I am 59 years old and have been having problems with my dentures. It is difficult to keep them in even using the adhesives. I went to see a dentist thinking I could just replace them and maybe they’re worn out because I’ve had them for about twenty years. He told me that most of my ridge is gone that keeps them in. I don’t know where to go from here.
Penny
Dear Penny,
You are in a difficult position. Let me explain what happened to you. When you first got your dentures, your body recognized that you no longer have any teeth roots in your jaw. As a result it immediatley began to resorb the minerals in your jawbone in order to be as efficient as possible with the resources of your body. Unfortunately, that means that as the minerals leave your jawbone, the bone itself begins to shrink. You are now at the point where there is not enough of the bone left for there to be a ridge to keep in your denture. In dental circles, this is known as facial collapse.
You basicially have three options. The first is to leave things as is and switch to a liquid diet. I doubt anyone would willingly choose that option. The next two require bone grafting. This will build back the bone in the jawbone that you have lost over these years wearing removable dentures.
Once the bone has been rebuilt you can either get removable dentures again. If you choose that option, bear in mind that facial collapse will begin again. If you want to prevent facial collapse, then you will need to have dental implants placed, which will double as prosthetic teeth roots. Then, you will have some form of denture placed. The most secure option is a fixed implant denture, which requires a minimum of four dental implants. These keep your dentures completely secure and you will not have to worry about facial collapse.
There are other more affordable options which include dental implants, that can protect from some facial collapse. A skilled implant dentist will be able to tell you all of your options based on your particular situation.
This blog is brought to you by Enfield Dentist Dr. William Cummiskey.