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Question:  what are the different types of dentures and is one more comfortable than another? Also, can you keep some of your teeth when you have dentures? How far back does the top denture go. I have a lump on the roof of my mouth and I am worried about the plate irratating it.

Jan 27, 2012 2:18 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:  My partial is causing enormous pain on the right the dentist says to wear it anyway because if i dont my teeth will shift. I feel like i need a second opinion.

Jan 27, 2012 2:17 pm

You should seek the care of a prosthodontist, a dental specialist with three years of training beyond dental school focused on dentures including care and maintenance. To find a prosthodontist near you visit www.gotoapro.org

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  I've had dentures for 50 years. I got new ones about 5 yrs ago. My uppers fit fine, but my lowers need adhesive several times a day. The dentis t told me my mouth was small and my bottom jaw shrunken badly so my lowers won't fit well. He suggested implants but my insurance doesn't cover them. I just read its not safe to reapply adhesive for than once a day because of zinc in it.

Jan 23, 2012 11:15 am

If you cannot afford dental implants, consider speaking to your dentist about relining your lower denture. A reline will make the tissue fitting surface fit more closely to the gums, and should be done periodically in many instances. If your dentist cannot achieve a suitable fit, seek the care of a Prosthodontist, a specialist with three additional years of training, and an expert in denture construction. For a prosthodontist nearest you, check out the gotoapro.org website.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  I just got an immediate upper denture. My dentist pulled my teeth, put it in, sent me on my way. I am very frustrated, I don't know if I have to rinse it, if I can eat, should I use mouthwash, NOTHING! I can't talk properly and one spot feels like it is burning, the rest there is little pain. Please, please someone help me. I don't go back to see my dentist for 48 hrs and I don't know what to do.

Jan 23, 2012 11:00 am

Your dental professionals should give you instructions about your immediate denture that are specific for you. Typically, you will wear the denture for the first 24 hours and sleep with it in place for the first night. This allows the denture to act as a bandage. Usually the dentist who made the denture will see you the next day to adjust the bite and check the fit of the denture. For a number of days you will need to eat soft foods that are easy to chew. If you have not worn an upper partial, it may take you a few days to learn how to talk with something in the roof of your mouth — reading out loud helps your tongue adapt. It also takes a little time to get used to the denture touching the back of your palate. If you have any problems and concerns, you should consult the dentist who made your denture.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  I received upper dentures about two years ago. From that time to now, I have probably had them in my mouth about a total of 1 whole day. I keep gagging with the upper dentures. The dentures have been trimmed all they can be. I am told about the hard palet and the soft palet, which the soft is where the gag muscles are. Unfortunately, my mouth has the harder palet in the back and the soft palet more to the front, I just gag when I get them in and that I gag until I throw up. HELP!!!

Jan 23, 2012 10:59 am

Getting used to new dentures can be difficult for patients who have a sensitive gag reflex. It is important to know that gagging is a normal protective function of the body. Sometimes it is possible to reduce the severity of this reflex slowly over time by gradually building up the amount of time you wear your dentures during each day. If this does not work you may want to consider implants to support a fixed bridge instead of a removable denture. You may wish to see a prosthodontist, a dental specialist with three years of additional training in the restoration and replacement of teeth. To locate a prosthodontist in your area visit gotoapro.org.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  my friend's bottom gum is swollen. what can he do relieve this problem? he had all his teeth removed and got a full set of dentures. is this normal?

Jan 23, 2012 10:58 am

Pain and swelling following extraction and denture placement is common. The pain and swelling will subside once healing is complete and his dentures are adjusted for the best possible fit. He may need soft relines to his dentures following some procedures or have his “bite” modified to even out the pressure during this time of transition. Regular visits to his dentist or prosthodontist to adjust the dentures as he goes through the normal healing process are recommended. To locate a prosthodontist near you visit www.gotoapro.org.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists