Many individuals consider dentures to restore their smile and chewing function, often wondering if the process will involve pain. While the initial adjustment period can bring some discomfort, it is generally manageable. Understanding what to expect can help ease concerns and prepare for the transition.
Expected Initial Discomfort
When first wearing new dentures, it is normal to experience discomfort as your mouth adapts. You might feel pressure or fullness where the denture rests on your gums and palate, due to its new physical presence. Your mouth muscles, including your tongue and cheeks, also need time to learn how to hold the dentures in place and coordinate for speaking and eating.
New dentures can create minor sore spots as they settle, similar to how new shoes might rub your feet. These spots develop within the first few days or weeks as the denture settles against the gums. This discomfort is temporary, subsiding within a few weeks to a couple of months as your oral tissues and muscles become accustomed to the denture. Consistent wear, as advised by your dentist, helps expedite this adaptation process.
Common Causes of Lingering Pain
Pain that persists beyond the initial adjustment period often indicates an underlying issue requiring professional attention. One frequent cause of lingering discomfort is an ill-fitting denture. If the denture does not conform precisely to the contours of your gums, it can create uneven pressure points, leading to localized soreness or ulcers. Over time, the bone and gum ridges in your mouth naturally change, shrinking or resorbing, which can cause previously well-fitting dentures to become loose and rub.
Underlying oral health conditions can also contribute to ongoing pain. For example, denture stomatitis, a common fungal infection, can manifest as redness, inflammation, or a burning sensation under the denture. Nerve irritation can occur if the denture places direct pressure on a nerve, leading to sharp or radiating pain. Dental professionals can identify these issues through a thorough examination.
Strategies for Comfort and Adaptation
Adapting to dentures involves several practical steps that can improve comfort and accelerate the adjustment process. Initially, focusing on softer foods cut into small, manageable pieces can help reduce the strain on your gums and prevent dislodgement. Chewing slowly and distributing food evenly on both sides of your mouth also aids in stabilizing the denture and minimizing localized pressure points. Practicing speaking aloud, perhaps by reading a book, helps your tongue and cheek muscles adjust to the new oral landscape, improving articulation.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is also important for comfort. Regular cleaning of your dentures with a denture brush and non-abrasive cleanser removes food particles and plaque, preventing irritation and potential infections like stomatitis. Rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water solution can soothe sore spots and promote healing of minor irritations. While some discomfort is expected, consistent wear of your dentures as instructed by your dentist allows your oral tissues to gradually adapt to their presence.
When to Seek Dental Advice
While some initial discomfort is normal, certain signs and symptoms warrant a prompt visit to your dental professional. If you experience severe or persistent pain that does not subside after the initial adjustment period, or if the pain intensifies, an evaluation is needed. The inability to wear your dentures for extended periods due to discomfort also signals a problem with the fit or an underlying issue.
Persistent sores or lesions on your gums that do not heal within a week or two should also be examined by a dentist, as these could indicate chronic irritation or an infection. If your dentures begin to click, slip noticeably when speaking or eating, or feel significantly looser than before, it suggests a change in the fit. These issues might require adjustments, relining, or even a new denture to restore comfort and proper function.