Patient Info
Dental Implants
Cosmetic Dentistry
General Dentistry
Adjusting to dentures can be a challenging process, often accompanied by some level of discomfort. If you've recently started wearing dentures or are dealing with persistent pain, you may ask yourself, "How long will denture pain last, and what can be done to alleviate it?"
In this blog, we'll delve into the common causes of denture pain, how long denture pain lasts, and practical steps you can take to enhance your denture-wearing experience.
When you get new dentures, it's normal to experience some discomfort as your mouth adjusts. Your gums, jaw, and muscles need time to adapt to the new appliance. This pain typically lasts for a few days to a few weeks. Most people find their discomfort decreases as the mouth gets used to the dentures, usually within 2-4 weeks.
Dentures that don't fit properly can cause prolonged pain. As your gums and jawbone naturally change, your dentures may no longer sit comfortably, leading to rubbing, pressure points, and irritation. This type of pain will persist until your dentist adjusts or replaces the dentures.
Sore spots are a common issue, especially with new or ill-fitting dentures. These are areas where the dentures press too hard on your gums and cause irritation or blisters. Pain from sore spots can last until the dentures are adjusted to relieve the pressure, which may take a few days after visiting your dentist.
Mild denture pain from new dentures can last up to 4 weeks, while pain from ill-fitting dentures or sore spots will persist until adjustments are made. If discomfort continues beyond this period or worsens, you must see your dentist to avoid further complications.
Complete dentures may take longer to adjust to than partial ones. Additionally, immediate dentures (fitted right after tooth extraction) often cause more initial pain due to swelling and healing.
If your gums are sensitive or your mouth has sores, the pain may take longer to subside. Gum inflammation or infections can also prolong discomfort.
Well-fitted dentures should only cause short-term discomfort, but poorly fitted dentures can lead to persistent pain. Loose or uneven dentures may continuously rub against your gums, prolonging healing.
The sooner you address ill-fitting dentures by visiting your dentist for adjustments, the quicker the pain will resolve. Ignoring discomfort can lead to prolonged soreness and complications like sores or infections.
Everyone heals at a different pace. If you naturally heal slower, especially if your gums are still healing from extractions or previous dental work, you may experience pain for a more extended period.
What you eat also impacts the duration of pain. Softer foods that don't require much chewing can reduce the strain on your gums, leading to faster recovery. Hard or sticky foods can aggravate sore spots and prolong healing time.
If your denture pain continues beyond the initial adjustment period, it's essential to take action. Here is what you can do.
One of the most important steps you can take if your pain persists is to see your dentist for a professional adjustment. Ill-fitting dentures can lead to constant rubbing, pressure points, and sores.
Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent sores and infection.
Tips for Proper Oral Hygiene:
Over-the-counter solutions help provide temporary relief from denture pain.
Denture Cushions or Pads: act as a soft barrier between your dentures and gums. It is used to relieve pressure and prevent friction.
Topical Gels or Creams: Oral pain relief gels, like benzocaine-based products, can numb sore spots and temporarily relieve irritation.
Saltwater Rinses: Rinse with warm salt water to soothe inflammation and promote healing in sore areas of the mouth.
Don't wait for it to get worse! At Springhill Dental Health Center in Mobile, Alabama, we specialize in creating custom solutions to make your dentures fit comfortably and pain-free. Whether you need a quick adjustment or a complete denture fitting, our expert team is ready to restore your smile and ease your pain.
Call us today to schedule your appointment! New patients can reach us at (251) 265-7808, while existing patients can contact us at (251) 343-1521. Let us help you get back to living pain-free with a confident smile!
Most people experience discomfort for 2-4 weeks as their mouth adjusts to new dentures. After this initial period, the pain usually subsides as the tissues adapt to the appliance.
If your dentures are still causing pain after a month, it may be due to ill-fitting dentures or sore spots. It's essential to consult your dentist for adjustments to relieve pressure and discomfort.
My visit was incredible. I had my “All on Four” appliances cleaned, and it was a painless and thorough experience. Dr. Scott and all his staff are very friendly. During the cleaning, Mary was gentle and let me know everything she was doing and how it would feel. She gave me tips on how to clean my implants/appliances better and gave me a small brush to do the underside more effectively. Dr. Scott and Mary suggest cleanings take place every 3 months so I will be back in December.
Dr. Byron Scott is a highly-trained and accomplished dentist. He attended The University of Alabama School of Dentistry and subsequently completed numerous Advanced Studies and Trainings. Dr. Scott is Board-Certified by The Academy of General Dentistry and has earned Mastership status (MAGD), an honor shared by only 1% of dentists. He has numerous memberships and associations, including Diplomate status with The American Board of Oral Implantology (D-ABOI) and The International Congress of Oral Implantologists (D-ICOI). Overall, Dr. Scott has dedicated his life and career to helping patients improve their oral health through expert dentistry. His goal is to help each patient keep their smile healthy, attractive, and comfortable for the duration of their lifetime.
