Archives for January 2022

Why Is My Palateless Denture Loose?

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Last August, I found a dentist who does palateless dentures. He took some x-rays, reviewed my medical records, and said I could get the denture. I was excited because I have worn dentures for 20 years. I was very nervous because I had never had any oral surgery before last September when the dentist did four implants. I was under IV sedation, so the surgery went better than expected. Everything seemed to go okay until mid-January, when I felt something shift in my mouth. I returned to the dentist before my next scheduled appointment. He said that the denture might be loose, and he will check the implants next week. I am terrified of what the dentist might find and that I might lose all the implants. I don’t know if my anxiety will let me start all over again. Now, my trust level is down. What are some reasons that my palateless denture might be loose? – Thanks so much. Giada from Florida

Giada,

Thank you for your question. Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your denture and take a 3-D cone beam CT scan to identify the problem. But will explain some possible causes of your loose palateless dentures. But first, we will explain how a palateless denture works for any of our readers who are not familiar with it.

What Is a Palateless Denture?

Palateless upper denture prepared for dental implantsA palateless is shaped like an arch and has no upper plate that touches the roof of your mouth. A palateless implant denture snaps or screws onto dental implants. Dental implants are tiny screws that an implant dentist places in your jawbone. Two to six implants can keep your denture in place. After about four months of healing, your dentist will attach the final denture to the implants.

Palateless implant denture vs. traditional implant denture

  • Traditional denture – A traditional denture has a palate that touches the roof of your mouth. Suction from the top of your mouth keeps the denture in place. Many denture wearers find it uncomfortable. Some also say that it distorts the taste of food.
  • Palateless implant denture – Dental implants embedded in your jawbone can support a palateless denture. You will have a more comfortable experience wearing dentures that do not cup the roof of your mouth.

Why Is Your Palateless Denture Loose?

If your palateless implant denture is loose, perhaps the denture is not secured to the implants. Or, your implants and jawbone may not have fused. An examination and 3-D CT scan will provide the answer.

  • Denture not secured to the implants – If your palateless denture is loose, your dentist must determine the cause. Perhaps the denture base is misaligned with the implants. Or, maybe the connection between your denture and implants is unstable.
  • Jawbone and dental implant did not fuse – When your jawbone and implant do not fuse, the cause could be the location of the implants, inflammation around the implants, poor-quality implants, or other factors.

Get a Second Opinion Right Away

We recommend getting a second opinion right away. The American Society of Implant and Reconstructive dentistry cautions that if the implant connection is loose, it can have these effects:

  • Alter your bite (the way your upper and lower teeth meet when you close your mouth)
  • Damage the implants
  • Cause bone loss

You mentioned that your dentist took some x-rays, but you did not say a 3-D cone beam CT scan. Did your implant dentist complete that scan? Search for an implant dentist with credentials (not membership only) from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists or the American Dental Implant Association. Schedule an appointment for a second opinion. You will need a comprehensive exam and a 3-D CT scan at some point.

Your anxiety is understandable, but an implant dentist will recommend sedation options to keep you relaxed while getting the care you need. We wish you a healthy resolution for your loose palateless denture.

 

Dr. Steven Brooksher of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, sponsors this post. Dr. Brooker is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

Never Had Issues Like This Until I Got a Dental Implant

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I lost my right second molar at age 17 and never replaced it. As an adult, I decided to do something about it. I wore a partial denture for many years, and now at age 47, I have decided to get an implant.  But I regret it because I never had dental issues like this until I got the implant.

After implant surgery, my dentist told me that he placed the implant, although my bone level was shallow. He said that if it didn’t work out, he could do a bridge instead. I was furious, and after four months, my dentist said the implant was not healing well. I had a lot of anxiety about getting an implant, and it is increasing because someone must remove the implant. But I refuse to get a bridge. I would rather leave the space empty. I’m writing out of frustration but unsure of what question to ask. – Thank you. Marcus from KY

Marcus,

Thank you for contacting our office. We understand that you must be frustrated.

Do You Have Enough Bone Volume for a Dental Implant?

Whether you have enough bone level for a dental implant is something that any responsible implant dentist determines before surgery. Implant dentists take a 3-D digital CT scan before recommending implants. The scan helps your dentist identify:

  • Bone level
  • Oral anatomy
  • Best implant location

We are also concerned because if you have had a missing tooth for 30 years, your dentist knows that you have experienced significant bone shrinkage.

How Much Does Bone Shrink When a Tooth Is Missing?

When a tooth is missing, bone shrinkage progresses rapidly. If your dentist takes a 3-D CT scan before placing an implant, they will notice the shrinkage and determine if you need bone grafting. An article published by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry on how missing teeth affect your bone notes that when you have a missing tooth, bone shrinkage occurs at these rates:

  • 25 percent in three months
  • Up to 50 percent in six months

How to Deal with Poor Implant Dentistry

When you are a victim of poor implant dentistry, your dentist owes you a refund. You paid your dentist for a service you did not receive—a healthy, functioning dental implant. Also, our dentist failed to meet the standard of care by not taking adequate x-rays to measure your bone volume. So, your dentist owes you for the implant process and negligence.

What Are Your Options After Dental Implant Failure?

If you have experienced dental implant failure, get a second opinion from a skilled implant dentist. Look for credentials from one of these organizations:

  • International Congress of Oral Implantologists
  • International Dental Implant Association
  • American Academy of Implant Dentistry
Dental implant components, including root form, abutment, and crown

Discuss your sedation options with an accredited implant dentist

Schedule an appointment for an examination. The dentist will explain your options for sedation and a comfortable procedure and recovery. And expect a skilled implant dentist to take a 3-D CT scan before recommending treatment options. Also, talk to your new dentist about your anxiety and what triggers it.

 

Dr. Steven Brooker, a Baton Rouge Fellow of implant dentistry, sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is accredited by the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.