If you’re missing multiple teeth, dentures and partials are great options for restoring your smile. Many people have the misconception that dentures hurt, so they hesitate to get them. But modern dentures are designed to fit your mouth seamlessly for a comfortable fit. While dentures can be a bit sore and uncomfortable at first, they shouldn’t be painful. In this post, we explain what to expect from new dentures, and what it means if they start to hurt.
What Happens When You Get Dentures?
The process of getting dentures is typically painless. However, if you need to have any teeth removed before placement, you will experience some soreness as you recover. Here’s what you can expect from the procedure:
- First, we take an impression of your mouth to ensure an accurate fit.
- Next, any teeth that must be removed will be extracted under anesthesia—you won’t feel any pain.
- Once your gums have healed, we’ll fit you with your custom dentures and make any necessary final adjustments.
- You’ll return for a follow-up appointment within a few days to ensure that your dentures are fitting properly.
Your follow-up visit is an excellent time to let us know if you’re experiencing any pain or have any concerns about your new dentures. And if they start causing any discomfort down the road, make an appointment so we can check to see that they’re fitting well and working correctly.
Four Reasons Why Dentures Hurt
1: They’re New
When you first get dentures, you may experience some irritation because your mouth isn’t used to the materials. But that discomfort doesn’t last forever. New dentures should start to feel more comfortable after about a month. If your dentures still hurt after this time, or if they feel painful when you put them in, then there is something wrong. Make a dentist appointment as soon as possible.
2: They Don’t Fit Right
It’s not normal for dentures to cause pain—most of the time, pain is a sign that the dentures don’t fit correctly. Loose dentures can slip and slide around and irritate the gums, while tight dentures may cause painful pinching. If you have any concerns about how your dentures fit, please don’t hesitate to get them examined and adjusted.
3: They Need Better Care
Just like natural teeth, you have to brush your dentures daily. You also need to soak them in room temperature water or a cleaning solution overnight. Washing dentures with hot water can warp them and cause an improper fit. And failing to clean them properly can lead to painful sores on the gums and gum disease, a painful infection that only gets worse over time.
4: They’re Worn Out
Even if you take good care of them, dentures only last about five to seven years. Wear and tear over time can cause the fit to change, resulting in pain. Plus, your face shape also changes gradually, which affects how your dentures fit. If you start to feel pain after years of wearing dentures, it’s probably time for a replacement.
Dentures and Partials in Flagstaff, Arizona
Dentures should never cause pain! At Country Club Dental, we’re passionate about restoring smiles comfortably and painlessly. Whether you need to replace one or two teeth with partial dentures or need a full set, we’ll create a custom appliance that perfectly fits your mouth.
Give us a call at 928-526-4314 today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Paul Whitney and Dr. Mikaela Weedman will be glad to meet you.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (10/3/2023). Photo by Kindel Media on Pexels
