extractions and dentures Archives

Are Dentures Her Only Option for Severe Tooth Infections and Decay?

Posted on June 12, 2026 by AllSmiles.

I’ve had severe dental pain since last October. Almost all my teeth are affected. My dentist says I have severe infections and decay around the tooth roots. My left upper front tooth is sensitive when I eat or drink. It hurts so much to eat, so I’ve lost about 30 pounds over the last six months. I mash or puree food, and I keep baby food in the pantry for times that I am unable to cook.

My dental HMO plan doesn’t provide the coverage I need unless I pay extra to switch plans. I’m trying to find a dentist I can trust to tell me my options and provide quality care. If I need to replace my teeth, I would prefer a snap-in denture because I don’t want to remove them when eating or sleeping. – Thanks. Dana from TN

Dana,

Understandably, your situation likely feels overwhelming. When treatment recommendations involve high costs, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Without knowing your complete dental history, finances, health concerns, or family responsibilities, it would be unfair to make assumptions about how you arrived at this point.

Based on the information you shared, if implant-supported treatment is beyond your budget, removable dentures may be the most practical solution. Implant-supported dentures can provide additional stability and comfort, but they cost more than removable dentures.

The best treatment plan balances your oral health needs with your personal circumstances.

How Do Dental Problems Become Increasingly Complex?

In many cases, dental problems start small and become more complex and expensive to treat. Not every situation results from neglect. Health conditions and other life circumstances can play a role.

Dental disease often follows a pattern like this:

Small cavities that require fillings
Without treatment, larger cavities develop, and so may gum disease
Infections may require root canal treatment
Teeth may need crowns for protection
Untreated teeth may be challenging or impossible to save
Extractions and replacement with dentures or dental implants become necessary

What Is the Value of Preventive Care?

Regular exams and routine treatment allow dentists to address problems before they become painful, complex, or costly. While that may not change your current situation, it may help others understand the value of preventive dentistry whenever possible.

Schedule consultations with two dentists to discuss your options. Even when ideal treatment is too expensive, there may be solutions that can improve your comfort, function, and quality of life.

The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dental Group sponsor this post. Please read how Dr. Finley and his team strive to offer some of the best dental care in Monroe.

My Gums Are Swollen Around My Crowns and Veneers

Posted on December 6, 2021 by AllSmiles.

When I was a teenager, small surface holes developed on my teeth. My dentist at the time applied bonding on ten teeth to hide the tiny holes. Over the years as the bonding got old, the dentist recommended a combination of crowns and veneers. I have veneers on my upper front teeth and crowns on the four teeth on either side. Since 2018, I’ve had problems with swollen gums. Now I have a new dentist who prescribed an antibacterial liquid. My gums are inflamed around my upper and lower dental work, but the upper teeth are worse. I should add that my gums around my natural teeth are not inflamed.

Also, I’ve had the crowns and veneers for so long. Why is this happening now? My dentist says she can trim my gums to see if it calms the inflammation. I declined that treatment because it seems like a guess about resolving the issue. She says we can try it on a few teeth, and if it works, she can do the rest. I want to know what is causing the inflammation. My gums are red and sometimes hurt. Since I am not your patient, I know that you can’t say for sure, but what could be causing this issue? I am afraid I have an infection that will spread throughout my mouth and cause tooth loss. I have always dreaded the thought of needing dentures! Thank you for your opinion. Will from Michigan

Will,

Thank you for contacting us. You are correct. Dr. Finley or Dr. Henderson would need to examine your crowns, veneers, and gums to determine the cause of inflammation.

What Causes Gum Inflammation Around Dental Crowns?

When you have gum inflammation around your dental crowns, the cause depends on how soon you react to the crowns:

Immediate reaction

Excess cement – When the dentist bonded the crowns to your teeth, they may have failed to clean cement around the crowns.
Crown fit – Poor-fitting crowns can irritate your gums
Crown position – If your crowns sit too deep beneath your gumline, it will cause irritation, inflammation, and infection.

Delayed reaction

Allergic reaction – If your crowns have a cheap metal foundation that contains nickel or another base metal, you can have an immediate or delayed reaction. But if you are experiencing the same problem with porcelain veneers, an allergic reaction is unlikely.
Gum disease – If your teeth are inflamed by gum disease, sometimes your overall health makes the condition worse. Unfortunately, many dentists are not attentive to your gum health.

Get a Second Opinion from a Gum Specialist

Your dentist has almost admitted that she does not understand the cause of your gum inflammation. Yet, she recommends trimming your gums. We advise you not to allow your dentist to trim your gums. A periodontist is a gum specialist who can determine the cause of your gum disease, whether a health condition is affecting it, and recommend treatment.

There is no reason that the situation would lead to extractions and dentures. Ask your dentist to refer you to a specialist or self-refer.

David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post. Dr. Finely is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry.

Need Dentures But Afraid of the Dentist? How to Limit Anxiety

Posted on May 28, 2020 by AllSmiles.

Most of my teeth are broken or missing, and I think dentures are the only solution. I’m embarrassed because I’m only 54 years old. I’ve been afraid of the dentist since childhood, and the dentist didn’t help with my fear either. I don’t think he liked having children as patients, although he claimed to be a family dentist.

Although I’ve always brushed my teeth daily, I’ve neglected flossing and dental checkups. It’s been about 3 years since my last dental appointment. Fortunately, I have excellent dental insurance and a good job. I wonder if I should see an oral surgeon to remove the teeth that are left or see a dentist first? What’s the right order? Thanks! Neil

Neil,

It’s good that you’re pursuing good oral health now. Although your dental anxiety has prevented you from going to the dentist, getting dentures will improve your smile and confidence.

An Oral Surgeon or a Dentist for Tooth Extractions Before Dentures?

Pre-denture extractions are not a complicated procedure. Instead of visiting a dentist and an oral surgeon, we recommend that you find a dentist who does extractions and will provide you with high-quality dentures. And knowing that you’ll only need to see one provider can help with your anxiety. But how can you choose a dentist?

Ask friends or family members—or search online—for an experienced dentist in your area.
Look at each dentist’s website and look for his or her post-graduate training in dental surgery and cosmetic dentistry. A dentist with training in cosmetic dentistry will ensure your dentures look natural—not like false teeth.
Call a few dental offices and ask each of them how the dentist handles cases when a patient needs tooth extractions before dentures. If the dentist performs extractions, you might want to add him or her to your list.
Ask how the dentist handles patients with dental anxiety.

A dentist who performs extractions will provide you with an immediate—or temporary—denture. If you have one provider for surgery and denture, it saves time, travel, and money. And your dentist won’t need to coordinate your care with an oral surgeon. You’ll have a smooth transition from extractions to dentures.

Implant Overdentures

Photo of natural-looking upper and lower dentures.

Well-made dentures will look natural

Your dentist can anchor your dentures with dental implants. Implants are artificial tooth roots that look like small screws. The implants will heal and fuse with your jawbone after your dentist inserts the implants through your gums. After three or four months of healing, your dentist will attach your permanent dentures to the implants.

If you’re interested in implant overdentures, find a dentist with advanced training in implantology. The dentist’s advanced training will ensure you have a successful implant procedure. It’s essential to your oral health. If you decide to wait before getting overdentures, your dentist can provide them later.

Sedation Dentistry for Dentures

Dental anxiety has kept you from getting dental cleanings and exams. It can also prevent you from moving forward and getting the care you need. If you find a dentist who offers sedation, ask what levels are available. Depending on the dentist’s training and the complexity of treatment that he or she provides, the following options might be available:

Nitrous oxide – Also known as laughing gas, you’ll breathe in nitrous oxide throughout your appointment to remain calm.
Oral conscious sedation – The dentist will give you an anti-anxiety pill to take before your appointment, so you arrive at the office relaxed and ready for treatment.
IV Sedation – Sedation is administered through an IV. An anesthesiologist often provides IV sedation at a dental office.

If you find a general dentist that you like and trust, but he or she recommends extractions from an oral surgeon, you still need to see the dentist first to coordinate your care.

David Finley, DDS of Monroe, LA sponsors this post.

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