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.

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.

 

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.