My dentures feel like I have a toothache. I know it’s impossible and that it’s not a toothache because I don’t have any natural teeth. That’s the closest thing I can compare it to, though. This has been a problem I guess for the past 4 months or so. I’ve had these dentures for 4 years and although I have never been comfortable with them, this is the first time I’ve actually felt like I have a toothache. I got the dentures from a big denture center and not much is really getting accomplished except they relined the dentures. I’m trying to decide if I should just get new dentures. I was talking about this to one of my close friends and she suggested that maybe the dentures aren’t the problem. I’m not sure how that could be, but I do need to make some decisions. Can you give me any idea of why my dentures feel like I have a toothache? Thanks much. Bryson

Bryson – It’s normal to feel pain and discomfort after you first receive your dentures, but pain that starts four years after receiving them raises some concerns. If your sensation of pain feels like a toothache, there are a few possible causes.

Reasons You Might Feel Like You Have a Toothache in Your Dentures

There are various reasons why your pain feels like a toothache, even though you wear dentures. Some possibilities are below.

1. Your dentures might be too large – Uneven pressure on your gums can put pressure on gum tissue and nerves. The pain beneath the gumline can cause you to feel like you have a toothache.
2. The condition of the dentures – If any part of the denture is sharp or misshaped, it will put pressure on, or irritate, your gums. Nerves can be affected and increase the pain.
3. An accumulation of bacteria or fungi – If dentures aren’t kept very clean, bacteria or fungi can accumulate and cause an infection. If your gums are infected, the pain can resemble a toothache.
4. Thinning gums or shrinking jawbone – When your jawbone shrinks or if your gums are thinning, dentures can put pressure on those points and cause irritation, inflammation, and pain.
5. Exposure of an old tooth root – If all of your natural teeth are missing, or have been extracted, as your jawbone shrinks, an old tooth root that remains might be exposed. If your denture rubs on the area it can become irritated and sore.

Although you’re not comfortable with the results you’re getting from dental center where you purchased your dentures, you should get a second opinion. Schedule an appointment with an experienced dentist to have your dentures, gum tissue, and jawbone examined. He or she will determine the cause of your pain and recommend treatment.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.