The Potential Complications and How to Overcome Them
Dentures are a popular and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, offering an affordable way to restore function and aesthetics as replacement teeth. However, like any dental restoration, dentures come with their own set of potential complications. It’s important to understand these challenges so you can take the right steps to address them and ensure your dentures continue to work well for you.
Our Harris, TX dentist, Dr. Ari Cohen at Cohen Dentistry is here to guide you through the potential issues with dentures and how to prevent or resolve them for the best possible outcome. If you’re in Harris, Bushville, Hurleyville, Maplewood or nearby areas, contact Dr. Cohen by calling (845) 794-4545.
Common Complications of Dentures
While dentures are designed to fit securely and comfortably, oral health complications can arise over time. Here are some of the most common issues that denture wearers face:
Ill Fitting Dentures and Slippage
One of the most frequent complaints about dentures is that they don’t fit properly, leading to ill fitting dentures. Over time, the shape of your gums and jawbone can change, which may cause your dentures to become loose. This can lead to discomfort, difficulty eating, and embarrassment when speaking.
Solution: Regular visits to Dr. Cohen for denture adjustments can help ensure your dentures fit securely. In some cases, relining or remaking the dentures may be necessary.
Sore Spots and Gum Irritation
New dentures can sometimes cause sores or irritation on the gum tissue, especially when they’re not yet fully adjusted to the shape of your mouth. While this is common in the early stages of wearing dentures, it should not be ignored.
Solution: If irritation occurs, it’s important to take your dentures out regularly and give your gums time to heal. Dr. Cohen may also recommend a special soothing gel or adjust the dentures to minimize pressure on sensitive areas.
Difficulty Eating Certain Foods
Dentures, particularly traditional ones, can make eating dentures challenging, especially with sticky or hard items. This can limit your diet and make mealtime less enjoyable.
Solution: Opt for softer foods or cut food into smaller pieces. Over time, with practice, you’ll become accustomed to eating with dentures. If eating becomes consistently difficult, it may be time for an adjustment or to consider alternatives like implant-supported dentures for better stability.
Speech Difficulties
Speaking clearly may take some time to get used to with dentures. The feeling of a foreign object in your mouth can affect the way you pronounce certain words or sounds.
Solution: Practice speaking and reading aloud to get more comfortable with your dentures. Over time, your mouth and muscles will adjust to the new prosthetics, improving your speech.
Dry Mouth and Bad Breath
Dentures can contribute to dry mouth, which may lead to bad breath and discomfort, especially if artificial teeth are not properly cleaned. This occurs because dentures can sometimes affect the salivary flow in the mouth, leading to less moisture.
Solution: Stay hydrated and practice good oral hygiene. Using a mouthwash designed for denture wearers can help alleviate dry mouth and prevent bad breath.
How to Prevent and Minimize Denture Complications
To avoid the complications of dentures, here are some preventative measures you can take to maintain good oral health:
- Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene: Clean your dentures daily to remove food particles and plaque. Use a gentle denture brush along with a mild denture cleaner to avoid damaging your dentures. Brush your gums, tongue, and the roof of your mouth to keep your mouth healthy.
- Regular Check-Ups: Regular visits to Dr. Cohen will help ensure your dentures are still in good condition and that your gums and mouth are healthy, promoting good oral health.
- Proper Storage: When you’re not wearing your dentures, store them in water or a denture-cleaning solution to keep them moist and maintain their shape.
- Adapt to Your New Routine: Allow time to adjust to wearing dentures. Practice speaking, eating, and handling them to make your transition smoother.
Prevent future denture complications by calling (845) 794-4545 to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wearing your dentures all the time can increase the risk of some complications, such as:
- Irritation and inflammation of the gums: Dentures that are worn all the time can put pressure on the gums, which can lead to irritation and inflammation. This can cause pain, redness, and swelling.
- Dry mouth: Dentures can rub against the gums and irritate the salivary glands, which can lead to a dry mouth. A dry mouth can make it difficult to keep the dentures clean and can also lead to other problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
- Infections: Dentures can harbor bacteria, which can lead to infections in the mouth, such as tooth decay, gum disease dentures, and pneumonia.
There are a few things you can do to prevent denture problems, including:
- Take good care of your dentures: This includes brushing and flossing them daily, using a denture cleaner, and having them adjusted by your dentist as needed.
- See your dentist regularly: This will help to identify any problems early on and prevent them from getting worse.
- Quit smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of gum disease and other problems that can lead to denture complications.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help to keep your gums, jaw bones, and healthy teeth in good condition, which can help to prevent denture problems.
- Be aware of your dentures: Be aware of how your dentures fit and feel, and report any problems to your dentist right away.
Overcoming Denture Complications at Cohen Dentistry
While dentures can sometimes come with complications, the benefits they offer in terms of restored function, aesthetics, and confidence far outweigh the challenges, especially when compared to the issues caused by missing natural teeth. With the right care, regular check-ups, and guidance from a skilled dentist like Dr. Ari Cohen, you can enjoy a comfortable and functional set of dentures.
If you’re experiencing any issues with your dentures in Harris, Monticello, South Fallsburg, Loch Sheldrake, or the surrounding areas, contact Cohen Dentistry today by calling (845) 794-4545. Dr. Cohen can help you address complications and ensure that your dentures serve you well for years to come.