Oral Health Community: Support Group

Technically speaking, a denture is any prosthetic use to replace a partial, or a complete dentition....

Posted by Zev Kaufman, DDS

Technically speaking, a denture is any prosthetic use to replace a partial, or a complete dentition. It can be fixed (permanent), such as a bridge between two teeth to replaced a missing tooth, or a removable denture to replace one or more teeth.

This discussion will focus on the REMOVABLE, partial and complete dentures and the used of implants.

There are two parameters by which dentures are evaluated:

Resistance form--the ability of the denture to absorb and transfer the masticatory (chewing and biting) forces to the underlying bone and tissue. This transfer of forces should allow a person to function comfortably, without pain or sores. It is generally governed by the quality of the denture making process from impression, to laboratory fabrication, to fitting and upkeep.

Retention form--the ability of the denture to stay in place while in function. This parameter is mostly determined by the remaining oral structures used to secure the denture in place. The construction of the denture is very important, however, if there are teeth present to hold the denture in place, it will stay put far better than a complete (full) denture which rests on limited bone (low ridge).

This is where implants (mini, or conventional) come into play.

In the early 1980's a predictable way to place "root form" implants was introduced to dentistry, and we never looked back.
Dental implants, as we know them today, are titanium screws/anchors, which are placed into the human jaw bone. These implants can be used to anchor a variety of prosthetic devices in place. At first, they were use to anchor a complete lower fixed bridge. Four to six implants were placed into the lower jaw, and a metal structure covered with pink acrylic (plastic) and denture teeth was screwed in place into the implants. As the confidence in the implants grew, the use of implants to replace single, free standing, not connected, teeth, became common. Today, the restoration of choice, when a tooth, or multiple teeth are missing, is the implant supported and retained prosthesis.

The standard of care has evolved, as well. Whereas in the past, the implant retained prosthesis was the "alternative" treatment, today, it is the treatment of choice, mostly due to the fact that the implant retained prosthetic does not involve the used of adjacent teeth for anchorage. When it comes to complete (full) lower dentures, using two implants with "snap" attachments to the denture is considered the standard of care. All the studies of biological factors and psychological factors point to the fact that the implant retained removable denture is an excellent restoration, allowing people to function in a higher capacity and preserving the remaining oral structures.

The most common misconception I have encountered in removable denture is "once the implants are 'in', the denture will be comfortable."

The most important factor to the success of implant retained denture therapy is the proper fit of the denture--the Resistance Form. Only when a denture is evaluated and is deemed satisfactory in function, should implant therapy begin. This holds true especially in situations where one does not have dentures at all. The placement and position of the implants are determined by the position of the teeth and the shape of the well-fitting denture. Placing implants prior to the fabrication and evaluation of a denture can result in problems and improperly placed implants.

Proper implants treatment should START with the final prosthetic (denture).View Thread

Posted by Zev Kaufman, DDS

Was this Helpful?

20 of 27 found this Tip helpful

6 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:Dentures and implants Technically speaking, a denture is any prosthetic use to replace a partial, or a complete dentition....

How I was cured.

How I Was Cured. By: MeWritten on April 6th, 2013 I NEVER...had a history of geographical tongue. Then...

Posted by bethbook

How I Was Cured. By: MeWritten on April 6th, 2013 I NEVER...had a history of geographical tongue. Then suddenly, I had strange symptoms of TMJ appear a little over a year ago...the pain spread to my tongue, and before I knew it, I was getting a biopsy done to see if I had cancer. I'm sure many of you have been through this before...I was put on every steroid and pain killer known to mankind, but nothing...NOTHING could ease my pain. It got so bad...I was unable to speak, barely able to eat some days, I wanted to give up....

Six months ago, a doctor heard about my pain and suffering...he talked me into seeing him. I had my doubts..and reservations. Keep in mind I went to doctor after doctor, and they all pretty much gave up on me, they said there was no cure.

Long story short....the cause of my pain...a pinched brain stem. That part of the brain stem was the source of blood and information that fed my mouth "tongue".....in not so many words...my tongue was dying, because that part of the central nervous system was not delivering blood/oxygen into my mouth properly, so it was causing the nerves in my mouth to fire off the pain receptors non-stop. He said many chronic glossitis sufferers may be easily remedied if only they were properly diagnosed.

My testimony...almost 100% pain free. I still go to therapy about twice a month to correct the twist in my spine that created the pinch in my brain stem.

A regular chiropractor may not diagnose this properly. His kind of practice follows the teachings of Clarence Gonstead, he has alternative care facilities all over.

http://lawlorfamilychiropractic.com/troxell-intern-program/dr-clarence-gonstead.html

Please email me if you have questions. I remember the pain and suffering that I went through...I truly wanted to die. If I can help heal another with this information "not saying this is the reason for your pain" but it could be...and if you have tried traditional doctors and pain pills with little or no pain relief in sight...why not check it out.View Thread

Posted by bethbook

Was this Helpful?

0 of 0 found this Tip helpful

0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:How I was cured. How I Was Cured. By: MeWritten on April 6th, 2013 I NEVER...had a history of geographical tongue. Then...

How I was cured.

How I Was Cured. By: MeWritten on April 6th, 2013 I NEVER...had a history of geographical tongue. Then...

Posted by bethbook

How I Was Cured. By: MeWritten on April 6th, 2013 I NEVER...had a history of geographical tongue. Then suddenly, I had strange symptoms of TMJ appear a little over a year ago...the pain spread to my tongue, and before I knew it, I was getting a biopsy done to see if I had cancer. I'm sure many of you have been through this before...I was put on every steroid and pain killer known to mankind, but nothing...NOTHING could ease my pain. It got so bad...I was unable to speak, barely able to eat some days, I wanted to give up....

Six months ago, a doctor heard about my pain and suffering...he talked me into seeing him. I had my doubts..and reservations. Keep in mind I went to doctor after doctor, and they all pretty much gave up on me, they said there was no cure.

Long story short....the cause of my pain...a pinched brain stem. That part of the brain stem was the source of blood and information that fed my mouth "tongue".....in not so many words...my tongue was dying, because that part of the central nervous system was not delivering blood/oxygen into my mouth properly, so it was causing the nerves in my mouth to fire off the pain receptors non-stop. He said many chronic glossitis sufferers may be easily remedied if only they were properly diagnosed.

My testimony...almost 100% pain free. I still go to therapy about twice a month to correct the twist in my spine that created the pinch in my brain stem.

A regular chiropractor may not diagnose this properly. His kind of practice follows the teachings of Clarence Gonstead, he has alternative care facilities all over.

http://lawlorfamilychiropractic.com/troxell-intern-program/dr-clarence-gonstead.html

Please email me if you have questions. I remember the pain and suffering that I went through...I truly wanted to die. If I can help heal another with this information "not saying this is the reason for your pain" but it could be...and if you have tried traditional doctors and pain pills with little or no pain relief in sight...why not check it out.View Thread

Posted by bethbook

Was this Helpful?

0 of 0 found this Tip helpful

0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:How I was cured. How I Was Cured. By: MeWritten on April 6th, 2013 I NEVER...had a history of geographical tongue. Then...

How I was cured.

How I Was Cured. By: MeWritten on April 6th, 2013 I NEVER...had a history of geographical tongue. Then...

Posted by bethbook

How I Was Cured. By: MeWritten on April 6th, 2013 I NEVER...had a history of geographical tongue. Then suddenly, I had strange symptoms of TMJ appear a little over a year ago...the pain spread to my tongue, and before I knew it, I was getting a biopsy done to see if I had cancer. I'm sure many of you have been through this before...I was put on every steroid and pain killer known to mankind, but nothing...NOTHING could ease my pain. It got so bad...I was unable to speak, barely able to eat some days, I wanted to give up....

Six months ago, a doctor heard about my pain and suffering...he talked me into seeing him. I had my doubts..and reservations. Keep in mind I went to doctor after doctor, and they all pretty much gave up on me, they said there was no cure.

Long story short....the cause of my pain...a pinched brain stem. That part of the brain stem was the source of blood and information that fed my mouth "tongue".....in not so many words...my tongue was dying, because that part of the central nervous system was not delivering blood/oxygen into my mouth properly, so it was causing the nerves in my mouth to fire off the pain receptors non-stop. He said many chronic glossitis sufferers may be easily remedied if only they were properly diagnosed.

My testimony...almost 100% pain free. I still go to therapy about twice a month to correct the twist in my spine that created the pinch in my brain stem.

A regular chiropractor may not diagnose this properly. His kind of practice follows the teachings of Clarence Gonstead, he has alternative care facilities all over.

http://lawlorfamilychiropractic.com/troxell-intern-program/dr-clarence-gonstead.html

Please email me if you have questions. I remember the pain and suffering that I went through...I truly wanted to die. If I can help heal another with this information "not saying this is the reason for your pain" but it could be...and if you have tried traditional doctors and pain pills with little or no pain relief in sight...why not check it out.View Thread

Posted by bethbook

Was this Helpful?

0 of 0 found this Tip helpful

0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:How I was cured. How I Was Cured. By: MeWritten on April 6th, 2013 I NEVER...had a history of geographical tongue. Then...

Dental implant in the Czech Republic

I want to give a tip for the great dental care in the Czech Republic. I went there to get 2 implants as the...

Posted by Phillipa54

Was this Helpful?

0 of 0 found this Tip helpful

0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:Dental implant in the Czech Republic I want to give a tip for the great dental care in the Czech Republic. I went there to get 2 implants as the...

Bone loss in gums

If you are experiencing bone loss in the gums and their is no pathology, What can be done to stop bone loss.

Posted by An_250818

Was this Helpful?

0 of 0 found this Tip helpful

0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:Bone loss in gums If you are experiencing bone loss in the gums and their is no pathology, What can be done to stop bone loss.

WebMD doesn't document EMG for diagnosing TMD

Why are WebMD's informational articles on TMD a couple of years old and don't even mention EMG? Even...

Posted by jforgizmo

Why are WebMD's informational articles on TMD a couple of years old and don't even mention EMG?

Even wikipedia calls it the most reliable way to diagnose. Under possible treatments, WebMd includes TMjoint open surgery, which it would be good to cover as the Mayo Clinic does, by pointing out that this major surgery doesn't relieve any pain often.

WebMD does not state that Botox injections for TMD are explicitly NOT approved by the FDA, that injections of paralytics at best give temporary relief, and can have long term side effects like atrophy, and possibly counterproductive seonsory and motor nerve effects, in addition to studies that show that it migrates to the brain. Since using Botox on TMD sufferers is the fastest growing treatment for those whose damaged TMjoint is causing incapaciting pain, it would be responsible of WebMd to take a stand against the use of paralytics for TMD, like our FDA.

Those dentists who have invested in diagnostic tools other than EMG, or use paralytics off-label for TMD would probably not be happy, but if EMG is the gold standard for diagnosing, wouldn't it be in the public interest to mention it?

There are also more modern treatments for TMD (bruxing, or clenching during sleep) that are not mentioned in WebMd. I tried all those in WebMD's list, including major surgery, although not joint replacement surgery (I trust the Mayo Clinic). I never got more than transitory relief, since these treatments did not stop the nightly teeth clenching, which can be hundreds of times a night, of hard clenching or grinding. This can put a lot more pressure on your TMjoint and teeth than our daily 20 minutes or so of chewing food, which is itself just rolling food around much of the time, as opposed to strong clenching or biting.

I am certain that we patients are not allowed to reccomend a product, so I won't recommend the FDA approved product that got me from having to drug myself semi-conscious every day to having something of a life again. Nor that it is as small and easy to use as an ipod nano. But if people search on "TMD EMG Botox", they will see plenty of information, some of it up-to-date. I suggest that you do NOT include "TMJ" into your google search. TMJ is just an abbreviation for the temporal mandibular joint, which is the most complicated joint in the human body. Too many people think TMJ is the name of a disease, and their searches pull up outdated or dangerous treatment suggestions.

Best of luck to all bruxers (grinders or clenchers)!

P.S. I just read a 1970 phamplet to dentists from a mouthguard material maker, which was already telling dentists that studies have shown that no matter why someone started chronic bruxing (TMD), it is no longer curable by stress reduction once it becomes chronic (a neuromuscular disorder). Unfortunately, patients are still told otherwise. If you have long been a chronic bruxer, you will have teeth problems a dentist can see come from bruxing, and possibly eventually temporal mandibular joint problems. And, your masseter muscles and temporlis muscles can beome overdeveloped. But please be aware that Botoxing either or both of these muscles will give at best temporary relief from this neuromuscular disorder, and can complicate future treatment of TMD.View Thread

Posted by jforgizmo

Was this Helpful?

3 of 7 found this Tip helpful

0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:WebMD doesn't document EMG for diagnosing TMD Why are WebMD's informational articles on TMD a couple of years old and don't even mention EMG? Even...

After root canal...

Hi to all of you with toothache and may you solve it fast and successfully. Last couple days it was a hell for...

Posted by nyczg

Was this Helpful?

1 of 3 found this Tip helpful

0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:After root canal... Hi to all of you with toothache and may you solve it fast and successfully. Last couple days it was a hell for...

This is what I tried

I also have this problem. This is what I've tried: chapstick=didn't work carmex=didn't work...

Posted by mistress_maryann

Was this Helpful?

6 of 12 found this Tip helpful

0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:This is what I tried I also have this problem. This is what I've tried: chapstick=didn't work carmex=didn't work...

Get White Teeth

I've used teeth whitening kits in the past that did improve the color of my teeth. However, the kits never...

Posted by Markus_L

Was this Helpful?

6 of 12 found this Tip helpful

0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:Get White Teeth I've used teeth whitening kits in the past that did improve the color of my teeth. However, the kits never...

my 9 month old daughter's tongue has a brown spot

I noticed my daughter has a brown spot near the tip of her tongue this afternoon and it seemed to have gotten...

Posted by myko9b

Was this Helpful?

6 of 12 found this Tip helpful

1 Reply | ReplyReport This| Share this:my 9 month old daughter's tongue has a brown spot I noticed my daughter has a brown spot near the tip of her tongue this afternoon and it seemed to have gotten...

abscessed tooth heart patient on coumadin

Abscessed tooth 78 yr heart patient coumadin. Can this tooth be extracted.

Posted by halleluyau

Was this Helpful?

8 of 17 found this Tip helpful

0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:abscessed tooth heart patient on coumadin Abscessed tooth 78 yr heart patient coumadin. Can this tooth be extracted.

For short-term, surface relief

Had two thirds of a root canal done two days ago - now in really, really bad pain... (an 8 out of 10 level...

Posted by fedup2010

Was this Helpful?

9 of 16 found this Tip helpful

0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:For short-term, surface relief Had two thirds of a root canal done two days ago - now in really, really bad pain... (an 8 out of 10 level...

chronic chapped, burning upper lip

have had a chapped upper lip for about 90 days or more. i have used every over the counter remedy there is....

Posted by An_224182

Was this Helpful?

8 of 17 found this Tip helpful

0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:chronic chapped, burning upper lip have had a chapped upper lip for about 90 days or more. i have used every over the counter remedy there is....

what causes abitter lips & mouth?

my mouth is getting bitter and lips,can any one tell me what can cause this reaction?. Thanks, Mikeowo.

Posted by An_224181

Was this Helpful?

9 of 20 found this Tip helpful

1 Reply | ReplyReport This| Share this:what causes abitter lips & mouth? my mouth is getting bitter and lips,can any one tell me what can cause this reaction?. Thanks, Mikeowo.

Includes Expert Content

sinus trouble in my teeth

need info on sinus that have gotten into my teeth i went to the dentist this week and my dentist told me...

Posted by pretzel58

Was this Helpful?

9 of 19 found this Tip helpful

3 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:sinus trouble in my teeth need info on sinus that have gotten into my teeth i went to the dentist this week and my dentist told me...

Includes Expert Content

Rash on lips

I just noticed a bunch of tiny white bumps on my top lip. They are white, not clear, about the size of a pin...

Posted by MKFMKV

Was this Helpful?

15 of 34 found this Tip helpful

7 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:Rash on lips I just noticed a bunch of tiny white bumps on my top lip. They are white, not clear, about the size of a pin...

jittery teeth

when i close my mouth my teeth jitter and im not even cold. also i have a cough and when i drink water i feel...

Posted by An_224180

Was this Helpful?

10 of 20 found this Tip helpful

0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:jittery teeth when i close my mouth my teeth jitter and im not even cold. also i have a cough and when i drink water i feel...

Want to change font size?

It is easy to make the font bigger press and hold your control key and click on the + key until...

Posted by Emma_WebMD_Staff

Was this Helpful?

9 of 20 found this Tip helpful

0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:Want to change font size? It is easy to make the font bigger press and hold your control key and click on the + key until...

Looking for Tips on how to get around?

Be sure to check out the Community News Blog and the WebMD Welcome Exchange

Posted by Emma_WebMD_Staff

Was this Helpful?

11 of 21 found this Tip helpful

0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:Looking for Tips on how to get around? Be sure to check out the Community News Blog and the WebMD Welcome Exchange

Want to read "discussions" only?

Well that's easy too, on the left hand side you see many links one of them is "discussions", click on...

Posted by Emma_WebMD_Staff

Was this Helpful?

9 of 18 found this Tip helpful

0 Replies | ReplyReport This| Share this:Want to read "discussions" only? Well that's easy too, on the left hand side you see many links one of them is "discussions", click on...