My Mom (92) needs new lower dentures but still has some teeth. Want to avoid her going thru extractions. Possible?

Thanks everyone for taking the time to share your experience with this. I am checking different dentists in our area to see what will be best for her!

Kathy, my Mom [97] has worn dentures since she was in her 20's, lost some teeth when she fell.... it's been a common thing as Mom aged to keep running back and forth to the dentist because her 20 year old dentures had broke, but her dentist was able to fix the plate.... or having Mom needed her dentures adjusted.

Recently Mom broke a tooth that would hold her top denture and there was no way of fixing that tooth. The dentist said she will now need to start using denture adhesive to keep the top plate in.... lot of trial and error on that.

If we could get into a time machine, my parents wished they would have spent the money to have new teeth implanted into the gums... but my parents didn't want to part with a dime, even thought they could have afforded the new teeth... [sigh].... too late now.

Are her remaining teeth healthy? My mom had to have some of her teeth removed because of neglect and decay, but we were able to find a dentist that worked extensively with the elderly and he was able to do the extractions with basic local anaesthesia. He repaired and saved six front teeth because he said it makes the lower plate more stable when there is something to attach it to.

It just occurred to me that in my area one community college has a dental program and offers discount services. It's an opportunity for the students to get real-life training during school as well as extend their services to those who can't or don't want to pay higher rates for basic procedures.

I learned about this at a local senior center health expo held annually.

They don't do extractions or anything beyond the basics, but Windy's plan is the same as that of my father's dentist, so the basics could be covered.

There may also be a dental school in the area that has students performing procedures for a lower cost. It's worth checking out.

We've also recently become aware that the VA offers dental services. If your mother's husband was a Veteran, that might be something to investigate.

My mom is 84 and has lost many teeth through the years. Her dentist is very practical in her care. Instead of fitting dentures, crowns, bridges etc, he does very basic fillings and repairs, not necessarily pretty, but functional. She can still eat pretty well and has not had to endure many extractions and complex procedures.

This may not work for your mom, just sharing the experience.

Thank you! She has limited $$ so was trying to use a dentist who accepts her coverage...not a big selection so may have to pursue outside the plan.

I don't but I would ask different dentists how they would handle this issue. If you can, get recommendations from friends who their dentists are, contact them, get potential plans as well as costs. You probably would have to take your mother in for a visit though so that the dentist can examine her teeth before making any suggestions on corrective actions.