[KateJK]

Hi there. I am a 35 year old woman. I have had a whole host of dental issues this past year and have lost 7 teeth. It has been awful and I so badly want to be out of pain. Most recently, I lost the two upper left back molars. I was already wearing a partial denture (because I lost the back three upper right teeth), so when I lost these two upper left ones, they added teeth to the denture on the left. I started wearing the denture after the extraction and it was rubbing very badly. However, I was out of town and couldn't go for an adjustment for a week. (I should've stopped wearing it, but we were at a resort and I was embarrassed to be without… and needed it to eat). When I returned, I went for three adjustments, and my dentist got it to the point (just yesterday) where I can now wear it. However, it rubbed SO badly for so long that I am in so much pain now (even with it out). It feels like my gums are bruised and there is referred pain up behind my gums and into my cheek, and sometimes even into my jaw joint. It's awful. Is this amount of pain normal? I am taking Aleve and T3s to control the pain, but am wondering if maybe I have an infection from the rubbing (no noticeable infection is present, but perhaps it's a possibility??)

Also, I have a sore back molar on the left bottom (yes, another tooth issue. Ugh!). I have this horrible feeling that maybe I'm ALSO feeling pain from this tooth that is being referred to my upper teeth? Is that possible? I should explain that this tooth is just a little sore if I press on it, but otherwise, seems fine. It hasn't ached in the past. But the gums around it occasionally get inflamed since getting a big filling it about 6 months ago. My dentist seems to think it's just a sensitive tooth, and perhaps food getting trapped around can make it sore as well? It is not sensitive to hot or cold and there is no sharp pain present.

Any advice you have is so greatly appreciated. Bryanna, I see that you have so much expertise, that if you have time to read and respond, I would be in your debt. I should mention that I do plan on getting dental 5-7 dental implants, once all of my healing takes place. I simply cannot wait to not wear this denture anymore. It has not been pleasant thus far. I'm considering seeing a denture specialist as I have just received my denture through my dentist, and it is not her speciality. Thoughts on this as well?

[Hopeless]

Hi Kate JK,

I am no Bryanna but I am someone that had extreme pain when I got my dentures.

I could write a book on the tribulations I went through but then I would just be venting and not offering you anything more than my sad story.

Two things I found out from personal experience. ONE, once your mouth is already sore, any dental device is going to hurt until you heal. TWO, I should have started with a prosthodontist, and not wasted a huge amount of money, pain and suffering sticking with my general dentist that was too full of himself to admit he did a BAD job.

I found a prosthodontist that is excellent and I will not see anyone else. If she ever moves her practice out of town, I will travel wherever to see her. Best thing I ever did.

I would find a specialist if I were you as they have more training than a general dentist and are better able to serve your needs. (Just my opinion.)

Are you going to see an oral surgeon for your implants?

In my opinion, a general dentist is good for routine dental procedures, NOT for the extensive work of which you speak.

[Femlex]

Originally Posted by Hopeless

... TWO, I should have started with a prosthodontist, and not wasted a huge amount of money, pain and suffering sticking with my general dentist that was too full of himself to admit he did a BAD job.....

Hi Hopeless, I am just wondering how that works in your area. From what you wrote here and after that, it looks like the general dentist makes the denture him/herself? Where I live, the general dentist takes the impression, sends it to denture clinic (probably someone they have interest with, or contract with), they make it and send it back to the general dentist, who then fits it onto you and makes adjustments later if needed. So, where I live, the general dentist is almost like a middle man (and I guess the whole job of getting your denture is a bit more expensive). But it looks like this whole thing works differently where you live, or at least with your denture. Can you please explain the process for me?
Rude of me, should have first said that I also have a partial denture and would need to have one front tooth extracted, so am looking at my options in terms of add-on (if possible) or a new denture ... I found a place where the impressions etc. are all done at the denture clinic and the dentist is not involved at all. I read later somewhere that it is "better" to have a denture done through one's general dentist and that confused me, since the denture guy I saw for initial talk seemed to think otherwise. Could you please put more light onto this thing?

[Hopeless]

Hi Femlex,

I will respond as soon as I get back from my doctor appt.

Thanks for posting. Talk to you soon.

[Bryanna]

Hi KateJK,

Okay just to clarify...... you had an upper "partial" denture replacing 3 upper right teeth. Two teeth were added to this existing partial to replace the 2 upper left teeth recently extracted. You began wearing this newly re-fabricated partial denture immediately after the upper left teeth were extracted.

It is not uncommon to insert the newly fabricated partial denture in the mouth immediately following new extractions. However, there are certain protocols to follow to help avoid post op complications, pain and delayed healing that you may not have been informed about. So although it is now after the fact, I will post them here just in case they are helpful to you or someone else reading along here.

New partials that are covering surgical wounds from tooth extractions have to be gently worn during the initial healing. During this period, the wearer should:

** see their dentist for minor adjustments because if the partial is rubbing too severely painful sores can develop; the wounds may not heal completely; food can become impacted in the wounds; gum tissue could heal oddly causing some exposure of bone.

** avoid eating food that requires a lot of chewing and basically stick to a soft food diet until the wounds heal closed and the partial is comfortable because the chewing of food on the partial, even if it is on the unaffected side of the mouth, is still putting a lot of pressure on the surgery side.

** not wear the partial all day and definitely not to sleep. It is meant to be worn for periods of time throughout the day gradually increasing the amount of time as it becomes more comfortable.

Regarding the lingering pain that you have in the area of the recently extracted teeth.... your dentist needs to take a thorough look at this area to see if you have an infection; bone exposed or have developed scar tissue or excess granulomas (over growth of) tissue. He also needs to take one if not two periapical xrays of this area to see if there is infection in the bone, retained pieces of teeth or other bony fragments.

Regarding the pain on your lower left molar.... this tooth can be injured from the partial not fitting properly during the initial healing phase as you may have been hitting into it too hard during chewing. When a tooth is injured like that, the periodontal ligament that surrounds the exterior circumference of the root structure of the tooth in the bone becomes inflamed and would cause the tooth to be sore when touched. However, the fact that the gum becomes inflamed is indicative of an ongoing bacterial problem with the gum and possibly the tooth. It is never okay if you have an area where food gets packed in between the gum and the tooth. This indicates a poor fitting restoration and/or tooth or gum disease. Is this tooth root canaled? Do you have periodontal disease?

Bryanna

Originally Posted by KateJK

Hi there. I am a 35 year old woman. I have had a whole host of dental issues this past year and have lost 7 teeth. It has been awful and I so badly want to be out of pain. Most recently, I lost the two upper left back molars. I was already wearing a partial denture (because I lost the back three upper right teeth), so when I lost these two upper left ones, they added teeth to the denture on the left. I started wearing the denture after the extraction and it was rubbing very badly. However, I was out of town and couldn't go for an adjustment for a week. (I should've stopped wearing it, but we were at a resort and I was embarrassed to be without… and needed it to eat). When I returned, I went for three adjustments, and my dentist got it to the point (just yesterday) where I can now wear it. However, it rubbed SO badly for so long that I am in so much pain now (even with it out). It feels like my gums are bruised and there is referred pain up behind my gums and into my cheek, and sometimes even into my jaw joint. It's awful. Is this amount of pain normal? I am taking Aleve and T3s to control the pain, but am wondering if maybe I have an infection from the rubbing (no noticeable infection is present, but perhaps it's a possibility??)

Also, I have a sore back molar on the left bottom (yes, another tooth issue. Ugh!). I have this horrible feeling that maybe I'm ALSO feeling pain from this tooth that is being referred to my upper teeth? Is that possible? I should explain that this tooth is just a little sore if I press on it, but otherwise, seems fine. It hasn't ached in the past. But the gums around it occasionally get inflamed since getting a big filling it about 6 months ago. My dentist seems to think it's just a sensitive tooth, and perhaps food getting trapped around can make it sore as well? It is not sensitive to hot or cold and there is no sharp pain present.

Any advice you have is so greatly appreciated. Bryanna, I see that you have so much expertise, that if you have time to read and respond, I would be in your debt. I should mention that I do plan on getting dental 5-7 dental implants, once all of my healing takes place. I simply cannot wait to not wear this denture anymore. It has not been pleasant thus far. I'm considering seeing a denture specialist as I have just received my denture through my dentist, and it is not her speciality. Thoughts on this as well?

[Bryanna]

Femlex,

The impressions that are made are the template for the denture to be fabricated from. So if the impressions are not accurate, then the denture will not be accurate. The dental lab that fabricates the denture can only make it according to the template. So the dentist or who ever takes the impressions is the one who has to make sure the anatomy is right on or the denture will not fit at all.

Prosthodontists, are general dentists who go another 2-4 more years of schooling to become "experts" in restorative and replacement dentistry. Like anything else, some of these dentists are better than others. They do tend to be a bit more fussy than general dentists with their pre op "work up" for a denture. Meaning they may take several impressions, take several measurements of the movement of the patients jaw to be certain that the denture will match up well with the opposing arch, and they often choose the shape/size/color and material of the teeth. Some even do their own preliminary lab work making a wax up denture from the impressions and data that was collected at the initial appointment. In those cases, the dentist or prosthodontist is the one who does the majority of the work and their work goes to the dental lab to be fabricated into a more permanent material.

Bryanna

Originally Posted by Femlex

Hi Hopeless, I am just wondering how that works in your area. From what you wrote here and after that, it looks like the general dentist makes the denture him/herself? Where I live, the general dentist takes the impression, sends it to denture clinic (probably someone they have interest with, or contract with), they make it and send it back to the general dentist, who then fits it onto you and makes adjustments later if needed. So, where I live, the general dentist is almost like a middle man (and I guess the whole job of getting your denture is a bit more expensive). But it looks like this whole thing works differently where you live, or at least with your denture. Can you please explain the process for me?
Rude of me, should have first said that I also have a partial denture and would need to have one front tooth extracted, so am looking at my options in terms of add-on (if possible) or a new denture ... I found a place where the impressions etc. are all done at the denture clinic and the dentist is not involved at all. I read later somewhere that it is "better" to have a denture done through one's general dentist and that confused me, since the denture guy I saw for initial talk seemed to think otherwise. Could you please put more light onto this thing?

[Femlex]

Thanks again Bryanna!
The guy in the dental lab place that I saw is a "Dental Prosthetist". Is that the same as "Prosthodontist"? Anyway, just now I found more about him from the internet (after I saw him in person!) and looks like he is well known here (or at least that is what his web page seem to suggest).

Anyway, I think he might have said that he usually takes the impression twice (??), not sure. Pity I didn't know much about it, so could not ask about the wax model. I guess if I go through "my" dentist and if I'm not happy with the new denture (or modified old one), I could always go back to him (minus the double cost!). I will see what happens with my tooth at the dentist's and I guess will make the decision later on. This dental lab guy already told me that he would not add a tooth to my current denture, it is too thin and he doesn't like it. My denture does not even have any clasps on the sides any more, and it still sits! It is very handy for taking it on/off quickly and with one hand. I am very very worried about the side clasps because I remember how they mercilessly pressed my other teeth and I did not like the feeling of metal scraping along my "good" teeth every time I take it on/off. But this guy is adamant to use them again and said that he does not like or suggest flexible dentures. Some time after that, I heard about Dentiflex flexibles (can't find it now!! maybe I spelt it wrong). Not sure if that avenue is worth exploring??

[Hopeless]

Originally Posted by Femlex

Hi Hopeless, I am just wondering how that works in your area. From what you wrote here and after that, it looks like the general dentist makes the denture him/herself? Where I live, the general dentist takes the impression, sends it to denture clinic (probably someone they have interest with, or contract with), they make it and send it back to the general dentist, who then fits it onto you and makes adjustments later if needed. So, where I live, the general dentist is almost like a middle man (and I guess the whole job of getting your denture is a bit more expensive). But it looks like this whole thing works differently where you live, or at least with your denture. Can you please explain the process for me?
Rude of me, should have first said that I also have a partial denture and would need to have one front tooth extracted, so am looking at my options in terms of add-on (if possible) or a new denture ... I found a place where the impressions etc. are all done at the denture clinic and the dentist is not involved at all. I read later somewhere that it is "better" to have a denture done through one's general dentist and that confused me, since the denture guy I saw for initial talk seemed to think otherwise. Could you please put more light onto this thing?

Hi Femlex,

The general dentist that failed to provide adequate dentures was my dentist for several years and I was very satisfied with him until the denture disasters.

Bryanna has already responded and superbly explained the procedure. The dentist did the impressions and sent them off to a lab to have the dentures made. The impressions were BAD and hence, the dentures did not fit. I will leave it at that because I do not want to revisit the ordeal to even write about it. I will never get over what this guy put me through, not just financially, but emotionally, and without any wearable dentures for almost 2 years.

I no longer worry about someone seeing me "toothless" (without my dentures) since I spent almost two years in that situation. Vanity went right out of the window. Some of my friends nick named me "Toothless" during those 2 years and would say "Come on, Toothless, we are going to ........"

After roughly $18,000 and 3 attempts, I found someone else that could and DID provide a set of dentures that fit, a prosthodontist.

A really good general dentist might be able to provide someone with a well fitting set of dentures but that was NOT my experience. I would not wish what happened to me on my worst enemy. I have several sets of dentures that are totally useless (from the general dentist) and one set that actually fits perfectly (from my prosthodontist).

I have referred several people to my prosthodontist and they are all ecstatic with her. Two months ago, she helped a friend of mine, making dentures that would allow her to just add teeth when and as he loses any of his last 3 remaining natural teeth. She could have gone a much more expensive route and made him a new bridge when he broke a tooth and then made him a set of dentures when the remaining teeth are lost.

The extra training she has made a big difference not only for me but for all that see her for procedures that involve her dental specialty.

In my opinion, it is like deciding to have a general practitioner (PCP) take care of a heart condition or should the patient see a cardiologist? I think the cardiologist would be a better option, but that is just my opinion. When you have the need for a specialist, then you should SEE a specialist.

That is just my opinion, based on my personal experiences.

[KateJK]

Hi Bryanna,
Thank you so much for you response. I went for another adjustment today and it did help a great deal. The spot that was rubbing was getting so bad, I was getting referred pain into my cheek and ear. I will take your advice with the wearing of my new denture. Thank you for the tips.

As for the tooth on the bottom left, the pain has become horrific. It is the worse of any toothache I've had. The tooth has a huge filling in it (done in February). and basically since then, has been somewhat sensitive/sore off and on. Well, the last three days, it has become awful. I've had horrible luck with root canals and based on some of your responses to other people, I see how they are not the best choice. Being that i do not have a molar above this one, I am choosing to have it removed and then to look at which implants I will get down the line.

Now… here is another question if you don't mind. I have had SO many teeth issues over the last year. All in all, I have had to get 5 teeth on the upper removed (3 back right teeth and 2 back left), my back lower right molar and now (as of tomorrow), my two back left molars. Plus I had all 4 wisdom teeth removed. This is all in the course of a year! It has been a HORRIBLE time for me and I cannot understand why this has happened. I have gone to see periodontists, endodontists, my medical doctor, an oral pathologist, an oral surgeon, and naturopaths. No one seems to be able to figure out WHY I've had so many problems all in one year. I had a baby just before this all started happening and can't help but think that it is related, but everyone seems to treat that as an old wives tale. Some of my teeth removed were cracked, one abscessed, and the others just seem to get badly infected and basically die. Everyone seems to have a different theory. Here are some theories I've received:
- all damage done from grinding teeth (I do grind and wear a mouthguard but stopped for a while while I was pregnant because my gums were bleeding and sore during pregnancy due to hormone fluctuations)
- bad luck
- bad oral health (which is untrue - I brush every day 2-4 times per day and floss once a day, and was using a good electric tooth brush)
- all damage done from wisdom teeth moving during pregnancy (they seemed to come in more while I was pregnant) - so one specialist thought perhaps the movement moved all the molars next to them, causing cracks, infections,etc.
- low iron and B12 - my body being depleted and taking what it needs from the bone in my teeth (this was a theory from a naturopath)

I know you can't see my teeth, but do any of these theories make sense to you??? I just don't know what to do to stop this from happening to other teeth. Have you heard of other people having so many teeth issues all at once?? Or of a 35 year old (or younger person) having to wear dentures? I'm sorry for all the questions but I've been to so many specialists and to no avail. I just don't know where else to turn. Thank you so much Bryanna.

[Hopeless]

Hi Kate JK,

I know you addressed your post to Bryanna but I wanted to say how sorry I am to hear about your dental problems.

I sure hope Bryanna can help you and give you some guidance.

I do not know anything about dental issues other than from my own personal experiences.

I know more NOW than I did at the time I needed the information. In fact, until I had so much trouble, I did not know there were specialty areas in dentistry. If I knew then, what I know NOW, I think things would have been VERY different.

Wishing you the best.

Hopeless