Dentures allow patients to reclaim a sense of control over their smile. Tooth loss can be a struggle, both physically and emotionally. So, the right set of dentures can provide dramatic benefits that raise quality of life. But some patients hesitate to try them because they wonder: do dentures hurt?
Do Dentures Hurt?
Dentures will never be as comfortable as your natural teeth. However, having pain while using them likely means something needs fixing.
Below, we break down a few reasons your dentures may hurt and what you can do about it.
Discomfort from New Dentures
When you first receive dentures, you might not love the experience. It takes time for most patients to feel comfortable with their new set of teeth. However, this discomfort should fade within about one month.
The pain usually comes from the amount of pressure on the gums. However, you can take a few steps to reduce denture discomfort during this period. These include:
- Chewing Slowly: Alternately, you can break your meals up into smaller portions spread out over time. Doing this allows your gums to adjust better without becoming too sore.
- Salt Rinse: A gentle rinse with warm salt water can soothe your gums after denture use.
Discomfort from Poorly Fitting Dentures
If you continue to notice denture pain after a month, your set might not fit properly. Even minor imperfections in a set of dentures can cause discomfort.
When you acquire your dentures, we recommend working with an established dental practice. Ask about the lab where your dentures are made. A certified lab that uses quality materials will likely produce better dentures that fit properly.
If your dentures fit poorly, often the only solution will be replacing them. In some cases, your dentist can adjust your dentures to improve their fit. However, never try to adjust them at home. Improper adjustments may only worsen the problem.
Discomfort from Old or Damaged Dentures
Nothing lasts forever, and the same applies to dentures. A set of dentures has about 5 to 15 years of solid use. Over time, the material can become damaged, warped, or worn. In any of these instances, your dentures may not rest on your gums as they should. Patients can experience this as mild discomfort or actual pain.
Routine dental visits allow your dentist to track the state of your dentures. If they notice any issues with your current set, they can recommend a new one before problems arise.
Discomfort from Dirty Dentures
Without regular cleaning, dentures can acquire buildup inside and outside. Buildup on the exterior can cause cosmetic issues with the dentures. But buildup inside of the dentures, where they rest on your gums, can cause discomfort.
This happens when the buildup causes the dentures to lie unevenly on your gums. This unevenness creates an unbalanced distribution of pressure on the gums. Parts of the gums that experience more pressure can then become irritated or in pain.
Your dentist will provide clear instructions for routinely cleaning your dentures. Follow these easy steps to avoid painful, unclean dentures.
Discomfort Due to an Allergic Reaction
A small portion of the population may have an allergic reaction to the materials in their dentures. When this happens, the gums can become inflamed or irritated. This typically happens during the initial period of wearing your dentures. So, it can be hard to distinguish from normal adjustment pain and gum sensitivity.
One way to differentiate is if you have discomfort even when not chewing. Even your dentures gently resting on your gums can prove enough for an allergic reaction to occur.
Additionally, the allergic reaction might not be to the dentures themselves. Some patients have reactions to products they use with their dentures. For example, you may have an allergic reaction to the produce you use to clean them.
Try Implant-Supported Dentures
Implant-supported dentures allow patients the same full smile restoration as traditional dentures. However, they have several key advantages. First, they provide added support because the dentures can rest on dental implants. You can still remove your dentures, but they have increased stability while you wear them.
Importantly, they are also more comfortable. Because they rest on the implants rather than directly on your gums, the gums have less pressure on them. These dentures may take longer to receive, but the advantages stack up.
Expert Care Means Excellent Outcomes
Working with an experienced dentist gives you a better chance of having comfortable, functional dentures. Dream Smile City aims to fill that role for every patient who walks through our door.