Although dentures remain somewhat popular, they are no longer the dental prosthetic of choice for many dentists and patients. Problems such as improper fit, interference with speech, and a reduced sense of taste are commonly cited as reasons for switching to more stable prosthetics, such as dental implants in Shrewsbury, MA. Dr. Todd Pizzi discusses important considerations for patients whose dentures no longer fit properly, or for anyone with concerns about tooth loss.
Short-term Concerns About Dentures
Some disadvantages of dentures are minor inconveniences that might not immediately seem serious enough to warrant an appointment with your dentist. These include:
- Speech difficulty: At first, you may notice an inability to correctly enunciate the ‘sss’ sound.
- Discomfort: If your dentures have stopped fitting correctly, they rub your gum tissue in certain areas, eventually leading to blisters and sores.
- Chewing problems: If you’ve only recently received your dentures, it’s perfectly normal to adjust to eating—at least for a few weeks. If you’ve had your dentures for a while before this happens, it’s time to contact your dentist.
Long-term Problems With Dentures
Because the fit of your dentures is determined by the underlying gum tissues and bone, changes in either will result in a change in fit. If your dentures are loose when you first receive them, the problem will gradually become more severe. Possible consequences include:
- Chronic mouth sores: As the dentures rub against your mouth, sores form more frequently and take longer and longer to heal, if they heal at all.
- Inflammation of gums: Gums that are constantly irritated will swell and become inflamed, further affecting fit.
- Inadequate nutrition: When it becomes difficult to eat healthy foods like vegetables or lean meats, many denture wearers turn to soft foods like breads and sweets.
- Thrush: This fungal infection produces painful red and white splotches in the mouth, making it difficult to swallow food.
- Oral infections: If cuts or blisters in your mouth fail to heal, there is an increased risk of infection. Stomatitis, one of the most common infections caused by poor-fitting dentures, makes the mouth swollen and inflamed throughout.
Questions about dental implants in Shrewsbury, MA? To learn more about implants, or to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, contact us at (508) 842-8838. We welcome patients living in Shrewsbury, North and South Grafton, Milford, Worcester, and the surrounding areas.
