Dentures And Sjogrens

[pussyfoot]

Due to sjogrens syndrome (you may need google) I have to have all my top teeth removed. Because of the lack of saliva caused by the condition I've read the denture can often drop down as it's the saliva creating a suction that holds the plate in place.  I would be completely mortified if that happened and I'm absolutely terrified.  I know there is adhesive, but it's not good with hot drinks and I read if food should go under you need to remove it quickly.  

A lot of people say it's difficult to eat and you have to eat mainly soft mushy food.                                                              Does anyone here have this syndrome who can help me?

I can't afford anything like implants being on disability benefits following a ruptured brain aneurysm previously.

Mentally I'm at an all-time low and can't stop crying & worrying.

 

 

[barry1010]

I know about your condition because I am also a sufferer but not to the same degree as you.

I understand your distress but you need to talk to your dentist first and foremost.

As conventional full dentures will be of no use to you he may be able to recommend alternatives that the NHS may pay for, especially as you are on a limited income.

Although implants can be expensive it is possible to have just a few implants that anchor a large bridge. A much cheaper alternative but still pricey.

Your dentist will know and have other suggestions.  Make that appointment and try to be hopeful 

[jno]

yes, I'm waiting for a bridge of six or seven teeth (ie crowns) to be mounted on three implants. In the meantime I had an upper denture made. It was held in place by the remaining teeth, and the lower teeth but it was a faff cleaning out mush between it and the roof of my mouth, and I eventually gave it up. I would have stuck with it if I'd had to, though.

Implants are indeed expensive, though you can shop around. I wouldn't try to save money by having them done abroad though, probably a false economy.

As barry says, sit down and discuss the options with your dentist if you haven't already.

[pussyfoot]

Barry, I have been losing my teeth gradually over the years, I already have a small bridge of 3 teeth, after an operation to remove gland stones (again due to sjogrens) It was disturbed, and needs removing. I've not heard of a bridge on implants, about what cost would they be?                                                   jno, I wouldn't dream of going abroad, I panic going to the next town.

Thank you both for taking the time to answer me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Canary42]

I've had a top denture for over 70 years, and am a bit puzzled by the remarks about removing food quickly - is this because of the sjogrens, because it's never been a problem for me.

[barry1010]

I don't know how much it costs but it is a cheaper alternative to individual implants. I don't know the NHS rules either but your dentist will 

[barry1010]

I did find this re NHS

'Implants are usually only available privately and are expensive. They're sometimes available on the NHS for patients who cannot wear dentures or whose face and teeth have been damaged, such as people who have had mouth cancer or an accident that's knocked a tooth out.'

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/dental-treatments/

 

[webbo3]

I work in a dental hospital and you can get a referal to have implants if you meet the criteria and we get lots of people coming in for implants, I'll ask the surgeons in there about how you would go about getting implants on the NHS, having them done properly is a long process.

[pussyfoot]

Thank you webb, I am very grateful.

Canary, it was a friend who said she often has seeds etc slip under the plate & she has to quickly remove it as it can be painful.

[ladybirder]

Good luck pussyfoot.  I hope there is a good outcome regarding this issue for you. xxx

[barry1010]

Pussyfoot, many denture wearers complain of getting seeds under their plates but find it fairly easy to avoid eating seeds.  Don't let that one factor put you off trying dentures in the first instance.  You may find that you get on with them quite well especially if you use mouth moisturisers.

I also have bridges which need replacing but the adjacent teeth would also have to come out.  It's all a nuisance 

 

[jno]

webbo's right about it being a long process, but most of it is just waiting. The implants go in quickly enough but then they want to wait a few months (four in my case) to ensure they've bonded with your jawbone enough to attach crowns or bridges to them. I haven't found any of it painful.

I don't know how long you'd have to wait for the NHS to get started but it's definitely worth a try.