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Question:  Day 3 denture wearer: The suction plate on my top denture is pressing on the bone in the roof of my mouth and is causing some pain, even while not chewing. Is this normal?

Jan 11, 2012 11:34 am

You will experience discomfort until the healing is complete, which lasts a minimum of two to ten months, depending on your ability to heal. It is normal to have some difficulty when a large number of teeth have been removed and dentures are placed. They will feel bulky and they often cause a lot of extra saliva as you adapt to them being present in your mouth.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  Hi, I work for a company that manufactures texture modified foods for people with swallowing difficulty. I am trying to establish the opinion of dental experts on whether it would be a good idea to offer a short term solution of softer smoother ready meals for patients with newly fitted dentures. Please could you advise whether you think there is demand for this? Many thanks Vicki

Jan 11, 2012 11:33 am

Your best bet would be to contact dental schools across the country to see if anyone is interested in conducting a research study. You can contact Graduate Program Directors in Prosthodontics since these are the specialists in training and are required to do research.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  I have about 8 teeth on top and 12 teeth on the bottom. I do wear patials but my teeth are so worn down after all the wear and tear over my 59 years that I have no smile. You can not see my teeth. I'm enbarrased to smile for photo's and I'm enbarrased to talk close to people. My dentist tries to take care of them the best she can, but that dosen't help my smile. I am really considering having them pulled and replacing them with dentures. She keeps saying "no keep your real teeth" .

Jan 11, 2012 11:32 am

You should avoid having your teeth removed if at all possible. Even the best dentures are only about 15-20 percent as functional as natural teeth. Dentures are a compromise that you should avoid if at all possible. You may want to seek the care of a prosthodontist, a dental specialist with three years of training beyond dental school focused on complete oral health care including teeth placement, appearance and function, as well as denture care and maintenance and more. To find a prosthodontist near you visit www.gotoapro.org.

Question:  I had intermediat dentures made and the molders do not meet when I chew I have to use the front teeth.. The molders lay flat against the pick part of the dentures My dentist said that is my bit something or other. Can the molders be pulled out and strighten some how ...

Jan 11, 2012 11:31 am

The set of dentures placed at the time of tooth removal are called immediate dentures. Often, the use of these dentures is helpful to allow patients to become accustomed to dentures. These dentures also are a real help to allow control of swelling, bleeding and comfort during the healing period to follow removal of the teeth. Later, these dentures will need to be relined or sometimes remade to fit better to the underlying gum and shape of the jaw since these change after tooth removal.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  What is the best dishwashing liquid to clean your dentures with ? Is Dawn ultra concentrated liquid OK ? Or is an antibeactorial dishwashing liquid better like Palmolive ?

Jan 11, 2012 11:31 am

You should use a dish washing liquid and a special denture brush to clean your dentures by hand every day. After rinsing them thoroughly, soak your dentures in water-based cleaning solution overnight. Or you can place them in water or a water/mouthwash mixture, if you prefer. Do not use bleach on your dentures unless your dentist or prosthodontist gives you special instructions on using bleach.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  I got denuture 12 months ago temps first for 7 months (that normal?) They said my bottom dont fit for I have some torad and will cost 1600 more to fit right. I cant eat good nothing hard or with texture. Help I neeed some advise am i being taken?

Jan 11, 2012 11:30 am

The set of dentures placed at the time of tooth removal are called immediate dentures. Often, the use of these dentures is helpful to allow patients to become accustomed to dentures. These dentures also are a real help to allow control of swelling, bleeding and comfort during the healing period to follow removal of the teeth. Later, these dentures will need to be relined or sometimes remade to fit better to the underlying gum and shape of the jaw since these change after tooth removal.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists