Archives for August 2022

Will Snap-On Dentures Improve My Gag Reflex?

Posted on August 31, 2022 by AllSmiles.

Dental anxiety has kept me away from the dentist for at least 15 years. Most of the teeth I’ve left are rotten & I know they’ll have to come out. Then I’ll get dentures, I guess. Problem is, I’ve got a bad gag reflex. I mean, bad–like I even gag from my toothbrush (which is how my teeth got this way in the first place, I suppose). Well, my buddy told me about his snap-on dentures and said they might be able to do something like this for me. Is this true? Can you guys make me something that I could wear without gagging all day? Thanks, Geoff

Geoff,

Many people struggle with an active gag reflex. We understand that a gag reflex makes dental care challenging, especially when considering complete dentures. Snap-on dentures can help.

What Are Snap-on Dentures?

Snap-on dentures attach to mini-implants anchored in the jawbone. The denture base has attachments that snap onto dental implants. Conventional dentures may move, float, and cause difficulties depending on your jawbone level. Snap-on dentures stay in place, making it much easier to eat and talk without using messy adhesives.

Reducing Your Gag Reflex with Dentures

Snap-on denture

A dentist can fabricate a maxillary (upper) denture for you that does not cover your palate. While conventional dentures must cover the entire roof of your mouth to create suction and stay in place, a snap-on denture exposes your palate. The implant attachments create good retention. Your dentist can design dentures to avoid triggering your gag reflex.

Schedule an appointment for a comprehensive examination. A dentist will answer your questions about how a snap-on denture can improve function and comfort.

Metairie, Louisiana dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post.

Will My Face Sag If I Don’t Get Dental Implants?

Posted on August 29, 2022 by AllSmiles.

Upper implant denture

At 44 years old, a severe calcium deficiency has left me with 18 teeth that my dentist says must be extracted, and he recommends dentures. I have two teenagers and prefer not to look like their grandmother after I get dentures. Are implants the only way to maintain my face shape? Thank you. Brienne from Dallas, TX

Brienne,

Thank you for contacting our office. Did your dentist explain why he recommends removing your teeth and replacing them with a denture? Sometimes, tooth removal is less challenging than saving them, and a dentist may not have the skill level or understanding to restore your teeth. Dr. Delaune would need to examine and x-ray your teeth to explain your options and develop a treatment plan.

Does Calcium Deficiency Affect Adult Teeth?

A calcium deficiency can result in various signs and symptoms, including:

abnormal heartbeat
extreme fatigue
muscle cramping
nail changes
numbness and tingling in your fingertips
osteoporosis
poor appetite

Calcium hydroxyapatite is essential for developing and maintaining bones and tooth enamel. According to the American Dental Association, teeth benefit from a healthy lifestyle, including a diet rich in vitamin D and calcium. Frequent snacking and a high-sugar diet promote tooth decay.

How Will Dentures Affect Your Facial Appearance?

If a dentist or an oral surgeon must extract your teeth, your jawbone will shrink if you wear removable dentures. The shrinkage will affect your appearance in ten to twenty years because you lack enough bone to support your facial muscles. Also, you will be unable to retain a removable denture.

Dental implants are the healthiest, most effective solution for replacing missing teeth. Implants have these benefits:

Stimulate the jawbone
prevent shrinkage
Help prevent premature facial sagging

Implant-supported dentures will be stable and improve denture function and fit. Immediate implant placement can halt bone shrinkage and prevent the need for future bone grafting. In many cases, an implant dentist or an oral surgeon will remove unsavable teeth and immediately replace them with dental implants.

We recommend getting a second opinion from a dentist with advanced implant training to determine whether they can save your teeth or if you require extractions and implants.

Metairie, Louisiana dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post.

My Jaw Is Sore from a New Dental Implant Bridge

Posted on August 4, 2022 by AllSmiles.

After getting a new implant bridge in late June, my upper and lower teeth don’t meet when I chew on the right side of my mouth. Also, my jaws are sore when I wake up in the morning. After getting the bridge, I felt jaw soreness, and my dentist adjusted my bite, but something is still wrong. I am anxious about whether I need more dental work or a new bridge. Will you please tell me what my dentist might recommend for the problems with my bridge so I can anticipate it or know whether to get a second opinion? Thank you. Nichelle from SC

Nichelle,

Thank you for your question.

A new dental bridge should not misalign your bite. It takes advanced training for a dentist to restore dental implants with a bridge and achieve a balanced bite.

Why Is a New Implant Bridge Causing Jaw Soreness?

When a new implant bridge causes jaw soreness and your bite is off, the implants are in the wrong position, or your dentist incorrectly placed the bridge.

Bridge placement – Your dentist may have placed the bridge incorrectly or not secured it well.
Incorrect implant placement – Highly skilled restorative dentists make a surgical guide for the oral surgeon or periodontist to place your implants precisely. Without the guide, a surgeon may place the implants in the wrong position, and the crowns or dental bridge will not fit. Miscommunication with the surgeon can lead to a misaligned bite.

Schedule an Implant Bridge Second Opinion

We recommend finding a restorative dentist with advanced training in occlusion and bite for a second opinion on your implant bridge. The dentist will examine your implants and bridge to determine if they are mismatched.

If your dentist cannot resolve the issue, you can request a refund for these reasons:

Your dental bridge does not function well.
Your jaw soreness suggests you are beginning to experience TMJ disorder
An advanced implant dentist gave you a second opinion and found the cause of your discomfort.

Request your dental records before switching dentists. Your new dentist may be willing to help you get a refund if your current dentist is uncooperative.

Metairie, Louisiana dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post.