New dentures

[Gianna]

Hi

I had a pair of new dentures fitted last week after my dentist removed my last four wobbly teeth. I have never worn dentures previously and I find these new dentures a real nightmare.

When I am speaking or eating, I am worried that they might fall out. I have used denture adhesive and tried leaving them out as much as I can but I still cant seem to keep them in my mouth.

Also the gum is very sore where the old teeth were removed and gets constantly rubbed by these new dentures. I tried rubbing bonjela on the gum but it has not helped much. Any suggestions as to what I should do?

[Dr Ehsan J. Esfahani]

Hello Gianna,

Thank you for your post.

You have immediate dentures and immediate dentures are fitted straight after teeth are removed and to some extent they involve guess work. They are less well fitting than new dentures and for this reason they are harder to wear and can rub and make the gums feels sore.

Immediate dentures often need easing and adjustment and this can be done by your dentist. I suggest you contact them and book a review appointment. At this visit your dentist will see which areas of the denture are rubbing and he or she will ease the denture. If the denture is still sore and painful to wear you will need a reline. This is when the fitting surface of the denture is modified to improve the dentures support and retention.

In the meantime leave your dentures out and use luke warm salt water to reduce any inflammation. You should then wear the dentures 24 hours before the review appointment so the sore areas can be more easily identified by the dentist.