Singeumho Dental Clinic: Problems that Arise in Teeth from Long-Term Denture Use

Singeumho Dental Clinic: Problems that Arise in Teeth from Long-Term Denture Use

Hello.

I am Dr. Kim Tae-young, the head director of Singeumho Dental Clinic / Bareunyoung Dental Clinic.

In the past, when implants were not commonly used,

dentures were often made for missing teeth

where capping treatments were not possible.

Of course, it is still one of the treatment options today,

but it is a treatment method chosen only when implants are completely impossible

or in situations where implants cannot be performed.

This is because implants are overwhelmingly superior to dentures

in terms of patient satisfaction, stability, and longevity.

Today, I would like to introduce one of the problems that arise from long-term denture use.

‘Something is protruding from my gums and it looks like inflammation.’

This is an elderly patient who happened to visit our clinic while passing by.

They had three missing teeth,

and in the past, they had been using a partial denture in this area instead of implants.

Since partial dentures exert force on the surrounding teeth to hold them in place,

problems can arise in the surrounding teeth if they are used for a long time.

‘Why did you choose dentures instead of implants?’

To this question, they replied that they were told implants were not possible because their bone condition was too poor.

While we cannot accurately infer the condition at the time of fabrication,

given the current bone condition,

the problem can be resolved by proceeding with implants accompanied by bone grafting.

Through examination, we identified which tooth the inflammation originated from.

Inflammation had developed at the root of the front tooth, which was subjected to the force of the clasp,

and this inflammation was creating an inflammatory pocket outside the gum, causing discomfort.

Due to the repeated excessive force on the front tooth from the denture’s clasp,

root absorption and an inflammatory reaction occurred during the process of enduring this strain.

The director who treated them also suggested

a procedure called apicoectomy to save the tooth,

removing the problematic part of the root and observing recovery through bone grafting.

I also disinfected and observed it shortly after the surgery,

but due to an inflammatory reaction of the bone graft material and tooth pain, extraction was unavoidable.

In this elderly patient’s case,

implants are much simpler

and have a better prognosis. The patient no longer wanted dentures,

so after extracting the problematic tooth, while waiting for the surgical timing,

we completed the treatment on the opposite side.

Implant Placement in the Area of Previous Tooth Loss

Since the existing inflamed area was too extensive, time was needed for surgery.

In the meantime, we helped them eat on the left side first,

and then the surgery on the opposite side proceeded.

‘Chewing has become so much more comfortable.’

During the surgery, additional bone grafting was performed in the deficient areas,

and the remaining implants were placed.

I explained that since the bone in the previously inflamed area was still weak,

more time would be needed for the implant and bone to achieve stable fixation.

The patient said that although they were still eating on one side,

it was much more comfortable to eat without dentures.

As shown in the case above, for partial dentures to be used,

support from surrounding teeth is necessary.

This requires prosthetic treatment on the surrounding teeth,

and because the denture exerts force on the surrounding teeth to receive support,

if used for a long period,

problems can arise in the teeth.

While implants are not a panacea,

I believe their biggest advantage is the ability to proceed with treatment while preserving surrounding teeth.

Today, at Singeumho Dental Clinic, we introduced one of the problems that can occur in surrounding teeth

when dentures are used for a long time, along with a case study.

I hope this information is helpful to those who have similar concerns.

For more detailed consultation, please visit Bareunyoung Dental Clinic,

and we will assist you.

Thank you^^

▼ Related cases worth reading together ▼

‘We believe that proper treatment leads to proper results. It is my wish to create a trustworthy dental clinic where all those who visit with worries can leave with peace of mind.’
- Bareunyoung Dental Clinic

Directions
2nd Floor, JYJ Building, 179 Dongho-ro, Jung-gu
Right in front of Exit 6 of Yaksu Station, towards Yaksu Market
Village Bus 5 (Yaksu Station)
Village Bus 12 (Namsan Town, Yaksu Police Station)
Bus Stops (Yaksu Heights, Sindang Social Welfare Center, Gaon Library, Geumho Tunnel Entrance)
From Yuyu Pharmaceutical towards Geumho Station

This post was written directly by Bareunyoung Dental Clinic for the purpose of providing medical information and hospital advertising (in compliance with Article 56, Paragraph 1 of the Medical Service Act).

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems can arise from long-term denture use?

Yes, long-term denture use can put excessive force on surrounding teeth, leading to problems such as inflammation, root absorption, and tooth pain. Partial dentures, in particular, place continuous stress on supporting teeth, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.

How do partial dentures affect surrounding teeth?

Partial dentures gain support by clasping onto surrounding teeth, meaning the force exerted by the denture is repeatedly applied to these teeth. This can cause inflammation or absorption of the roots of the surrounding teeth, potentially damaging them in the long term.

Why choose implants instead of dentures?

Implants offer significantly higher patient satisfaction, stability, and longevity compared to dentures. They also have the major advantage of allowing treatment to proceed while preserving surrounding teeth, thereby preventing the damage to adjacent teeth that can occur with denture use.

Is it impossible to get implants if bone condition is poor?

No, it is not impossible to get implants even if the bone condition is not good. In many cases, problems can be resolved and implants can be placed through implant procedures accompanied by bone grafting. Accurate diagnosis and treatment planning are crucial.

What should I do if I develop gum inflammation while using dentures?

If you experience gum inflammation or a protruding symptom, you should visit a dental clinic immediately for an examination. There is a possibility that inflammation has occurred around the tooth root due to excessive force from the denture, and early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important.