Faqs
Question: My mouth is dry, what’s causing this and what can I do to maintain saliva?
Answer: Dryness of the mouth is a symptom of aging and is spurred by many prescription medications. Radiation, chemotherapy, diabetes and general dehydration contribute significantly to dryness of the mouth, called xerostomia. Dryness of the mouth, eyes, skin, nasal passages, along with cold nose, ears and fingertips (reduced blood flow to extremities) can be symptoms of systematic illness. Patients with these symptoms should be evaluated for Sjögren’s Syndrome or other problems. Tooth decay increases with oral dryness. Saliva substitutes and mineral pastes including those containing calcium and fluoride help keep teeth healthy.
Answer: Dryness of the mouth is a symptom of aging and is spurred by many prescription medications. Radiation, chemotherapy, diabetes and general dehydration contribute significantly to dryness of the mouth, called xerostomia. Dryness of the mouth, eyes, skin, nasal passages, along with cold nose, ears and fingertips (reduced blood flow to extremities) can be symptoms of systematic illness. Patients with these symptoms should be evaluated for Sjögren’s Syndrome or other problems. Tooth decay increases with oral dryness. Saliva substitutes and mineral pastes including those containing calcium and fluoride help keep teeth healthy.
Question: Should I consider dental implants to secure my dentures?
Answer: Two implants placed forward in the lower arch (mandible) have high success rates, have been shown to preserve bone, improve patient’s quality of life and are generally affordable. While implants in the upper arch have good success rates and preserve bone, the treatment is more complicated, more implants are often required compared to lower arch, and their are patients who cannot tolerate upper dentures.
Answer: Two implants placed forward in the lower arch (mandible) have high success rates, have been shown to preserve bone, improve patient’s quality of life and are generally affordable. While implants in the upper arch have good success rates and preserve bone, the treatment is more complicated, more implants are often required compared to lower arch, and their are patients who cannot tolerate upper dentures.
Question: What’s the cost of two implants and a stabilized lower denture?
Answer: Cost of the implants is generally $2400-4000. Cost of the denture with retention elements secured to the implants is generally $1500.
Answer: Cost of the implants is generally $2400-4000. Cost of the denture with retention elements secured to the implants is generally $1500.
Question: Is it okay to use denture pastes and adhesives to secure loose dentures?
Answer: Three or four small pea size drops of denture gel or paste help seal dentures preventing food accumulation beneath the denture and help the tongue and cheeks secure both the upper and lower denture. Zinc free denture adhesives are safer than formulations containing zinc, but often less effective. Excess amounts of zinc containing denture adhesive, when swallowed causes problems including low copper levels in the blood and interfere with nerve function.
Answer: Three or four small pea size drops of denture gel or paste help seal dentures preventing food accumulation beneath the denture and help the tongue and cheeks secure both the upper and lower denture. Zinc free denture adhesives are safer than formulations containing zinc, but often less effective. Excess amounts of zinc containing denture adhesive, when swallowed causes problems including low copper levels in the blood and interfere with nerve function.
Question: How often should I have my dentures examined by a dentist?
Answer: Annual oral examinations screen for denture problems, oral injuries caused by ill-fitting dentures, and other problems including oral tumors or other abnormalities.
Answer: Annual oral examinations screen for denture problems, oral injuries caused by ill-fitting dentures, and other problems including oral tumors or other abnormalities.
