implants to secure your denture and prevent it from slipping around. Your dentist still needs to ensure your denture fits well—with or without implants. Speak with a skilled implant dentist about your options.

What About Your Shortened Molar Teeth?

That’s still an issue. Ask your dentist to check your bite after he relines your dentures. Don’t accept a bite that’s off. It can lead to jaw pain, neck pain, and headaches. Insist that your dentist gets it right.

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

 

How Does Advanced Gum Disease Affect Dentures or Dental Implants?

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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

Diagram of lower affordable dental implants with four screws
Implant overdentures are affordable and will stabilize your dentures

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.