What causes pain inside a dental prosthesis?
In general, pain under a denture may be caused by denture deformation, improper denture cleaning, gingivitis, pulpitis, or apical periodontitis. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital to determine the cause and receive targeted treatment. Specific explanations are as follows:
1. Denture Deformation
If the denture has become deformed due to prolonged use, it may rub against natural teeth or soft tissues in the mouth, causing pain. Regular dental check-ups are necessary to assess the fit of the denture, and adjustments or remake should be made promptly if discomfort occurs. Additionally, avoid consuming overly hard foods to reduce wear on the denture.
2. Improper Denture Cleaning
Food debris and plaque can easily accumulate between the denture and oral tissues. If not cleaned thoroughly, this may lead to oral infections and cause pain. Remove and clean the denture after each meal using a soft-bristled brush and denture cleaner, ensuring all surfaces and areas in contact with the mouth are clean and free from debris.
3. Gingivitis
Poor oral hygiene may lead to gingivitis. The edges of the denture may irritate the gums, worsening symptoms such as redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums, which can cause pain under the denture. It may also be accompanied by bad breath and gum recession. Follow medical advice to use antibiotic medications such as hydrogen peroxide solution, amoxicillin capsules, and metronidazole tablets to alleviate pain.
4. Pulpitis
Pulpitis may occur due to secondary caries in the abutment teeth beneath the denture, with bacterial infection spreading to the pulp, causing severe pain under the denture that intensifies with hot or cold stimuli. It is often accompanied by headache and facial swelling. The denture may need to be removed, and root canal treatment performed on the abutment teeth, followed by fabricating a new denture. Additionally, take medications such as acetaminophen tablets, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, and roxithromycin capsules under a doctor's guidance to relieve pain and control infection.
5. Apical Periodontitis
Apical periodontitis may be caused by factors such as dental caries, trauma, or physical irritation. The inflammation may spread to the periapical tissues, causing persistent pain under the denture. Symptoms may include swollen gums and loose teeth. Under a doctor's recommendation, undergo root canal treatment to completely eliminate the periapical inflammation and fabricate a new denture. If necessary, take medications such as cefixime capsules, ornidazole tablets, and tinidazole capsules as adjunctive therapy.
In daily life, regular dental check-ups should be conducted to ensure proper denture fit and good oral hygiene. Also, maintain dietary hygiene and avoid excessively hard, cold, or hot foods to reduce irritation to oral tissues.