I have recently gotten completely removable dentures. They have been a challenge to get used to. However, one thing is puzzling me. Should they cover the area where my wisdom teeth were? I’m just chewing on gums there and it is really uncomfortable. I was hoping that it should go back further, but my dentist is a bit frustrated with my complaints and feels I just need to give them time and I’ll adjust.
Dennis
Dear Dennis,
While there is going to be a lot that is uncomfortable, this particular issue is one that can be fixed. Not only should the denture cover the part where your wisdom tooth was, but should also go at least part of the way over the retromolar pad. But, you don’t want it to go so far past that it interferes with the other part of the denture.
I’m guessing that you’ve already paid for this denture, which means there is very little incentive for your dentist to make this right. This is especially true because in order to repair this part of the denture for you, he would have to re-do the entire thing from scratch.
I would start by showing him this post. He did, in fact, not have the denture made correctly. If doing the job correctly is not enough incentive for him, then you can tell him that you will leave a negative review explaining what happened to you with your denture.
These type of reviews will have an impact on his business. When people are looking for a new dentist they are likely to make their final decision based on the impact he or she has had on patients.
I am hoping your dentist warned you about the danger of facial collapse with dentures. If not, and you were not informed of all your choices and how they impact you, that tells me some more about his ethics too. The better treatment for you would have been implant overdentures. This would secure your denture in a way that you would not have had the discomfort you’re feeling, as well as protect you from facial collapse.
This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Steven Collins.