ask our experts a new question

Question:  I'm 50 and found out last week that I have cancer. And because of previous mishaps in my life my teeth wern't the best. Yesterday they removed 31 teeth. My question is what should I look for in dentures and I would like mine permenent. What should I be looking for?

Feb 06, 2012 12:12 pm

Dentures may replace all the teeth or only some of the teeth. The dentures that replace all the teeth are known as complete dentures and they rest on the gums that cover the jawbones. The stability and retention of these dentures can be improved by attaching them to dental implants. Dentures that replace some but not all of the teeth are known as partial dentures. They attach to the teeth that are still present and also cover and rest on the gums and bone where the teeth are missing. You should consult your dentist or prosthodontist to determine the best treatment options for you. A prosthodontist is a dental specialist with three years of training beyond dental school focused on denture care and maintenance. To find a prosthodontist near you visit www.gotoapro.org.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  is it bad to leave dentures in at night?

Feb 06, 2012 12:12 pm

It is recommended that you take your dentures out at night to let the gum tissues rest and recover from wearing the dentures during the day. Your gums were never meant to be covered by dentures 24-hours a day so you need to give them a rest. Your gum tissues will be healthier if you sleep without your dentures. When the dentures are out of your mouth they should be stored in water to prevent drying out of your dentures.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  I have a new partial (bridge) dental appliance. Should the insides of the appliance be smooth? Mine is not and I now have thrush.

Feb 06, 2012 12:11 pm

I do not believe there is a connection between you having thrush and the surface of the bridge. Thrush is actually an overgrowth of a common yeast called Candida Albicans which by itself typically doesn’t cause a problem unless it over grows. The most common causes of overgrowth of this organism due to the prolonged use of antibiotics, nutritional deficiencies or illness that effects the immune system. The question concerning the perception of “roughness” of your bridge is difficult to evaluate without seeing it. Certainly there are difficulties adjusting to a bridge due to the unnatural contours that they have. Of course the surface should be highly polished but sometimes the tongue feels what it thinks is roughness but it may only be the unnatural contours that it is detecting. Also you may want to alert your medical doctor of the “Thrush” so he may evaluate the situation. You should consult your dentist or prosthodontist to determine the best treatment options for you. A prosthodontist is a dental specialist with three years of training beyond dental school focused on denture care and maintenance. To find a prosthodontist near you visit www.gotoapro.org.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  My concerns are the cost (no set amount) for replacing my tooth with partial denture. In my young age, I have NOT taken care of my teeth and result: bad gums and my tooth over the year had to pulled them out and few left on bottom. I've always have had terrible time finding right dentist...Do you have a list of average cost for such as; pulling tooth, partial denture and more...??? Appreciate all your helpful suggestions, this is a great site...!!! very confused patient

Feb 06, 2012 12:10 pm

The cost of any dental procedure is based upon the amount of time it takes, the cost of laboratory services needed and the actual components used in treatment. To understand the cost of a particular procedure it is wise to consult several dental offices. Cost should not be the only factor that you consider when selecting a dentist. You may consider seeking the care of a prosthodontist, a dental specialist with three years of education beyond dental school, who is trained to address complex patient needs. To find a prosthodontist near you visit www.gotoapro.org.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  What if I have dentures and strep throat. How do I get rid of the virus so I am not making the strep reoccur every time I put my teeth back in,.

Feb 06, 2012 12:09 pm

The best way to clean and disinfect your dentures is to use a denture brush with liquid hand soap. Scrub the dentures with the brush and soap under warm water. Then rinse away the soap. You can then rinse the dentures with mouthwash for a clean taste. You can also soak the dentures in a liquid denture cleaner overnight.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  How can I repair my broken denture,( the lower ones) tyhey broke between the teeth in front can I use regural super glue?

Feb 06, 2012 12:08 pm

The best solution for your broken denture is returning to the dentist to repair it properly. While there are denture repair kits available in drugstores, it is difficult or nearly impossible to fix a broken denture properly using these kits. The temptation to use “super-glues” that might be available commercially should be avoided as well as some of these glues are not safe to have present in your mouth. The best advice is to return to your dentist for the repair.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists