Problem with an Upper Denture

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I lost most of my upper teeth in a car accident. My dentist suggested that I just remove the rest of the teeth and get full upper dentures. Here’s the problem. It makes me gag. I’ve tried everything I can think of. Is there a way to fix this?

Elaine

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Dear Elaine,

 

You have a couple of options. The best option is to use dental implants and then anchor a set of dentures to them. These are known as implant supported dentures or implant overdentures (pictured above). Because your dentures will be held in by the implants instead of suction, it will completely remove the need for a denture plate.

That means there will be nothing for you to gag on. There are additional benefits too. These are permanent so you won’t have to remove them at night, there will be no wiggling while they are in, and you’ll find that your chewing capacity goes up significantly.

The only real downside to this option is that it is can be more expensive than some people can afford. If that is the case for you, one of the things I would suggest you try the second option.

There is a new procedure developed by a prosthodontist in Lancashire, England, Dr. Finlay Sutton, In this procedure, he trims part of the denture plate back to where it is not up against the vibrating line. It can’t be cut back too much or you will lose the suction, which is what keeps them in place. While not 100%, this has helped quite a few patients and worked trying.

This blog is brought to you by Mt. Dora Dentist Dr. Michelle Stillman.