Expert: Benjamin Schwartz, DDS FAGD - 11/12/2008

Question
QUESTION: i had my uppers and lowers extracted over 2 wks ago and fitted with temporary dentures, which still hurt when i wear them, i have had them adusted once and the uppers fit ok but they hurt still when i wear them and i stil cant chew with them and have to take them out to eat is this normal? i had 17 teeth extracted including molars
sincerely,
sherri

ANSWER: Hi Sherri,

Wow, you had a lot of treatment done! :)

Once teeth are removed, the bone and gums remodels. This process can continue for a few weeks. Therefore, it would be uncomfortable to wear the denture for a while. You will most likely need to go back once or twice more to adjust the denture. This is normal and to be expected.

I hope you feel better soon!

Please let me know if you need more help.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: could you give me some kind of idea how long it takes before i can wear them to chew food with? right now i have to take them out to eat my meals , and the bottoms dont fit at all unless i use some kind of bonding like fixodent
:(

Answer
Hi,

You may need to still go back a few times to have them adjusted.
In my practice, after about 6 months, when the bone and gums have fully healed, I like to make a completely new set. Otherwise, you will always need to have them tweaked.

Give it a little more time. You'll see that they will start fitting better once things start settling down.

Please let me know if you need more help.