My New Dentures Are So Uncomfortable

In late December of last year, I received new dentures and they are so uncomfortable. The cost made me almost sure that they would be beautiful. And after being reassured by my dentist that they would be beyond my expectations, I had no doubts. But reality has hit, and I am almost in tears. The dentures are so very uncomfortable, and they look fake.

When I look in the mirror at my smile, I’m embarrassed. At this point, there is no way that I can afford to replace my teeth with implants, but I am so very unhappy that I must do something about it. I’ve been doing some research, and I read about overdentures. How much do they cost? And what supports them? – Eileen C., Florida

Eileen –

Thank you for your question.

You have two significant concerns with your dentures. They are uncomfortable, and they don’t look natural. An artistic cosmetic dentist can help. It is possible to get natural-looking dentures that complement your facial features. A cosmetic dentist will listen to your preferences and design dentures that match them.

How Are Overdentures Supported?

Dental implants support an overdenture. You will need at least two implants to keep your denture in place. The process works like this:

• An implant dentist will make a small opening to insert implants on both sides of your jawbone.
• The dentist will have a lab to make your custom denture. And grooves in the base of the denture will attach to the implants.
• After about four months of healing, your dentist will secure the denture to the implants.

How Much Do Implant Overdentures Cost?

The cost of implant dentures depends on the options you choose. Factors that affect your cost include:

• Type of implants you receive (mini vs. standard) $1,000 – $3,000 per implant
• Number of implants you receive
• Bone grafting, if needed: $600 – $2,000
• Quality of your denture: $700 to $3,000

Other fees include the surgical procedure, supplies, and any treatment needed to improve your oral health and prepare you for implant dentures.

How Long Do Implant Overdentures Last?

The implants for implant overdentures can last decades—even a lifetime. But you will need to replace the denture that the implants support. A high-quality denture lasts five to ten years. Implant overdentures will feel more like your natural teeth than removable dentures. And your ability to chew with them will improve. Even if you decide to stick with the removable dentures, look for an advanced cosmetic dentist who will ensure they are comfortable and beautiful.

Dr. Thomas J. Goebel, a family dentist in Moline, Illinois, sponsors this post. Dr. Goebel works closely with an oral surgeon or periodontist for implant surgery.

 

Should my new overdentures hurt?

My dentist told me to expect some pain after getting implant overdentures, but it has been almost a week, and I am still in pain. I paid $36,000 for pain and now feel like I made a mistake. I had no teeth at all, but now I have a mouth full of teeth that hurt. Should I feel like this? Thank you. Les from Fort Wayne, IN

Les,

Thank you for your question.

It is normal to feel pain and discomfort after implant overdenture placement.

The implant overdenture process has several phases. Surgically placed dental implants affect your jawbone and gum tissue. Your body’s response to the surgery is inflammation and pain.

Do Implant Overdentures Hurt?

Implant overdenture surgery does not hurt because your implant dentist or oral surgeon numbs your gums and administers sedation to help you relax. What can you expect after surgery?

Implant Overdenture Recovery

Every patient’s case and pain tolerance differs, but in general, your recovery will be progressive.

• Day of oral surgery – As you return home to recover, your pain medication will keep you comfortable. But surgically placed dental implants affect your jawbone and gum tissue. Your body’s response to the surgery is inflammation and pain. And you may experience mild bleeding around the surgical sites.
• Two to three days – After oral surgery, swelling peaks in two to three days. You can place cold packs on your face to minimize the swelling for the first 36 hours. Afterward, apply moist heat for relief. And take pain medication on time as your oral surgeon directed to prevent pain from escalating.
• Four to seven days – Soreness and tenderness will gradually improve.
• One to three weeks – It takes time to adjust to wearing an immediate denture in your mouth. But over the next few weeks, you will adapt to speaking and eating with implant-supported dentures.
• Four to six months – Your implants and jawbone should fuse and heal entirely within this time frame.

When Should You Be Concerned?

If pain, swelling, or bleeding after implant overdenture surgery increase or get worse after the healing timeline, notify your oral surgeon. Also, if you have symptoms that your surgeon did not discuss with you, call the office to ensure

 

Dr. Thomas J. Goebel, a family dentist in Moline, Illinois, sponsors this post. Dr. Goebel works closely with an oral surgeon or periodontist for implant surgery.