Dentures Solutions for Patients with Dry Mouth
Tooth loss is a serious oral health complication that can affect all aspects of the mouth, from how the teeth function, to the appearance of the smile, and even the structure of the face and jawbone. Although tooth loss is a common problem, Dr. Joseph Perry offers patients a solution in the form of dentures. Whether a patient has lost some of their teeth, the majority of them, or all of the teeth, custom dentures can restore oral functions and improve the aesthetics of the smile. While dentures are an ideal solution for most of our patients who have experienced tooth loss, there are some conditions that may compromise the success of dentures, and one of these is dry mouth. Dr. Perry is happy to discuss dentures and dry mouth with his San Antonio patients so that they can find a dental solution that works best for them.
The Effects of Dry Mouth
Although most people don’t pay much attention to it, saliva is an important part of the mouth. Saliva lubricates the teeth, soft tissues, and throat, helps to cleanse away food particles and bacteria, and makes oral functions more comfortable. Saliva not only plays an important role in these everyday functions, but also plays an important role in the success of dentures treatment.
Traditional dentures are placed over a patient’s gum line, where they create a seal with the teeth. Adequate saliva is important in ensuring that a good seal is created to keep the dentures securely in place. Saliva also provides the lubrication that is necessary to prevent irritation or discomfort to the gum tissue that is contact with the dentures. Because saliva is so important to the comfort and security of dentures, patients who have dry mouth may not be ideal candidates for this type of treatment.
Alternative Treatment
Dry mouth does not rule a patient out entirely as a dentures candidate. Dr. Perry understands that each of his patients have unique needs and desires, so he offers several options when it comes to dentures treatment. Patients who suffer from dry mouth may be better candidates for implant-supported dentures.
Implant-supported dentures are anchored by a series of mini implants that are surgically placed into the jaw. These implants fuse with the jawbone and act as artificial tooth roots, making them the most secure dentures option. Because the dentures are attached to abutments that protrude from the gum line, patients do not necessarily need to have adequate saliva to create a suction with the dentures. Implant-supported dentures also stay firmly in place, so irritation and abrasion of the soft tissues is not a concern for most patients.
Because of the security of implant-supported dentures, they are not affected by a lack of saliva. For this reason, implant-supported dentures are likely the best option for dry mouth sufferers who have experienced adult tooth loss.
Contact Us
If you are missing a significant number of your teeth, dentures may be the best option for restoring the strength, function, and beauty of your smile. Dr. Joseph Perry offers several dentures treatment options so he can meet the unique needs of each of his patients. If you’d like to learn more about dentures treatment with Dr. Perry, contact us at your earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you.
