Issue 1.11
Part 1
Dentures (false teeth) strattle the ridge of the jaw bone. A person’s upper denture also rests on the palate.
Think of a saddle on the back of a horse. If you don’t cinch up the saddle with straps that go around the horse then the saddle won’t stay put as the horse moves and especially if someone is sitting on it. You can’t strap a denture in place so how is it supposed to stay put?
The answer is suction and seal. Remember holding a glass upside down on a dish with some water in it? If conditions were right you could lift the glass and plate together without them coming apart. If you have a good fit of the denture base to the bony ridges of the mouth, with saliva and in some cases denture adhesive, you get a seal and suction of the denture.
In other articles I have extolled the virtue of implants as a huge boost to denture stability. Even implants need enough bone to hold them in place. For denture retention one way or another it’s all about bone. Natural teeth become loose if a person has periodontal disease. The inflammation from the infection of the gum tissue destroys bone. Add smoking to your lifestyle and its like throwing gasoline on the fire. The quality of a person’s life has a lot to do with their mouth and what shape it’s in. If your mouth is sore all the time it affects your mood, your speech and your ability to nourish yourself. Chronic pain causes depression and personality changes. In my next article I will tell you when it’s the right time to cash in your pearly whites. Of course prevention is the key to good oral health. But split milk is spilt.
Phillip Hall is a practicing general dentist in St. George. He is also head of the St. George Craniofacial Treatment Center, and operates St. George Dental Careers, a successful dental assisting school. Appointments for general dentistry or dentures call 656-1111. For sleep apnea appliances or TMJ problems call 634-8338.