I am new to the group. I have read some of the comments but would like some help with experiences people have had with dentures and this disease. My dentist did up a treatment plan because my teeth are in horrible shape from the dryness. He says he can save my teeth which he recommends because dentures,according to him, would not be a good option because of the dry mouth problem. Can anyone help with their experiences with dentures. The cost of repair work is extreme and I am considering doing the work on my upper teeth but want to go with bottom dentures since I am missing three teeth on the bottom already and have to chew on the right side now since it is the side with one good tooth still there. I just want the tooth problems and pain to go away but I am not sure if dentures would work for me. Any help either positive or negative experiences would be great to help me make the right decision. Thank you.
Hi. If your only missing 3 teeth I would try to save your teeth. Many factors involved. Age is a big one. I am 61 and had my top teeth pulled 4 months ago . I only had 8 teeth on top. I now have a remove able denture . Much better I have 10 teeth on the bottom which I’m in the process of restoring. The other factor is money. It’s very expensive. I am going to UCLA dental school they have been doing my work. If you want any more feedbAck let me know
Joy
I was diagnosed w/ SS at 21 years old. My symptoms started at 15-16. I Always had problems with my teeth and my parents took me to be dentist every 6 months. I’m now 38 and had all my lowers removed in April. I actually have an appt today for my permanents! I do not regret the decision at all. I feel much better, no more tooth aches. I lost 3 teeth on top and have a partial that I never wear. Going to try and keep my tops for as long as I can. My reasoning for getting dentures rather than fixing the teeth is because I have already put so much money into my teeth I was done. I figured a one time bill with a denture and I’m done!
I have been wearing dentures for about 5 years, with the Sjogren's Syndrome. I have never had any problems. I was told by my rheumo to rinse my mouth twice a day, with dry mouth mouthwash. Let me know how you've made out.
Lauretta
Most of my teeth were capped. My father, who probably also had SS, had upper and lower dentures and all I can say is the bottom MNones were a real pain in the neck. If at all possible, keep your teeth.
I also have had problems along the way and I will definately need more in the future. I have done implants which are expensive but it is definately better than dentures if you can afford it. Insurance companies/Dental plans need to accomodate people like us as it is part of the disease process. In regard to dentures there are re-alignments that have to be done as your gums shrink making the denture too big. Check with your dentist regarding that. Good luck!
I wear dentures and it isn't really a problem. I just drink lots of water. The mouth is going to be dry either way. Not sure what he means by dentures being a problem.
I don't wear dentures (yet), but my mother does. She's had dentures for a long time and has SS as well. I've never heard her complain about them, other than having to get new ones as Ga. Peach pointed out- shrinking gums.
I was diagnosed about 7 years ago. I have had dental problems all my life. I have 7 teeth on top, 5 have caps and 2 are chock full of filling and 9 teeth on the bottom, center to the left, right has no teeth. I have spent 10's of thousands of dollars only to be told I will be losing more. My partials, top and bottom rock and not helpful when eating. They have been adjusted so many times. I can't eat very well, which messes with my digestion and I am feeling just like you. I can't keep pouring $$ into my mouth. I'm trying to make this decision of dentures prior to 2016, as I am just so tired of the pain and the emotional embarrassment of my current mouth. I hardly ever smile anymore.
My biggest obstacle right now is fear- as the dentists in my past haven't been so kind. They have made me feel horrible, saying it was my neglect. This was before the diagnosis. I wish you the best in your decision making and I THANK YOU for your honesty. I really needed to hear your story today!
xx Sandi
Hi I do have denture, I had them before I was diagnosed with SS, I think as long you keep your mouth moist throughout the day, you should be fine. How do I keep my mouth moist? I seep water through a water bottle every 30 minutes or more, depending of the temperature or how much talking I am doing. I chew on sugarless gum, 2 or three throughout the day, I sometimes chew on celery, very efficient! I wake up at night to seep on water every time I need to go to the washroom 2/3 times a night.
AliFish2373 said:
I was diagnosed w/ SS at 21 years old. My symptoms started at 15-16. I Always had problems with my teeth and my parents took me to be dentist every 6 months. I'm now 38 and had all my lowers removed in April. I actually have an appt today for my permanents! I do not regret the decision at all. I feel much better, no more tooth aches. I lost 3 teeth on top and have a partial that I never wear. Going to try and keep my tops for as long as I can. My reasoning for getting dentures rather than fixing the teeth is because I have already put so much money into my teeth I was done. I figured a one time bill with a denture and I'm done!
AFA said:
I wear dentures and it isn't really a problem. I just drink lots of water. The mouth is going to be dry either way. Not sure what he means by dentures being a problem.
I'm not sure either....I think he is just an advocate of saving teeth rather than go with dentures. Thanks for your input.
Joybar said:
Hi. If your only missing 3 teeth I would try to save your teeth. Many factors involved. Age is a big one. I am 61 and had my top teeth pulled 4 months ago . I only had 8 teeth on top. I now have a remove able denture . Much better I have 10 teeth on the bottom which I'm in the process of restoring. The other factor is money. It's very expensive. I am going to UCLA dental school they have been doing my work. If you want any more feedbAck let me know
JoyThanks Joy for your help. I am getting the work done to keep my upper teeth for sure but the lowers are, in my opinion, too far gone....I think I am going to look into just dentures for my lower.
zenergie said:
I was diagnosed about 7 years ago. I have had dental problems all my life. I have 7 teeth on top, 5 have caps and 2 are chock full of filling and 9 teeth on the bottom, center to the left, right has no teeth. I have spent 10's of thousands of dollars only to be told I will be losing more. My partials, top and bottom rock and not helpful when eating. They have been adjusted so many times. I can't eat very well, which messes with my digestion and I am feeling just like you. I can't keep pouring $$ into my mouth. I'm trying to make this decision of dentures prior to 2016, as I am just so tired of the pain and the emotional embarrassment of my current mouth. I hardly ever smile anymore.
My biggest obstacle right now is fear- as the dentists in my past haven't been so kind. They have made me feel horrible, saying it was my neglect. This was before the diagnosis. I wish you the best in your decision making and I THANK YOU for your honesty. I really needed to hear your story today!
xx Sandi
Thank you so much Sandi, you seem to know exactly what I am going through. I have had SS for a long time and only started having major teeth problems from not being diagnosed quickly enough a couple of years ago with a severe Vitamin D deficiency.....teeth started to go down hill ever since. Even though it is going to be a huge financial struggle I am getting my top teeth fixed and have definitely decided to go for dentures on the bottom since most of the responses here seem to say they are fine with theirs. My dentist will not pull 8 teeth on bottom so I guess I will have to look for a new dentist after the tops are repaired....sad about that because I have a huge fear of dentists and he actually makes me feel somewhat comfortable and does not make me feel it is my fault and understands dryness and tooth decay. Good luck to you, hope you can find help too.
AliFish2373 said:
I was diagnosed w/ SS at 21 years old. My symptoms started at 15-16. I Always had problems with my teeth and my parents took me to be dentist every 6 months. I'm now 38 and had all my lowers removed in April. I actually have an appt today for my permanents! I do not regret the decision at all. I feel much better, no more tooth aches. I lost 3 teeth on top and have a partial that I never wear. Going to try and keep my tops for as long as I can. My reasoning for getting dentures rather than fixing the teeth is because I have already put so much money into my teeth I was done. I figured a one time bill with a denture and I'm done!Alifish - thanks for your help, you sound like you are in the same boat as me. I am going today to get my sedation package and will have my tops repaired but have made up my mind from everyone's comments to go with my thought of bottom dentures. I too am tired of the pain and embarrassment of smiling because people make snap judgements that you are neglecting your teeth when they have no idea of the daily struggle we with SS go through. Good luck with you decisions as well.
I have partial plates on both top and bottom. I have more of my natural teeth left on the top than the bottom and the top partial fits and works better than the bottom one does. I got them because I couldn't afford implants and caps. I hate having to use them and I HATE what Sjogren's has done to all of us who have it!!!!
Hi! Thanks for the reply. I too was diagnosed with really low levels of Vitamin D. Interesting. I am struggling with what to do. I am afraid of dentists for the exact reasons you are. I have had dentists scold me, tell me if I did X,Y & Z I wouldn't be like this. There is shame and fear! I have to find a dentist who is understanding and understands Sjogrens. I would love to stay in touch! My email is zenergiy@ymail.com if you want to keep in touch. Best of luck to you. My thoughts are with you. It helps to know I am not alone. Take Care, Sandi
Lovemyboxers said:
zenergie said:I was diagnosed about 7 years ago. I have had dental problems all my life. I have 7 teeth on top, 5 have caps and 2 are chock full of filling and 9 teeth on the bottom, center to the left, right has no teeth. I have spent 10's of thousands of dollars only to be told I will be losing more. My partials, top and bottom rock and not helpful when eating. They have been adjusted so many times. I can't eat very well, which messes with my digestion and I am feeling just like you. I can't keep pouring $$ into my mouth. I'm trying to make this decision of dentures prior to 2016, as I am just so tired of the pain and the emotional embarrassment of my current mouth. I hardly ever smile anymore.
My biggest obstacle right now is fear- as the dentists in my past haven't been so kind. They have made me feel horrible, saying it was my neglect. This was before the diagnosis. I wish you the best in your decision making and I THANK YOU for your honesty. I really needed to hear your story today!
xx Sandi
Thank you so much Sandi, you seem to know exactly what I am going through. I have had SS for a long time and only started having major teeth problems from not being diagnosed quickly enough a couple of years ago with a severe Vitamin D deficiency.....teeth started to go down hill ever since. Even though it is going to be a huge financial struggle I am getting my top teeth fixed and have definitely decided to go for dentures on the bottom since most of the responses here seem to say they are fine with theirs. My dentist will not pull 8 teeth on bottom so I guess I will have to look for a new dentist after the tops are repaired....sad about that because I have a huge fear of dentists and he actually makes me feel somewhat comfortable and does not make me feel it is my fault and understands dryness and tooth decay. Good luck to you, hope you can find help too.