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My Jaw Is Swollen and Stiff After Teeth Extractions

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Senior Asian man holding the side of his face portraying jaw swelling and pain after extractions for denturesTwo weeks ago, my dentist extracted six teeth to prepare me for an upper denture. I had severe gum disease, and several teeth loosened and fell out, so I only had six teeth left. The left side of my face was already swollen before the extractions. My dentist said infection from gum disease caused the swelling, so she prescribed amoxicillin for me to take before she completed the extractions. The infection seemed to be getting better, but it got worse toward the middle of last week. I called my dentist, and she said that I needed to keep taking the antibiotics. I’m taking ibuprofen, but it is not helping at all. And the left side of my face feels hard. Should I expect improvement, or does it sound as if something else is wrong? Thank you. Don

Don,

Although Dr. Finley or Dr. Henderson would need to examine your mouth, it sounds like the infection is getting worse. It would help if you let your dentist know that amoxicillin is not working.

Although amoxicillin is often effective for oral infection, sometimes an infection will not respond to it. And lack of improvement usually means that the bacteria is resistant to the medication.

Ask your dentist to switch you to a different antibiotic. Your quick action will prevent your jaw infection from getting worse. As the infection spreads into the bone, they become more challenging to treat and increases your health risk.

Without new medication, your discomfort will increase, and you will delay the process of getting your upper denture. Your dentist will ensure your oral tissue is healthy and not swollen before fitting you for a new denture. Otherwise, the denture will not fit over time, and the pressure of the denture on your gums will cause further irritation.

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, LA, accredited cosmetic dentist and Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, sponsors this post.

My denture’s position makes my lips look bulky

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I think my dentist positioned my dentures wrong because they make my teeth look bulky. It is a new denture for all on 4 implants. Should the front teeth follow the gumline or be a few millimeters away from it? – Anthony P. from Albany, NY

Anthony,

Thank you for choosing our office for your question.

Senior black couple smiling - for dentures info from Bayou Dental Group in Monroe, LAAlthough you ask about the gumline, which all your teeth are missing, you no longer have a gumline. The gumline is where the gum tissue and teeth meet. A denture includes a pink base above the denture teeth to replace what would have been your gumline. So, we will explain where a dentist should place denture teeth in relation to the jawbone ridge beneath the denture.

Preventing Bulky Lips with a Denture

When you receive an implant-retained denture, your dentist must consider several factors to achieve a natural-looking appearance.

  • Denture position – Placing a denture two to three millimeters from the jawbone ridge will promote a healthy bite and help you chew with comfort.
  • Facial appearance – Your dentist should make a wax model of your denture for you to try in before a lab makes your final acrylic denture. Many cosmetic dentists take these steps:
  • Set the teeth in pink wax or a plastic plate, customized to fit your mouth
  • Put the denture in your mouth
  • Evaluate the denture teeth’s appearance, your speech, bite, lip fullness, and your facial profile

If your implant denture is complete, your dentist can unscrew the denture, remove it, and reset your denture teeth. Your dentist or a lab can drill out the front teeth and reprocess the denture. If your denture does not look natural, your dentist might be willing to correct it at no cost or a minimal fee.

If You Need a Second Opinion

If your dentist is unwilling or hesitant about correcting your denture to resolve the issue with bulky lips, consider getting a second opinion. Look for an advanced cosmetic dentist to examine your denture, smile, and facial profile. A cosmetic dentist will explain your options for correcting your denture.

 

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, LA, accredited cosmetic dentist and Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, sponsors this post.

My denture teeth are too long

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Senior man smiling - for information on dentures from Monroe, LA Bayou DentalWhen my dentist did the wax-up of my denture, I told him that the teeth are too long. He said that he would ensure the lab got the length right. I did not see another wax-up. Three weeks later, I got a call from my dentist’s office that my final denture was ready. I asked about the length, and without answering, my dentist put the denture in my mouth and told me to look at my pretty smile. My dentures looked like gopher teeth. I told my dentist that the denture is unacceptable, and he assured me that the denture teeth almost matched the length of my teeth in smile pictures that I brought in. But they do not. I asked my dentist to do nothing further until I think about what I want to do. I cannot accept the denture as is, but I’m unsure of what resolution he will give me. Can the lab file down the teeth, replace the teeth, or will I have to start all over? And can I trust my dentist? I don’t expect you to answer that, but I’m lost. Please help. Thank you. Jacob from S. Carolina

Jacob– Thank you for contacting us. We are so sorry to hear about your experience. We can imagine your disappointment in trying new dentures that do not look good and make you self-conscious.

Can Denture Teeth Be Shortened?

If your denture teeth are too long, your dentist can trim the teeth. And he must ensure your bite is correct afterward. If your dentist chooses to replace the denture entirely, insist on a wax try-in. If the second wax-up is not precisely what you want, you can ask your dentist to try it a third time. Or you can switch to a cosmetic dentist.

You are not responsible for paying for a denture that is not what you wanted. You disapproved the first wax-up, but your dentist had the denture made anyway. Your dentist’s lack of concern for your satisfaction is unsettling.

Schedule a Dentures Consultation With a Cosmetic Dentist

It may help to schedule a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist. Speak with another dentist and learning what they do to ensure you love your new smile. The consultation may help you decide whether to give your dentist another change or select a dentist whose process gets predictable results.

Best wishes for a speedy resolution.

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, LA fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, sponsors this post.

My denture looks like costume teeth

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Senior woman smiling and holding a glass of orange juice - for natural-looking dentures info from Bayou Dental Group

A cosmetic dentist can give you natural-looking dentures

In April 2020, I got six dental implants for an upper denture. I was so excited to get my permanent dentures, but I immediately hated my smile when my dentist temporarily attached it. The good news is that the oral surgeon did a fabulous job with my dental implants. The surgeon and my dentist worked hard to fit my denture perfectly. And the denture feels great. But it looks awful. Like someone else’s teeth.

I lost confidence in my dentist when he told me that my denture looks excellent, but I need to get used to it. So, I insisted on him redoing the denture, which he did. I don’t understand the disconnect, but the wax model and my final denture do not look alike.  I want to smile again without dentures that look like costume teeth.

I have no energy to fight for a refund; I just want to get it right. And I know that I must switch dentists to do it. I’m sending photos for you to see what I mean. Too bad your office is so far away. I would have to fly there because of my health, and I cannot afford it after spending so much money on implants and a denture. – Thank you. Iyona from GA

Iyona,

Thank you for your message and for sending photos. We are sorry to hear about your experience. You invested in a stable, beautiful smile, but it stopped with getting your denture stable with implants. Although it is good that you are pleased with the oral surgeon, dental implants do not show when you smile. But your denture does. An artistic cosmetic dentist cares about giving you a natural-looking smile, never hinting that you need to get used to it or tell you that it looks good when it does not.

Get a Second Opinion for Dentures

You are wise to get a second opinion on dentures. It seems that your dentist doesn’t care much about how your smile affects you or how it reflects on his limited skill. We suggest the following:

  1. Please follow up with a trained cosmetic dentist—one with post-graduate training in dental aesthetics.
  2. Your experience was so disappointing that we recommend looking for an accredited cosmetic dentist in your area.
  3. Although you may have to travel outside of your town or city, it will be worth the few trips you need to get a natural-looking smile with dentures.
  4. Look for accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry or the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. Dentists with accreditation from either organization must prove their skill through rigorous exams and a series of successful patient cases.
  5. Schedule a consultation with the dentist before signing up as a new patient. A consultation will increase your confidence that you are making the right choice.

Best wishes for a complete resolution and being happy to smile again.

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, LA fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, sponsors this post.

 

My dentist begged me not to get dentures but messed up my bite

Posted on by AllSmiles.

My dentist begged me not to get extractions and dentures for missing lower teeth. He promised that he could restore my teeth and use an implant bridge to replace five missing teeth. He did what he said, but my bite is off. When my dentist first checked my bite, I told him that the right side top and bottom teeth do not feel right. The bite paper showed it, too. He did some grinding on the crowns, but it still is not right. What are my options? – Thank you. Lincoln from GA

Lincoln,

We are sorry to hear about your frustrating experience.

All our teeth should meet at the same time when you bite down. Otherwise, you can develop jaw pain and stiffness, earaches, headaches, and other TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder symptoms.

Reasons that Bite Problems can Occur with an Implant Bridge

Sometimes an oral surgeon or periodontist (gum specialist) places your implants, and a dentist restores the implants with crowns, a bridge, or a denture. But a dentist can make a surgical guide for implant placement to ensure the surgeon precisely places the implants to fit your crowns, bridge, or denture. But many dentists do not make the guide. And one issue that results is a problem with your bite.

We recommend that you schedule an appointment for a second opinion and an exam. Look for a dentist with advanced training in dental implants and occlusion and bite (the way your teeth fit together). The dentist will identify the problem and recommend treatment options.

  • Problem with the dental bridge – A cosmetic dentist may be able to correct the bridge. Or, the dentist may need to replace it.
  • Problem with implant placement – Unfortunately, the implants must be replaced. And you may need bone grafting to build up the bone before you can get new implants.
Photo of natural-looking upper and lower dentures.

If a dentist can save your teeth, try to avoid dentures

If the work to correct the issue is extensive, you may want to ask the dentist and surgeon who did the work to pay for or absorb the cost of repairing it. It is possible to save your teeth and not get extractions for dentures. We hope that your negative experience will not make you regret your choice. Take your time to find a skilled dentist who can help.

 

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, LA fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, sponsors this post.

Partial denture broke twice and dentist asked me to sign a release

Posted on by AllSmiles.

My right upper front tooth broke at the gumline. My dentist recommended extracting the tooth and doing a bridge to cover the two teeth on either side of the missing one. After insurance, my out-of-pocket cost was $2200.

When I returned for the extraction, my dentist did a root canal on the tooth and sewed over my gums over the tooth root. Although he did not want to get a pre-authorization from my insurance, he eventually did it. In March, I learned that my insurance would not cover the bridge because my upper arch has three other missing tooth and my left first molar will be extracted soon. Now the dentist wants to charge another $1200. He said that he would refund me if I sign a release not to hold him responsible for the tooth that broke at the gumline. I have a temporary partial denture that broke twice. He wants to charge me $525 for the partial but says it will be free if I sign the release for the right front tooth that broke at the gumline. Why do I feel like a dental hostage? After all this work, am I going to need a full upper denture? I will no doubt find another dentist to finish the work—although I do not feel that my dentist accomplished anything yet. – Niles from GA

 

Niles,

Thank you for choosing our office to submit your inquiry. We are glad that you recognize the need to switch dentists.

Sign a Release for Dental Work?

If a dentists ask you to sign a release to avoid responsibility for faulty work, do not sign it. Your dentist is concerned that something is wrong with your tooth and that you might sum him or her. You can handle the situation with these steps:

  • Remind \your dentist of the questionable work and your disappointment with not receiving the treatment you paid for
  • Ask the dentist for a refund
  • Tell your dentist that you will not pursue a lawsuit unless he or she refuses a refund
  • If your dentist refuses to refund you, contact an attorney
  • Report the issue to the state dental board

Broken Partial Denture

If your partial denture broke twice, refuse to pay for a dental appliance that does not work. Report the issues to your dental insurance company.

Will You Need Dentures?

Photo of natural-looking upper and lower dentures.

Consult with an advanced cosmetic dentist about a complete removable denture

If most of your upper or lower teeth are damaged, decayed, or missing, a skilled cosmetic dentist may recommend a complete denture. Otherwise, a partial denture or dental bridge will add stress to the few remaining teeth, and you may lose eventually lose them anyway.

We recommend that you look for dentists with advanced cosmetic dentist training and schedule consultations with two of them to discuss your options.

 

Dr. David Finley of Monroe, LA, sponsors this post. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and an Accredited Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

My denture adhesive doesn’t help much. Which brand is best?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

After wearing dentures for 28 years, denture adhesive barely keeps them in. My dentist has relined my denture three times and keeps telling me to switch up the adhesives brands that I use. Relining my dentures and trying different adhesive brands are not helping much. Which brand of adhesive is best? Thank you. Elise from TN

Elise,

After many years of wearing dentures, what you are experiencing is common. We will answer your question about denture adhesives, although changing the brand probably will not help in your case. More importantly, we will explain why dentures loosen over the years and what you can do about it.

Which Brand of Denture Adhesive Is Best?

Some of the best brands of denture adhesive are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). A denture adhesive brand earns the ADA seal by providing scientific evidence that it is safe and effective. The evidence must support these facts about the adhesive:

  • Increases biting force
  • Increases denture retention
  • Will not damage your denture

You can visit the ADA’s website to find denture adhesive brands that earned the ADA seal of acceptance. One of the brands might be right for you, but you may prefer another brand. But when all your teeth are missing, and you’ve been wearing dentures for years, even the best adhesives will not help.

Why Do Dentures Loosen Over Time?

Photo of natural-looking upper and lower dentures.

Without dental implants, even well-made dentures will loosen over the years

Dentures loosen over time because when all your teeth are missing, your jawbone shrinks. Without tooth roots to stimulate the bone, your body will resorb the bone and use the minerals from it elsewhere.

Jawbone shrinkage creates several problems

When missing teeth cause your jawbone to shrink, several problems result:

  • Your denture will not stay in – When a denture rests on your gums, as the bone shrinks, the denture can easily lift, shift, or fall out. Eventually, you will not be able to wear a denture.
  • Denture irritates the bony ridge – A loose denture will rub on your gums and remaining bone, irritate them, and make them sore.
  • Facial collapse – Shrunken jawbone causes your facial muscles to sag.

How to Prevent Dentures from Falling Out

You can prevent dentures from falling out by building up the jawbone with grafting and stabilizing the dentures with dental implants. Although some implant techniques—like All-on-4 dental implants—eliminate the need for bone grafting, not everyone is a candidate for them.

Look for a dentist with post-graduate dental implant training and years of experience with implants. Schedule a consultation with one or two implant dentists. The dentist will explain your options for implant-supported dentures. If your budget is limited, a dentist can secure your dentures with as few as two implants. Your dentures will be stable and relieve much of the anxiety associated with loose dentures.

Best wishes.

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, LA fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, sponsors this post.

Is it time to pull all my teeth and get dentures?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Although I have most of my bottom teeth, I wonder if I should ask a dentist to pull my four remaining upper teeth and get a full upper denture. Or is it best to get partial dentures and work around the four teeth?

The four upper teeth are healthy. I am wearing a cheap, bulky partial denture now. I’ve seen three dentists about this. Two of them recommend a complete upper denture rather than a partial, but they want me to make the final decision. I’m at home a lot, so I mostly wear the partial denture when I eat meat or have food that requires a lot of chewing. The discomfort of the partial denture makes it challenging to speak, and I’m sure it influences how much a socialize. But we are in a pandemic anyway, so I socialize even less. Will a full upper denture look better and be more comfortable than a partial denture? My budget is about $5000. I do not want to go much higher and accumulate debt. – Thank you. Steve M. from MS

Steve,

Photo of natural-looking upper and lower dentures.

Complete removable denture

Although we can give you some denture principles to help with your decision, we cannot recommend treatment for your case. Dr. Finley or Dr. Henderson would need to examine your teeth and mouth and review your x-rays for definite treatment options.

1. It’s Usually Better to Save Natural Teeth

Although a dental implant is the next best thing to a natural tooth, it usually better to save the natural tooth if it will not damage your oral health. But replacing teeth with a removable dental appliance—like a removable partial denture—has disadvantages. Removable appliances can put stress on adjacent teeth and slide around a little.

2. Stress on Teeth When a Few Remain

But eating on just four natural teeth puts a lot of stress on them. Although your remaining upper teeth appear to be healthy, the stress of chewing with them and the stress on the lower teeth they chew against is not healthy.

3. Bone Resorption

If you only have four upper teeth remaining, you’ve experienced shrinkage in most of your upper jaw. Consider some facts about bone resorption:

  • When all your teeth are missing, tooth roots are not present to stimulate the bone. Your body resorbs the bone and uses it elsewhere.
  • After 10 to 20 years, the progressive bone shrinkage causes facial collapse because you do not have enough jawbone to support your facial muscles.
  • Facial collapse is most severe in the lower jaw, which can become pencil-thin. And it will be almost impossible to keep a denture in place.

4. Function of a Full Upper vs. Lower Denture

Upper denture

Suction holds a full upper denture in place. Compared with a lower denture, an upper denture is more comfortable, functions better, and doesn’t move as much.

Lower denture

A lower denture has no suction and relies on gravity, your tongue, and cheek-muscle control to stay in place.

 

5. A Complete Upper Denture vs. a Few Remaining Teeth

This information applies to a well-made upper denture:

  • Gentler than four natural teeth when chewing against low teeth
  • An underbite can increase stress on lower teeth
  • A full upper denture will be more comfortable than one or more partial dentures to replace upper teeth
  • A partial denture that clips onto remaining teeth puts stress on them

Possible Treatment Options

Diagaram of a lower implant overdenture on four implants

Implant denture

Remember, Dr. Finley or Dr. Henderson would need to examine your teeth and x-rays before giving definite treatment recommendations. But these are possibilities:

  • First option – An implant-supported partial denture or full denture secured with as few as two dental implants (small titanium screws that function like tooth roots)
  • Second option – An upper complete removable denture. It will be more comfortable than a partial denture, look better, and prolong the lifespan of your lower teeth.

You will need advice from your local dentist about treatment options. The first option will exceed your budget, though. It may be possible to complete dental work in phases—receive a complete denture first and get dental implants for the denture later.

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, LA fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, sponsors this post.

My implant denture doesn’t fit right

Posted on by AllSmiles.

In late August, I had a consultation for four dental implants for an overdenture. I explained to the dentist that I would have to leave the state to take my turn in caring for my elderly father. I asked how long it would take to complete everything and place the denture, and he said that he would try to complete the work six weeks before my departure in mid-November. It wasn’t ready until five days before my departure. When I went in for my final denture, it would not fit on the implants, so my dentist forced the denture on.

It wasn’t easy to eat with the denture on. And after I removed it at night to clean it, the next morning, it took two hours to get it back on. I called the office about the problem, and they asked me to come in right away. I had to see another dentist in the same practice who said that each attachment hole is not in the right position. I needed new gaskets, which they had to order. But I had to leave town. I’m struggling in Indiana with these implants, but I am afraid to see another dentist here.

I should be home in early January. What should I do? Can I get a refund because my denture wasn’t ready and in good shape on time? Thank you. Bart from Oklahoma

Bart,

Thank you for contacting us about the issue with your implant overdenture.

Can You Get a Refund from Your Dentist?

Your dentist promised you an overdenture six weeks before you left town, and he didn’t meet the agreement. And when he placed your overdenture on your implants, it wasn’t accurate. Six weeks would have been enough time for your dentist to resolve the issues.

If your dentist hesitates to give you a refund, you can consider these options:

  • Post negative online reviews
  • Report the issue to the state dental board
  • Hire a malpractice attorney

If Your Implant Overdenture Doesn’t Fit

Diagaram of a lower implant overdenture on four implants

Your denture should fit securely but comfortably on dental implants

If your implant overdenture doesn’t fit, it may because your dentist lacks training and experience to ensure they function well. Ordering new gaskets is probably not the answer. Your dentist began your treatment with issues, and they likely will continue.

We recommend that you look for two dentists with advanced training in implantology. Look at dentists’ websites, read their bio for information about their education and training, and schedule two second-opinion visits. And if you must pay extra for an exam, do so. You may need to switch dentists to get dentures and implants that function well and look natural.

 

David Finley, DDS, of Monroe, LA, sponsors this post. Dr. Finley is a Fellow of the American Academy of General Dentistry.

Is she allergic to her partial denture?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Almost 18 months ago, my dentist did upper and lower partial dentures for me. Since then, my mouth and tongue have sores on them. I’ve complained to my dentist several times. He has referred me to an allergist and other specialists. I went to a university hospital for testing and learned that I tested positive or several metals, including nickel. Could the partial dentures be making me sick? I’ve noticed that when I take them out at night, I feel better. Thanks. Hilda

Hilda,

It’s disappointing to hear patients’ cases about metal allergies to dental work and know that their dentist is clueless. Alertness to metal allergies and sensitivities is essential for good patient care. If a dentist uses any metals other than precious metals in their restorative materials, their patient medical history form should ask if you’re allergic or sensitive to any metals. About 10% of women and about 1% of men test positive for nickel allergy.

Can an Allergy to a Partial Denture Make You Sick?

An allergy to a partial denture can make you sick because constant exposure to metals you’re allergic to causes a reaction. Although Dr. Finley would need to examine your mouth and the area surrounding the denture for an accurate diagnosis, the removable partial dentures may be provoking a reaction.

Why Does a Partial Denture Provoke a Reaction?

A partial denture can provoke an allergic reaction if it contains less expensive alloys that contain nickel or other metals. A metal alloy, Vitallium, contains chromium and cobalt. Many metallic removable partial dentures are made with Vitallium.

Metal-free Valplast partial denture, which can help a patient with metal allergies or sensitivities

Metal-free Valplast partial denture

In one dentist’s case, a patient was allergic to mercury. And it was imperative to remove her amalgam fillings, which contain mercury, and replace them with composite fillings. After the first appointment to remove the amalgam fillings, a rash developed on her throat and chest. She also had some difficulty breathing from the amalgam dust during the removal of the fillings. For the following appointments, the dentist put a drape around her to prevent exposure. And they put a mask over her nose to prevent her from breathing in any amalgam dust.

When the patient returned to the office for her six-month checkup, she mentioned that her arthritis symptoms were gone after her amalgam fillings were removed. Her dentist was confident that constant exposure to allergens caused her arthritis symptoms.

We suggest that you get a second opinion from an advanced cosmetic dentist. Take your allergy test results with you. After reviewing your medical and dental histories, the dentist will explain your treatment options for a non-metal removable partial denture that you can wear without experiencing a reaction.

David Finley, DDS, of Monroe, LA, sponsors this post. Dr. Finley is a Fellow of the American Academy of General Dentistry.

Read our related post about partial denture allergies.

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