Do Dentures Cause Pain?
When a person has lost a large set of teeth, an entire arch of teeth, or a full set of teeth, dentures are often the most appropriate solution. Dentures come as partial or complete restorations so they can address even the most advanced degree of tooth loss to restore oral functions.
Patients who are preparing for dentures treatment are likely to worry about dentures pain. Although dentures are not known to be especially painful, the adjustment period can be somewhat uncomfortable. Here, Drs. James M. Stein and Brett E. Stein discuss dentures pain, while offering our Boston, MA, patients tips for how to enhance oral comfort while adjusting to dentures.
How Painful Are Dentures?
Dentures tend to have a bad reputation. Most people think of dentures as being ill-fitting, uncomfortable, and unstable. While this may have been true of older dentures, modern dentures are made using much more advanced technology and materials. This creates dentures that fit comfortably and securely, while restoring a functional bite.
Although dentures should not cause pain if they fit properly and are well cared for, they can cause minor discomfort during the initial adjustment period. Dentures rest directly on a patient’s gums. They create a seal that holds them in place while a person bites, chews, or speaks. If dentures fit properly, they should not move. However, dentures can rub against the gums, and it takes the oral tissues time to get used to this friction. Until the gums adjust, patients may experience tenderness, sensitivity, or minor irritation. Some even develop sores along the gums, or patches of red or white skin.
How Long Does Discomfort Last?
As long as patients have been fitted with a set of dentures that are well fabricated and made to the patient’s specifications, discomfort should not last long. Most people adjust to their dentures within two to four weeks of receiving them.
If dentures discomfort is not easily managed, or if irritation lasts longer than a few weeks, it is important to speak to a dentist. This could be a sign that adjustments need to be made to improve the dentures fit. It may also mean that food is getting trapped between the dentures and gums, causing irritation and, potentially, other oral health problems.
Managing Discomfort Caused By Dentures
While our Boston patients adjust to a new set of dentures, there are some steps they can take to minimize discomfort or irritation. These practices can be beneficial any time that dentures discomfort is a concern, but especially in the first few weeks of dentures use:
- Clean dentures thoroughly every night
- Use dentures consistently so that the gums are able to adjust
- Avoid especially hard or sticky foods
- Chew foods slowly
- Consider using a dentures adhesive to seal out any food particles
- Rinse the mouth with warm salt water after prolonged dentures use
Get In Touch
Dentures offer a stable and reliable solution for advanced tooth loss. If you are interested in learning how dentures can restore oral functions and improve the aesthetics of your smile following tooth loss, Drs. James M. Stein and Brett E. Stein would be happy to provide you with more information. To get in touch, send us a message online or call our Boston dental practice at (617) 227-6076.