Allround Denture Clinic • Shop 2, 284-290 Rocky Point Rd Ramsgate NSW 2217
Telephone: (02) 9529 2617 • Email: info@allrounddentureclinic.com.au
From prevention and preservation to treatment options, being informed makes all the difference.
We believe prevention is better than cure, so we strive to arm our patients with as much information as possible, covering every step of the journey.
Being well informed and getting regular checkups make all the difference in your oral health. Here are a few conditions that are worth being educated on:
Resorption
Bone Resorption and Dentures
Your teeth and your jawbone work together in creating bone mass. Once teeth are lost, the body begins removing the bone that was used to support them. This causes the alveolar ridge, the bone that now supports your dentures, to shrink down and move inward, which can contribute to the aged, sunken appearance that some denture wearers have (illustrated below). This may also lead to ill-fitting dentures, which can cause mouth sores from rubbing and angular cheilitis (more information on this condition below). The natural process of bone loss happens most rapidly in the first year after tooth loss, and it four times greater in the lower jaw than the upper.
Resorption Complications
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Ill-fitting dentures that can cause further bone loss, unstable dentures and
difficulty chewing
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The impression of a sunken face
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The illusion of a pointy nose and a witch’s chin
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Angular Cheilitis
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Changes in facial features
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Stress caused not looking like yourself
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Possible headaches and neck muscle tension
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Jaw clicking
If you feel you’re starting to look older or different, it may be time to have a new set of dentures made with all changes in your mouth taken into account. Regular checkups with us will make it easier to keep on top of resorption, help the fit of your denture, as well as your overall oral health.
Natural Teeth
After Extraction
10 Years After
30 Years After
Normal Anatomy
Gradual Tooth & Bone Loss
Continued Tooth & Bone Loss
6cm
4.5cm
6cm
With Dentures
Normal Facial Proportions
Bite collapse happens when teeth are lost. when all teeth are lost facial height drops dramatically, causing the lips and cheeks to lose support and increase wrinkles
Normal facial proportions are kept when teeth are replaced in the correct position. maintaining support creating a pleasing and natural appearance
Restoring Facial Contours With Dentures
Without Dentures
Sunken Facial Proportions
Several Missing Teeth
All Missing Teeth
Posterior teeth in place
Bone begins to deteriorate where posterior teeth are missing
Bone loss over time can be significant
Teeth in place in lower jaw
Complete tooth loss causes the jaw to shrink
Significant bone deterioration leads to facial structure collapse
Tooth Drift
Even losing one tooth can have dental consequences, as when a tooth is lost it leaves a gap that the neighbouring teeth start to move into. This is known as tooth drift. The tilting and twisting of your teeth into this space means they become weaker, your bite can start to clash and chewing may become difficult.
Mouth before tooth loss
Mouth after tooth loss, before drifiting
Mouth after tooth loss -
surrounding teeth begin drifting
Mouth after tooth loss -
surrounding teeth and opposing teeth begin drifting
Mouth after tooth loss -
consequences of drifting
Mouth after tooth loss -
irreversible complications for dentures (without orthodontics) due to tooth drift.
This can be a slow process over time and prevention is definitely the best and less expensive option. When people lose teeth and don’t seek help from professionals, tooth drift can take place. Having a partial denture is an inexpensive solution to keep everything in position until further, more permanent action is taken.
Tooth Drift Complications
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Over-eruption
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Bone degeneration
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Loss of other teeth
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Tooth fracture from overloading
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Excessive wear and tear on remaining teeth
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Jaw joint problems
Immediately after tooth removal
Visible bone loss within a
short period of time
The result, loss of stability and
tooth drift as a consequence
Preventative Measures
Temporary Partial
Denture
Removable Partial
Denture
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
This condition causes your mouth to feel dry or uncomfortable most of the time, and can affect speech and swallowing. Dry mouth can be caused by things like medication, chemotherapy, health conditions, tobacco use and dehydration among other things, and can affect denture wearers as it is saliva that helps keep dentures in place. This is found to be more prevalent with lower dentures than with top ones as the size and shape of the upper gums usually make wearing an upper denture easier. The natural shrinking and resorption of gums paired with this condition will mean dentures will likely require relining or replacement more often.
Symptoms
• Constant feeling of thirst
• Thick and stringy saliva
• Change in taste
• Cracked or dry lips
• Bad breath
• Tooth decay and irritated gums
Staying hydrated and sucking on sugar-free lollies are good options to promote saliva production. Since some medications can cause dry mouth, your doctor may be able to prescribe an alternate option to you. As always, be sure to visit us for checkups, and let us know if any changes or discomfort occurs so we can work with you to get it taken care of as soon as possible.
Mouth Sores (Ulcers)
Both new and older, more ill-fitting dentures can rub against your gums or inner mouth and cause painful sores on the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, bottom of mouth and the soft palate. Symptoms include a burning or tingling sensation along with sensitive ulcers. More severe cases are accompanies by swollen lymph nodes, physical fatigue and fever. In all cases of denture-related ulcers, we can help with treatments for pain relief, as well as getting you the adjustments or replacement denture you may need.
Causes
• Old dentures in need of a reline
• New dentures settling in
• Weakened immune system
• Stress
• Sensitivity to acidic food
• Trauma of soft tissues
Treatment
Most ulcers will heal within a few weeks without treatment, but there are a variety of over-the-counter medications to help with pain and healing. Here are a few helpful home remedies:
• Gargle salt water
• Create paste of baking soda and water and apply to ulcer
• Avoid triggers like hot, spicy, salty, or acidic foods and beverages
Angular Cheilitis
Angular cheilitis is a condition that causes red, swollen patches in the corners of your mouth where your lips meet. It’s common with denture wearers due change in mouth structure from bone resorption, and can become infected due to saliva accumulation.
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Symptoms
• Bleeding
• Blisters - Cracks
• Itchiness - Pain
• Redness - Scales
• Swelling
If you have any of the above symptoms, avoid licking your lips and organise a visit to Allround so we can work to restore height and facial support to your mouth and help you decide if any further treatment is required.