Why Are Your Dentures Uncomfortable? Insights from a Dentist in Portage Park, Chicago
According to the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP), dentures are worn by about 90% of people who have edentulism — the condition of having no teeth. It is safe to assume that no one looks forward to losing their teeth. Thankfully, dentures are an affordable, safe, and convenient solution to restore the cosmetic and functional value of natural teeth.
At Smile Innovations, we recommend dentures when they are the best solution to help a patient maintain good oral health. As the top-rated dentist in Portage Park, Chicago, Dr. Gordon J. Ziols and his staff offer several types of dentures to accommodate your unique situation. Dr. Ziols can guide you through your options and help you decide whether you need traditional full dentures, immediate full dentures, or partial dentures.
Many Portage Park residents are apprehensive about getting dentures because they have heard horror stories about the discomfort and pain they sometimes cause. In this blog, we are going to discuss some of the reasons why your dentures may be uncomfortable, and we’ll also explain how you can get them fixed.
Early Discomfort
There are several reasons why you may feel some discomfort or pain when you are first fitted for your dentures in Portage Park, Chicago. For example, if you need to have some of your remaining teeth extracted first, your gums may be swollen due to the tooth extraction procedure.
Full dentures, which replace all your natural teeth, come in two types: traditional and immediate. Traditional dentures are fitted 8 to 12 weeks after your remaining natural teeth have been extracted and your gums have completely healed. Immediate dentures also replace all your natural teeth, but they are fitted pretty much immediately after your remaining natural teeth have been extracted. However, because your gums shrink over time, immediate dentures do need a few more dental appointments to ensure a perfect fit as your mouth changes.
Whether you get fitted for traditional or immediate dentures, your Portage Park dentist will most likely advise you to expect some discomfort and soreness as you adjust to your new dentures.
The Learning Curve
Even if you are not in pain, you may feel discomfort at first. It will take time and practice to become used to eating and speaking with your new dentures. That said, after the first few weeks, your dentures should no longer cause you pain or discomfort.
Because your dentures are custom-made to fit your mouth, you should not experience any chafing or rubbing after your gums have fully healed. If you still experience discomfort or pain, you should schedule an appointment with your Portage Park, Chicago dentist since you may have denture stomatitis (also known as oral stomatitis).
Denture Stomatitis
If the inside of your mouth is red, swollen, or tender, you may have denture stomatitis. Denture stomatitis is one of the most common issues that people with dentures face.
Candida, a type of fungus (yeast), is often the primary cause of this fungal infection. While it is normal to have some candida in your mouth, an excess of candida can lead to denture stomatitis. People who have diabetes, take steroids by mouth or through an inhaler, are undergoing cancer therapy, or use certain medications (such as broad-spectrum antibiotics and corticosteroids) are more likely to develop denture stomatitis.
The best way to avoid getting infected by denture stomatitis is to maintain good oral hygiene and see your Portage Park dentist for regular dental checkups.
Looking for the Top-Rated Dentist in Portage Park, Chicago?
Have you been putting off speaking with your Portage Park dentist about dentures because you are concerned about pain and discomfort? If so, you don’t have to stress — as the top-rated dentist in Portage Park, Chicago, Dr. Ziols and his staff go above and beyond to make sure you are as comfortable as possible. Contact our office today at (773) 763-1000 to learn how we can help.