Archives for December 2019

Are Soft Dentures a Thing?

Posted on December 31, 2019 by writeradmin.

I hate my dentures. It’s hard to chew and my gag reflex isn’t working at all with the hard plate. Is there a way to switch to a soft denture? Then, is there anything which can help with the difficulty of chewing?

Kemal

Dear Kemal,

Implant overdentures solve the problems inherent with dentures

There are soft liners that can fit on the upper dentures which help people that have a bony ridge. But there aren’t currently any soft dentures. Even the soft liners have their problems. They don’t last as long and need to be replaced quite a bit. As for the chewing problems you’re having. Even the best fitting dentures reduce your chewing capacity by 50%.

I am going to recommend something completely different for you. Has your dentist spoken with you about implant overdentures? These use about four to six dental implants and then a denture is anchored to them. Because they are anchored, there is no need for a plate at the roof of your mouth at all. You’ll also find your chewing capacity is restored. However, the biggest benefit is that it will prevent you from developing facial collapse.

How Implant Supported Dentures Prevent Facial Collapse

When your teeth were removed, your body immediately began resorbing the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere in your body. While it is doing this to be most efficient in its use of minerals, the slow leeching of your minerals has the side effect of slowly shrinking your jawbone.

After ten years or so, there will not be enough jawbone left to even retain your dentures. Your body doesn’t see this as a problem because it knows you no longer have teeth, therefore you don’t need bone to support those teeth.

Implant overdentures prevents this because the implants serve as prosthetic tooth roots. This allows your body to interpret that as you still having teeth. Therefore, it leaves your jawbone completely intact.

This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.

Clear Choice or Costa Rica

Posted on December 28, 2019 by writeradmin.

I want to get dental implants but don’t have a lot of bone. I was considering getting all-on-four dental implants which can work with less bone. Clear Choice offers them but they have terrible reviews. I was thinking about going to Costa Rica because the cost is so much less. I wondered what you thought. Do you know why Clear Choice has bad reviews? I’d rather stay in the states if possible.

Margie

Dear Margie,

All-on-4 dental implants

First, Clear Choice. There are two big reasons for their bad reviews, the first is their pressure tactics. They seem to find people in desperate circumstances and pressure them into feeling like there is only one choice and they have to make it right then. The second is their lack of follow up. Once the procedure is done, you are pretty much abandoned.

As for Costa Rica, that’s going to get a big no from me. You want to talk about lack of follow up? Once you leave the United States, you also leave behind all those safety regulations that ensure the patient is hygienically treated. You will have zero legal leverage if anything goes wrong and will be at the mercy of their health care system.

You do have options in the United States, though. If you are set on getting the all-on-four procedure, I’d suggest going to a dentist or periodontist who does it. You don’t have to go to a chain center, like Clear Choice. With a private office, you’ll get better, more personalized care.

It’s also important you know you aren’t limited to a single procedure because of your lack of bone. There is a way for you to get traditional implant overdentures. The key is having a bone grafting procedure done to build back up the missing structure. While all-on-four can work for many patients, if one part of the unit fails or breaks, the entire system has to be replaced.

Always be certain to check the training qualifications of any dentist doing an implant procedure, regardless of the type. This isn’t a recognized specialty and too many dentists attempt it without adequate training.

This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.

What’s Causing Receding Gums

Posted on December 23, 2019 by writeradmin.

I’ve developed some receding gums. What’s causing it? Is there a solution?

Gina W.

Dear Gina,

When it comes to a beautiful smile, it is about more than just your teeth. Your gums are often a reflection of the health of your teeth. There are a few causes for receding gums.

Gum Disease

One thing which causes receding gums is gum disease. This is very serious and could lead to the loss of your teeth. You’ll want to get this under control as soon as possible. See your dentist right away. When it gets to its advanced stages, your teeth will start to fall out.

Bruxism

When you grind or clench your teeth it causes notches to form on your teeth near the gum line. This will cause your gums to recede. You may not even know you are doing it. Many people grind their teeth while they are sleeping so unless their husband or wife tells them, they don’t know the damage they’re doing. Wearing a nightguard will help prevent any further damage.

Aggressive Brushing

If you brush your teeth too hard, it can wear down the gums. Make sure you are using a soft-bristled toothbrush and go gently.

Fixing Receding Gums

Once you’ve dealt with the source of the problem, a periodontist can help get your gums back where they should be. Gum grafting can be done to help. There is also the pinhole technique which can be done. Ask your dentist to recommend a great periodontist and you’ll be back to healthy and attractive gums in no time.

This blog is brought to you by Atlanta Periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey.