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.

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

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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 as an affordable alternative to individual implants
A snap-on denture is an affordable implant denture
  • 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.

What to Do If New Dental Crowns Left a Gap Between Your Teeth

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I have more teeth missing than I have left. I’m so frustrated that if anything else goes wrong, I’m going to get implants dentures and forget about trying to save any more teeth. I’ve always had a slight gap between my teeth, but now it’s noticeable. My dentist used crowns that are too small, and now whenever I eat, food gets stuck between them. Right after he placed the crowns, he had me look at them and sign an agreement that I liked them. It was a rushed process that I should have refused. Now what?

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

If food regularly gets caught between your teeth, it’s not just uncomfortable—bacteria will grow and lead to gum disease and tooth decay. If your dentist doesn’t correct the issue, you can get an infection in your gums or teeth that results in tooth loss. Although you might feel like giving up and getting implant dentures, it’s best to save your teeth if it’s possible to do so without compromising your oral or overall health. If you need dentures, dental implants will help them feel and look natural.

Although your dentist asked you to sign a document stating that you liked your crowns, he is still responsible for ensuring they are healthy.

Protocol for Healthy Crowns

When a cosmetic dentist provides new crowns, before cementing them, he or she takes the following precautions:

  • Temporarily cement the crowns on your teeth
  • Check the way your upper and lower teeth contact each other
  • Determine if he or she needs to adjust your bite
  • Ensure your smile is aesthetically pleasing

Talk with your dentist about your concerns and assume that he will want to correct the issue and ensure you like your smile. Your dentist will likely need to replace one—if not both—of your crowns. Don’t compromise. Poorly fitting crowns will cause problems in the future, and you’ll still need to address the issue. Don’t wait for your oral health to decline—schedule time to talk with your dentist.

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

Am I Too Young For Dentures?

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Hi,

As a child, I never learned how to take care of my teeth. I also never went to the pediatric dentist, either – I didn’t see any dentist until I was in my twenties. When I finally went in, it was for a toothache and the dentist found that nearly all my teeth had serious issues. I was quoted an insanely high treatment plan estimate – nearly $10,000, even with insurance! I can’t afford that, but I’ve been going in whenever there’s a problem. Since then, I’ve had multiple teeth pulled, and I don’t see that stopping in the foreseeable future. I asked if I could just get dentures instead, but was told I was too young (I’m in my 30s). Would dentures really be that bad? It’d be nice to have a beautiful smile for once. Am I really too young for dentures?

Thank you,

Bebe, from Versailles, Kentucky.

 

Hi Bebe,

It’s difficult to fix a problem 30+ years in the making, but finding a supportive dentist will be a good start. Your dentist should have taken your concerns into account. Given your background, it’s not so unheard of to get dentures, even at your age. Your dentist should design a treatment plan that that saves any healthy teeth they can, instead of getting all of them extracted at once. This can be done over time and will save you money.

The only issue with dentures is that they will not feel like your natural teeth. While you may be a candidate for a partial or full upper denture, you can also consider implant overdentures, though implants would increase the cost.

Once all your teeth are extracted, the process of resorption will begin; your jaw will begin to break down over time, and this can lead to facial collapse, where the face is shrunken in appearance. Dental implants in the jaw will halt this process. If you get your teeth out now, you will be dealing with bone loss for the next few decades.

Dentures are not bad, but you should definitely save as many teeth as you can, and hold onto your natural teeth as long as possible. In your case, dentures would improve your smile, life, and confidence, but will lead to the issue of bone loss later on. Take your time with this process, and find a dentist you can trust to lead you through this.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge dentist, Dr. Ryan Perry.