How Far Back Should A Denture Go?

Question submitted by Matt:

I have a set of full dentures and I am having trouble finding them comfortable. The area where my wisdom teeth were is exposed and I feel like I am chewing on them every time I eat. My dentist does not seem worried about it. However, I’m wondering if there can be a way to cover that area?

Matt

Dear Matt,

While dentures do have problems that cannot be changed, this is something that your dentist can do something about. If you have already paid for your denture, then it may be hard to get him or her to change it because it means completely re-doing the dentures. If there is still some payment to be made, you can tell your dentist that you want them to fix this before you complete the payment.

It sounds like that your dentist did not cover the wisdom tooth area at all. The denture should actually cover that and a little bit past that to what is known as the retromolar pad.

The Long-Term Consequences of Removable Dentures

I am hopeful that your denture warned you about bone resorption when he provided you with dentures. When your teeth were first removed, your body recognized that it does not need to support teeth roots anymore. As a result, it immediately began to resorb the minerals in your jawbone. It does this in order to be as efficient as possible with your body’s resources and utilize those minerals elsewhere in your body where they will be more needed.

While efficient, it has the unfortunate side effect of slowly shrinking your jawbone. In about ten years or so, there will no longer be enough of your jawbone left to support your dentures. This is known as facial collapse. This is a serious condition.

The Solution to Facial Collapse

The only way to prevent the bone resorption, is to replace those teeth roots with prosthetics. This requires placing about four to six dental implants in your jaw and then, after a period of healing and time for the bone to integrate with the implants, your dentist will anchor your dentures to them.

This will not only completely prevent facial collapse, but it will also greatly increase your quality of life. You will not have to worry about dentures slipping or sliding, and will once again be able to eat anything your want.

This blog is brought to you by Tucson Prosthodontist Dr. Howard Steinberg.