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Q & A with Dr. Mervyn Friedman
Q. I have been wearing dentures for many years. Although my dentist told me that with perseverance I would eventually get used to it; but 10 years on I am still finding it intolerable. I cannot eat properly, I cannot laugh like I used to and my teeth fall out if i yawn.
A. Certainly not.
Lower dentures sit on a very narrow ridge of bone which is surrounded by your tongue, lips and cheeks, that are constantly moving. This continually displaces the dentures rendering it loose, painful and dysfunctional. In 2000 the FDA - The Food and Drug Administration of America gave their approval for the long-term use of mini implants. These titanium implants are placed in the lower jaw under local anaesthetic and while the patient is sitting on the dental chair. The entire procedure is completed within an hour and is painless. Specifically fitted O-rings are placed in the underside of the denture to correspond exactly to the position of the implants. This results in the denture being clicked into position. The patient now has a stable denture that can be taken out for cleaning purposes.Once the anaesthetic wears off a mild discomfort will be experienced which can be alleviated via an analgesic. After a day there is little or no pain experienced.
Q. I have a few existing unsightly teeth. Should i have them removed and replaced with a denture?
A.I get asked this question many a times and I’m afraid it’s not a simple yes or no answer as many options are available;
Q.I have a few existing teeth, should I have them all extracted and replaced with a full denture?
A. I get asked this question many a times and I’m afraid it’s not a simple yes or no answer as many options are available;
1. A partial denture either in plastic or metal
The plastic partial denture is a cost effective way to close those gaps between the missing and existing teeth. It’s not very comfortable, but serves the purpose. A new method just been introduced whereby the plastic inside the denture is softened in warm water. This provides a greater degree of comfort.
2. The metal denture is the more expensive, lighter, stronger, thinner and is formed to fit your mouth snuggly and exactly.
3. An anchor supported denture
- If you have atleast two good teeth the teeth can be modified in a way to allow a laboratory cast metal anchor to be placed over them. These anchored teeth act as an implant and corresponding nylon clips are fitted to the underside of the denture to ensure stability.This option is especially important when considering a dentre for the lower jaw.
Q. I have an abscess on a front tooth that is being treated with an anitbiotic at the moment . I've been told the tooth must be extracted. Will I have to walk around with a gap in the front of my mouth? How can I have that gap closed?
A. Again, there are a few options available:- The abscess can be treated with root canal therapy and a crown can be placed over the treated tooth.
- The tooth can be extracted and replaced with a simple removable plastic denture.
- The tooth can be extracted and replaced with a 3-unit bridge. This involves porcelain crowns fitted over existing teeth on either side of the gap and a false tooth is fitted in the gap, this false tooth is supported by the two crowns on either side.) This is relatively easy process with the only disadvantage being two good healthy teeth have to be comprimised.
- The tooth can be removed and replaced with an implant. The procedure involves the removal of the affected tooth (root), the placement of an implant and the attachment to carry a temorary crown. The temporary crown is replaced with a permanent crown after five or six months have elapsed.
Q. I gag with my upper denture and have great difficulty in maintaining it in position. I also find I’m unable to fully savour my food.
A. Depending on how much bone you have, implants can be placed in the upper jaw. These will then attach to the o-rings placed on the underside of the denture. The palate of the denture can be removed thereby alleviating the gag effect and enhancing taste..
Q. I wear a full lower denture. I’ve been told that I do not have sufficient bone for implants. I am constantly battling with mouth ulcers. Can you help me ?
A.I often see this condition and sympathise with you. A soft base liner will definetly help.Q. I’ve had my dentures for many years. I look toothless and appear to be much older that my years. I cannot afford implants, do you have a solution for me ?
A. Your appearance is due to the fact that you have lost a great deal of supporting bone. Loss of bone is due to the process of resorption that occurs when your original natural teeth are extracted and continues throughout life. With this in mind, it is advisable to maintain your dentures just as you would service a motorcar. Ideally dentures should be relined every 2 years and then replaced with new ones every 7-8 years. This is to compensate for the bone loss over the years thus restoring you to your former self by effecting a “facelift” without going under the knife.You may have a question that is unique to your problem.
Please feel free to contact me on my website and i will endeavour to deal with your problem.Furthermore you may also attend my surgery for a complimentary consultation.
