I am considering dentures. Can anyone give me advice about where to begin and possible complications if any.?

Question

I am in my late 40's and have never had good teeth. I have constant toothaches and need expensive procedures done. I was quoted at $37,000 to have my teeth straightened etc. I cannot afford this and do not of course have a dental plan. I am missing a number of teeth all of which are molars and back teeth. I can only chew on one side because there are no teeth on the other side, also I will at times choke on my food because it gets stuck in my teeth and I bite the insides of my lips. Its ridiculous and I probably should have done this a long time ago. Please, if you have any wisdom I would like to hear from you. My daughter thinks its a good idea as she attests that its better to have it done now rather than waiting when I'm older. I want to add that I have major bone loss in my mouth and have hashimotos disease(immune disease).

Answer 1

HELLO,

THERE ARE CERTAIN SITUATIONS WHERE DENTURES MAY BE NEEDED. IF AT ALL POSSIBLE GET PARTIAL DENTURES AND KEEP SOME TEETH.
WHY?
A COMPLETE UPPER DENTURE ALTERS YOUR SENSE OF TASTE BECAUSE WITH THIS THE ENTIRE UPPER PALATE IS NOW COVERED BY ACRYLIC WHICH HOLDS YOUR FALSE TEETH.
HAVING A COMPLETE LOWER DENTURE MAKES CHEWING FOODS DIFFICULT.
WHY?
BECAUSE IT HAS POOR RETENTION AND IS CONSTANTLY LOOSE.
THE BEST SITUATION CONSIDERING ALL THE TROUBLES YOU'VE HAD IS IMPLANT-RETAINED DENTURES WHERE THE IMPLANTS HOLD THE DENTURES SECURELY.

Answer 2

I 've had an upper denture since I was 25. and have never had any problems with it . I can eat apples, corn on the cob no problem.
Of couse it takes some time to get use to it.
Maybe 2-3 months. I have never regreted having my achy teeth pulled, and saved myself a lot of money and grief.
Bottom dentures are a different story because the gum ridge shrinks. Therefore the denture dont always stay good fitting.
If you can save the good bottom teeth that you do have, and maybe add a partial plate that would be much better for the bottoms. As for the top, go for it, have them pulled out. You will wonder why you waited so long.

Answer 3

Advantages:
Dentures definitely provide a great smile with a very natural appearance. They're made of very durable materials and last very long when properly taken care of. Typically dentures last from five to ten years. They also correct several problems, from speech to chewing, for many patients.

Disadvantages:
There's no doubt that dentures take a little getting used to. There is maintenance involved, and initial speech issues to overcome (these are temporary and last only a couple of days). Mouth irritation or sores may occur, but are usually caused by poor dental hygiene, and not removing your dentures when needed. It is common that your mouth change over the life of your dentures, so even though they last long, they may need to be replaced to achieve a better fit before they are worn out. With a denture a person typically chews at only 15-23% efficiency compared to a person chewing with their natural teeth. In the case of a full upper denture, the upper palate is covered which can reduce taste of foods you're chewing.

Answer 4

You do need to weigh all aspects of this decision. Being well informed is the key to this. Dentures can be good or bad, part of the experience is what you as the potential wearer see in them.

Having a positive attitude and realistic expectations. Getting to know someone who wears dentures is always a good way to gain this insight.

I am in my mid 40's and have had full dentures for 7 years. I go to my dentist twice a year at a minimum and more if something is bothering me.

Mine look natural and I can eat anything I want without thinking about it. I know others are not as fortunate. There is the bone loss issue, the ability to keep them in place, comfort, self esteem issues. A whole range of emotions go along with this.

Feel free to contact me off the board if you wish

Sandy

Answer 5

The quoted $37,000 is quite an amount. But it is not clear how many healthy teeth you are left with and what all the treatment this amount includes. If you do not have any history to prove of 'choking', the insurance cover is unlikely to happen. You may have to get the treatment done in phases, starting most likely with extractions. Or look for affordable overdentures in India or cheap dental clinic India.

Answer 6

MAJOR bone loss could be a BIG problem for dentures....you will probablly have to think about dental implants... I have them upper and a regular denture (that I can't wear) lower because there isn't enough bone lower FOR implants or to hold a denture... Upper I had a bone grafting from my hipbone to my upper jaw bone. then 6 implants put in----Dental insurance did not cover it... HOWEVER, if you can get your maxillo facial surgeon to submit a MEDICAL FORM because choking is definitely a HEALTH hazard of your present teeth situation, you MIGHT actually be able to get the IMPLANTS covered on your HEALTH INSURANCE---I DID it because I was born with a cleft palate and the surgery for the reconstruction of the palate destroyed the bone in my jaws....I paid NOTHING for the implants----the teeth, you can save a BUNDLE if you have a DENTAL COLLEGE near you----I STARTED to have my teeth at Columbia University School of Dentistry in New York City (part of Columbia Presbyterian Hospital).... it was 1/8th the cost I would have paid at a regular PROSTHODONTIST. (THE ONE WHO MAKES THE TEETH)...

Answer 7

sounds like you'll need some bone grafting and dentures. is it possible for you to find a job with dental insurance before you undergo surgery? that's a whole lot of money just for teeth! im really tempted to say, "you should've taken care of your teeth periodically, then this wouldn't have happened to you", but i won't.

i dont know of the complications of having hashimoto's disease, but im sure your doctor would have to consult with your immunologist.

i dont know your social class, but if you can afford it i would suggest you get it done. think of it as a small investment that you wouldve wasted on a mid-life crisis vehicle. having a bright smile, and eating well is almost invaluable.

Answer 8

About your age I began to lose teeth due to bone loss and several became infected giving me problems like you wouldn't believe.One infection was working through the roof of my mouth. I went to my dentist who made an impression for a plate upper and lower. When they were ready he had me back ,extracted all my teeth ( about 14) inserted the plates over open cavaties. We went to Hyannis ,MA the next day to play in a golf tny.Could hardly chew but it worked.

Answer 9

get whats left pulled dentures arent so bad are they???