Have you been dealing with your dentures fitting poorly? If so, it’s something that shouldn’t be ignored. In fact, it could lead to several health issues. As you continue reading, discover 5 potential health problems that can arise from ill-fitting dentures, and find out why it’s important to be examined by your dentist.
#1 – Irritated and Inflamed Gums
Improperly fitting dentures will start to rub against the soft tissue in the mouth in an unnatural manner. The friction can cause painful gum irritation and inflammation.
#2 – TMJ Pain
The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are located on either side of the face in front of the ear lobe. Their job is to open and close the mouth, as well as rotate the jaw. When these joints become inflamed, there can be intense pain. If you’re already dealing with this issue, improperly fitting dentures can make it worse, as they encourage jawbone misalignment.
#3 – Risk of Infection
As dentures rub against the skin, there can be cuts, scrapes and blisters. Because bacteria are constantly present in the mouth, this can develop into an infection.
#4 – Ear Pain
Over time, any jaw or gum pain related to poorly fitting dentures can trigger a pressure buildup, where the ears start to ache.
#5 – Atrophy of the Jawbone
Enduring loose dentures for too long can lead to jawbone atrophy. This can stem from the jawbone becoming too worn, which can cause bone resorption.
Why You Should Visit Your Dentist
All of the above are time-sensitive matters. The sooner you visit your dentist and undergo an examination, the better your chances of recovering without having to experience more acute problems. In addition to having your dentures examined, your dental health will be carefully assessed. This will also be your chance to learn what the treatment options are, and to determine what will work best for you.
The Available Solutions
Here are some of the options for addressing loose fitting dentures:
- Reline – A reline involves replacing the lining of the denture base. In some cases, it can work wonders for sore gums.
- Rebase – When a reline isn’t enough, the dentist may rebase the denture. The procedure involves placing a new pink-resin base. This allows the denture to mesh with the gum tissue, to eliminate fit problems.
- Implant Stabilization – The best fix for loose dentures is the surgical insertion of dental implants. The titanium posts will hold the denture in place and help to stabilize the underlying bone.
If your dentures don’t fit, there’s no reason to continue living with the frustration and pain. By being examined, you can soon get on the road to having a fully functional set of teeth that leave you pain-free and more confident!
About the Author
Dr. Michael C. Byars is a graduate of the University of Missouri – Kansas City. As one of the few dentists in the Kansas City area with advanced, state-of-the-art training in complex restorative dental procedures, he possesses a special skillset. Dr. Byars puts his expertise to work by placing traditional and implant-retained dentures at his private practice. He can be reached for more information or to schedule a visit through his website.