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Question:  in houston....where is the dental school..where they need patients.....

Mar 23, 2012 3:53 pm

The University of Texas School of Dentistry is located at 6516 MD Anderson Blvd. in Houston. They have pre-doctoral clinics and a graduate program in prosthodontics (dentists learning the specialty of prosthodontics, which involves dentures, partial dentures, and dental implants). The contact number at the School is 713-500-4000. If you are unable to secure an appointment at the school, you may want to seek the care of a prosthodontist, a dentist with three years of training beyond dental school who specializes in the care and maintenance of dentures. To locate a prosthodontist near you visit www.gotoapro.org.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  On my first visit do I recieve my dentures? Will the be strsight and white and fix my bite? I have had all my teeth removed a little over a week ago. how soon can I get in? how much does it cost and does medicad pay for some.

Mar 23, 2012 3:52 pm

Unfortunately, you will not receive your dentures on the first visit. While denture fabrication techniques vary, it usually takes between 2-5 visits to get the dentures and several visits to make adjustments after they are inserted. If the 5 visit approach is used, your dentist will have one visit where the denture teeth will be set in wax for you to see the size, shape, and color of the teeth, as well as to evaluate the bite. With you having your teeth removed just over a week ago, it will take time for the sockets to heal (up to 6 weeks) sufficiently for your dentist to be able to take accurate impressions (molds) of your mouth on which to make the dentures. You should go ahead and call for an appointment (or series of appointments) so you do not experience delays in treatment. The cost varies between communities and dentists so you should contact your dentist for specifics on costs. Medicaid may pay for a portion of your dentures, but that also varies between states—your dentist should know what is covered in your specific area.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  Will you please inform me as to how many denture wearers currently are in the US? At least in the year 2011??

Mar 23, 2012 3:50 pm

It is estimated that there are upwards of 32 million denture wearers in the U.S. currently. The incidence varies between states and regions, with approximately 60% being located east of the Mississippi River. Kentucky and West Virginia have the highest population % of denture wearers, and Hawaii has the lowest %.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  why do they cover the roof of month

Mar 23, 2012 3:49 pm

The stability created by having a roof or "palate" in your denture helps to create the suction needed for an upper denture to stay in place. However the roof can be removed IF the denture is held in place with dental implants, tiny metallic “screws” that are inserted into your jawbone, and used to anchor the denture. As this is specialized care, you may want to seek the care of a prosthodontist, a dentist with three years of training beyond dental school who specializes in the care and maintenance of dentures. To locate a prosthodontist near you visit www.gotoapro.org.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists

Question:  I have peridontal desease, several teeth are now infected and loose. Is there possibility of saving teeth without removing them. what is recommended if I want to keep my teeth. I am diabetic but have taken care of my teeth and want advice on how to live with this desease and still keep my teeth.

Mar 23, 2012 3:47 pm

If the teeth have lost so much bone that they are loose, it is not likely that you will able to keep them. Additionally, periodontally involved teeth can lead to additional bone loss that can compromise your ability to wear dentures or implant retained dentures. The best option to support dentures is to have dental implants supporting them. Since you already have substantial bone loss, then likely you do need the bone grafts. Everyone who wears dentures have different experiences wearing them. You should discuss your concerns with your dentist or consider seeking the advice of a prosthodontist, a dentist with three years of specialty 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:  this is day two of my full upper dentures. i am still a little swollen but when i try to chew even soft foods or just close my mouth shut my top teeth do not line up with my bottom teeth so when i chew the top dentures move around and it is really hard to chew. my question is is this normal is there anything that can be done to fix this. eventually i am getting the bottoms done also but that will be atleast 6 months or so.

Mar 23, 2012 3:45 pm

Two days is not long to make final judgments on your denture. First, if it is uncomfortable and not working the way you think it should, return to the dentist who made it for you and have proper adjustments made. If the problems are not resolved, consider having your denture adjusted by a prosthodontist to provide you with the best fit possible. A prosthodontist is a dental specialist with three years of training beyond dental school focused on denture care and maintenance. If the denture fit remains inadequate, you may want to consider dental implants. Dental implants are titanium screws placed into the jaw bone, with attachments that extend into the mouth to hold your denture in place or they can actually replace individual teeth in many situations. To find a prosthodontist near you visit www.gotoapro.org.

Response provided by the American College of Prosthodontists