Will I Need Another New Upper Denture If I Can’t Stop Gagging?

Posted by AllSmiles

I got a new upper denture in March and can’t stop gagging. I only wear it if I have appointments outside of my home, or if we have guests. I dread dinner invitations because I can’t eat or talk much without gagging. I’ve talked to my dentist about it, but she said I’m probably still getting used to the denture fit. I disagree. Will I need a new upper denture? Thanks. Hans from NM

Hans,

For individuals experiencing a gag reflex with dentures, an implant denture is often the most effective and straightforward solution. An implant denture offers distinct advantages over traditional removable dentures:

• Reduced Palate Coverage: Unlike removable dentures that must cover your entire hard palate for suction to hold them in place, an implant-supported denture only covers the gum tissue.
• Elimination of Gag Trigger: The denture doesn’t cover your palate, preventing it from becoming a gag trigger. Wearing dentures is a more comfortable experience.

How Can You Control Denture Gagging Without Implants?

A dentist can improve denture gagging without dental implants by using the following method, which controls how far the appliance extends toward the back of your mouth:

• Optimizing Denture Extension: Ideally, the base of an upper denture extends to the “vibrating line,” where your hard palate meets the soft palate. However, if this causes gagging, reducing the denture’s extension may help. Lancashire, England, prosthodontist Dr. Finlay Sutton, has published techniques for creating upper dentures for patients with severe gagging, sometimes by trimming the denture short of the vibrating line.
• Expert Trimming is Crucial: A dentist must trim the denture precisely. If the denture is trimmed too much or in the incorrect areas, it can weaken suction and prevent it from staying in place.
• Checking for Overextension: It is also possible that your current denture has been made to extend onto your soft palate, which is a common cause of gagging. If you suspect this is the issue, particularly if you don’t usually have a gagging problem, seek a second opinion from a dentist with extensive denture experience.

Chandler, Arizona, dentists Dr. William Walden and Dr. Tyrel Beavers sponsor this post. We cater to patients with dental anxiety.