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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

Question:  I recently got some plastic partial dentures. At first, it hurt just to have them in my mouth. After numerous adjustments, I can tolerate them very well as long as I don't chew on anything. But trying to eat with them is painful. I've had them for a month and wear them only part of the time. Do I just need more time to get used to them or is my experience abnormal? I had an acrylic partial before and I could eat anything without discomfort. It was just too bulky.

Jan 23, 2012 10:57 am

It is common for new dentures to cause some soreness, depending upon the design of the denture and the way it was made by the dentist. Some adjustments are usually necessary. If numerous adjustments do not solve the problem you should return to your dentist or see a prosthodontist to determine what can be done. . To locate a prosthodontist, a dental specialist with three years of additional training in the restoration and replacement of teeth, including dentures, visit gotoapro.org.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  my top denture sits too far back in my mouth . Will a reline push it out for a more natural look? I spent alot of money for these and am not pleased with the end results

Jan 12, 2012 2:35 pm

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your new dentures, you should discuss your concerns with the dentist who made them. You might bring your old dentures with you so the dentist can compare the difference in your appearance with the new dentures versus the old ones. You may consider consulting a prosthodontist, a dental specialist with three years of additional training in the restoration and replacement of teeth, including dentures. To find a prosthodontist near you visit www.gotoapro.org.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  I just got full upper dentures and they are so loose that they fall out when I open my mouth. The dentist I use says they will always be that loose because I have bone loss. Is there anything I can do?

Jan 12, 2012 2:35 pm

When your teeth are extracted, you will lose bone and soft tissue support, which is a normal part of the healing process. When the bone is lost, the dentures no longer fit as well as they once did. Bone loss can continue for the rest of your life, but is usually the greatest during the first year after tooth removal. So yes, you will most likely need to have a procedure done to refit the base of the denture, called a “reline” procedure. However, this procedure will enable your denture to fit better, and tighter, than it has previously. This procedure can be done by your dentist or prosthodontist, a specialist in denture care and maintenance. To locate a prosthodontist near you visit www.gotoapro.org.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  the gum part of my dentures have turned yellow is the a way to make them pink again amnd how can I whiten the teeth themselves thank you

Jan 12, 2012 2:32 pm

The discoloration of the denture is something best left to a professional rather then trying to repair yourself. You may consider consulting a prosthodontist, a dental specialist with three years of additional training in the restoration and replacement of teeth, including dentures. To find a prosthodontist near you visit www.gotoapro.org.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  After 30 yrs of wearing the same denture, they have started causing me to gag. I retired at the end of March and dont't wear them when I'm home, except to eat. I saw a dentist Monday and she said the gaging was from not wearing them. She said a new denture wouldn't help. I cannot wear the denture for more than a few minutes without gagging. Do I have any optons?

Jan 11, 2012 11:34 am

Gagging is unfortunate if it cannot be controlled. Sometimes it may be reduced by minor denture adjustments and sometimes by gradually getting used to wearing the denture with the help of a prosthodontist. A prosthodontist is a dentist with three years of training beyond dental school who specializes in the care and maintenance of dentures. If you cannot tolerate your denture, a prosthodontist may recommend an implant supported overdenture. Sometimes with this type of treatment the offending part of the denture may not be required. To locate a prosthodontist near you, visit www.gotoapro.org.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists