Getting Used to Partials - Dental Health Message Board

glowing4 · 04-02-2008, 06:11 PM

My story is long and involved, so I will not tell the whole thing, but suffice it to say that due to complications with teeth and partials I have been without molars for the last eight months resulting in TMJ and other issues.

I received my new partials last week and I must say that they are really pretty good. There have been some things to resolve such as sore spots and some areas being too tight. My dentist and I are working to correct those.

As good as these are, I am still finding it hard to get used to them. Certainly do not feel like ones own teeth and while I am delighted to chew again, it is not without tenderness in areas and some discomfort.

I am very interested to know how many have partials and how long it took for your mouth to get used to them. Was it a matter of weeks? Did your gums have to get stronger before you forgot about wearing them? Did it take awhile to resolve all the issues such as sore spots? Did you ever get used to them? Did you make repeat visits to the dentist before things felt good again? I have had some very bad experiences with partials - standard and valplast so I admit to being more sensitive than most, but I would really like to hear experiences from others. Let me add that I have a great dentist who is doing everything he can to make me comfortable. I sometimes wonder if I am so focused on my mouth at this point that I have a hard time letting go and just letting things be for awhile. My mouth is so tired from the extractions, the pain, the TMJ, etc. that I don't know if I, and my mind, are giving them a good enough chance.

Thank you so much for any responses.

glowing4

Sandybeech · 04-04-2008, 02:35 PM

I do not have partial denture experience but I do have experience adapting to full dentures. Part of the sensation you have right now is due to the fact that your teeth have been missing for quite a while. Not only does that space become a very prominent feature in your mouth but it changes the way your mouth and jaws relate. In time this sensation will go away. Also your tongue has not had to share space with the foreign invaders. That is a big change too.
The tightness is normal and false teeth will never feel quite the same as real teeth did, you are very fortunate to have some natural teeth left to anchor the dentures.

I hope this helps-

Sandy

glowing4 · 04-04-2008, 05:19 PM

Oh yes, it does indeed help! Thank you so, so much for replying and answering some questions. I really appreciate it. And, yes, I do know that I am fortunate that I have some natural teeth to anchor them to.

Just knowing what I have been through these last eight months gives me some knowledge, if not all, of what you have been through. I am so sorry that you have had to deal with full dentures. It is amazing isn't it how much teeth add to our quality of life.

Thank you so very much for responding. You have no idea what it means to me.

Have a great weekend!

glowing4

konamom · 04-05-2008, 08:38 AM

Hey stranger! How are you doing? I hope things are getting easier for you and that you're getting used to the new partials. I've got a root canal and crown on Tuesday, but still haven't had a chance to talk to the dentist about the partials. I'll keep you posted! Enjoy your weekend!
Peace,
Susan

glowing4 · 04-05-2008, 12:26 PM

Hey back! It has been a week and a half and I am still getting used to these. Going to take awhile longer I think as my mouth and gums get used to everything. And, they are helping, I think, to get my jaw back in line and help the TMJ. All of that is going to take time, and by the end of the day my mouth is pretty tired and achy. All in all, I am pretty happy with them and wow, I can chew! I am eating things that I haven't in months like corn on the cob, salad, stew, and yes to my pure delight-icecream sandwhiches!!!!

Sorry you are going through more dental work. Do let me know when you talk to your dentist about your partials and what you decide. Are you just eating soft things right now? I sure know what that is like!

Have a good weekend too and good luck on Tuesday. I'll be thinking of you.

glowing4