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Question:  I have worn dentures for 50 years and I only take them out to clean them and put them right back in. I have not any problems with my gums. I am visiting a new dentist for repair on a bottom partial, he states the gum is deteriating and needs some work. What is your oppinion? Should I allow any surgical procedure when I am not having any problems. I am seeing this new dentist for repair on a partial. Thank you

Jul 11, 2012 9:24 am

Gum disease often progresses rapidly, even without causing any pain. Gum disease can cause damage to the bone beneath the gum, and therefore cause deterioration in the fit of dentures or loosening and eventual loss of teeth. You should ask your dentist to explain specifically what treatment is being proposed in your case, and for an explanation of why the treatment is being recommended. You may wish to get additional information from a Prosthodontist, a specialist with three years of advanced training treating patients with dentures, implants, crowns, and bridges. To find a Prosthodontist near you , visit www.gotoapro.com.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  I recently had a upper denture made. They came back too small they sent them off to be adjusted or whatever The out come is the denture is too small for my mouth I have a problem eating with them and talking, I was told by the dentist that there was nothing more he could do. We don't know if the impressions were wrong or the lab made a mistake making the plate

Jul 11, 2012 9:23 am

It sounds like it would be best for you to ask for a second opinion from a specialist, to see if the denture you have can be improved. One possibility is to seek the advice of a Prosthodontist, a dental specialist with three years of advanced training in treating patients with dentures, implants, crowns, and bridges. To find a Prosthodontist near you, visit www.gotoapro.com.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  I have new dentures (less then a month) ..Is it okay to sleep in your denture if say your staying over at someone house and you don't want to sleep without your teeth. I was told you have to take them out every night. How harmful is a night or two ?

Jul 11, 2012 9:23 am

People who wear dentures overnight are more at risk of swelling of their gum tissues. If you are going to wear your dentures at night, be sure to leave your dentures out for several hours each day. You should also see a prosthodontist to evaluate the condition of your gum tissues at least once each year. To locate a prosthodontist near you visit www.gotoapro.org.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  Hi just got my new dentures on friday was able to wear most all day.my mouth was very sore from the fitting.they had them in an out several times trying to get the best fit.no one told me much about keeping them out of my mouth.they were cleaned an put in the box dry. I tryed to put them in this morning an they dont seem to fit or feel the same. Should they stay in water if i am not useing them an will they need to be refitted.

Jul 11, 2012 9:22 am

In the past, it was recommended that dentures be soaked in water overnight when not in place, to prevent the distortion of the acrylic in the denture, whether it had acrylic or porcelain teeth. The plastic acrylic resins used in dentures today are much more stable and do not require storage in water overnight when not in use, whether or not the denture has porcelain or acrylic teeth. It is probably still most convenient to clean dentures overnight by using a soaking solution and therefore they are often keep in a solution overnight. If the dentures are not fitting properly anymore, we do recommend returning to the dentist who made them. They may require an adjustment.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  I have a burning sensation rear portion of upper plate and lower partial occasionally on gum line. It remains even after bridge removal . It may last for a few months and then stop. Is it an allergic reaction? Sorry to say my dentist is clueless!!

Jul 11, 2012 9:21 am

It is possible that you have an allergy to an adhesive, if you are using one.
Most adhesives contain very similar components. Unfortunately, without knowing what particular components you are allergic to, it is impossible to know what product to recommend. You have two options: one, visit a physician specializing in allergies, and determine which of the compounds in adhesive you are allergic to.
You may want to seek the care of a prosthodontist, a dental specialist with three years of training beyond dental school in the care and maintenance of dentures. To find a prosthodontist near you visit www.gotoapro.org.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  What is the least expensive way of replacing dental bridges?

Jul 11, 2012 9:21 am

The cost for prosthodontic services can vary based on many factors including business overhead expenses in different parts of the country, and the specific type of treatment selected by the patient in cases where more than one good treatment option exists. “Bargain” types of treatment can often end up being most expensive in the long run, when the results fail to meet the patient’s expectations, and the treatment needs to be repeated. In general, economical treatment can be obtained at Dental Schools and other teaching institutions where students provide services under the supervision of qualified faculty members. If there is no teaching institution near you, you should consult a Prosthodontist to find out if any other local programs are available to help. To find a Prosthodontist near you, visit www.gotoapro.com.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists