I wonder if I should give up my last few upper teeth and get dentures. The two teeth are still healthy. I still have all except two of my bottom teeth. Is extracting or keeping the two upper teeth before I get dentures best? I’m currently wearing a cheap partial denture for my top teeth. I’ve always hated the feel of my partial denture. Will a full upper denture be more comfortable than my partial denture, even if I keep the two teeth? I don’t want to spend more than $5000 or $6000, but I think it’s worth it because at 62 years old, I have an active social life. Thank you. Curtis
Curtis,
An experienced dentist must examine your mouth, teeth, X-rays, and other diagnostics for an accurate and comprehensive diagnosis. However, we’ll give you some guiding principles.
Should You Get Your Last Few Teeth Extracted for Dentures?
Whether you should get your last few teeth extracted for dentures depends on the condition and location of your teeth and how saving or extracting them will affect your oral health. Below are several considerations that a dentist skilled in dentures and implants can discuss with you in detail.
It’s better to save natural teeth
- Almost always, it’s best to save natural teeth that won’t harm your oral or overall health
- A dental implant is the closest match to a natural tooth, but teeth that aren’t anchored—like dentures—will have some movement
- When most of your upper or lower teeth are missing, eating—and the force of the upper or lower teeth they touch when you bite or chew—puts a lot of stress on them.
A full upper denture is more comfortable than a lower one
- Suction holds a full upper denture in place, so it doesn’t move around as much as a lower denture.
- A well-made upper complete removable denture is gentler on your teeth than a partial denture and a few remaining natural teeth.
- Severe underbite puts more stress on lower teeth.
Your jawbone resorbs when all your teeth are missing
- Teeth stimulate the jawbone and keep it intact. When all your teeth are missing, without stimulation, the jawbone resorbs.
- When your lower jawbone shrinks, sharp ridges form, making wearing a denture uncomfortable. An upper denture—even with severe bone loss—is more comfortable. You’ll still have the suction to keep the denture in place.
- Within 10 to 20 years, there will not be enough jawbone to support your facial muscles, and your face will sag.
What Can You Expect from Treatment Options?
Implant denture
Remember, we are basing our explanation on the information you provided. To determine your treatment options, you must schedule an appointment with an implant dentist for an examination and a 3D CT scan.
- Best clinical treatment – A dentist can replace missing upper teeth with an implant-supported denture. Dental implants anchor your denture and stimulate your jawbone to prevent further shrinkage. Your denture will feel stable and comfortable. However, the cost will exceed your budget.
- Alternative treatment—Your dentist can extract your remaining upper teeth and replace them with a removable denture. It will look and feel better than your partial denture and be easier to speak and eat with. If your budget allows it, you can receive two or more dental implants to secure your denture in the future.
Sugar Land, Texas, dentist Dr. Siny Thomas of Cornerstone Dentistry sponsors this post. Read about Dr. Thomas’s commitment to giving his patients the best dental care possible.