Reading time: five minutes
Ill fitting dentures can cause more than just sore gums or difficulty chewing—they may also lead to sinus problems.
When upper dentures do not fit properly, they can put pressure on the sinus floor or shift due to bone loss, resulting in discomfort, congestion, or even infections.
In this blog, we cover how denture fit is connected to sinus health, what symptoms might signal a problem, and how a prosthodontist can help restore both comfort and function.
Ill-fitting upper dentures can cause sinus pressure, pain, and infections by pressing against the sinus floor or moving during function. Look out for signs like facial pain, post-nasal drip, and difficulty chewing. Timely denture adjustments or implant-supported solutions can relieve symptoms and improve comfort.
Dentures and Sinus Health: The Unexpected Connection
The maxillary sinuses are hollow air-filled spaces behind your cheekbones, located just above your upper teeth.
When the denture fit is poor, it can impact sinus pressure and drainage. This can cause recurring sinus discomfort and even infections in some cases.
How it happens:
- Too much pressure on the sinus floor: Ill-fitting dentures may push up against the sinus floor, especially if bone support is lacking.
- Bone loss in the upper jaw: Over time, tooth loss can lead to bone shrinkage in the upper jaw. As the bone thins, there is less support for the denture, which can cause it to sit closer to the sinus floor and lead to pressure or irritation in that area.
- Movement and micro-trauma: Loose dentures can shift while chewing or talking, irritating nearby tissue and causing inflammation.
Symptoms of Sinus Issues From Dentures
Many denture patients do not immediately connect denture problems to sinus symptoms.
Here are signs your dentures might be triggering sinus trouble:
- Facial pressure or pain around the cheeks or upper jaw
- Post-nasal drip or nasal congestion
- Headaches or sinus infections that recur without other cause
- Difficulty chewing or speaking due to loose dentures
- Mucus drainage or unusual sinus sensations when wearing upper dentures
Long-Term Risks of Ignoring the Problem
Poorly fitted dentures do more than affect comfort. Chronic sinus pressure or infection can escalate into larger problems:
- Sinusitis that resists standard treatments
- Infection spread from sinus to surrounding tissues
- Oroantral fistula, an opening between the mouth and sinus that may occur after tooth or bone loss
- Poor nutrition if dentures make eating difficult
Fixing the fit of your dentures can prevent these complications and restore daily comfort.
How We Diagnose the Issue
When a patient presents with unexplained sinus discomfort and wears upper dentures, our team may recommend:
- A clinical exam to check denture alignment, denture base stability, and soft tissue support.
- Digital imaging or CBCT scans to examine the sinus cavity and rule out structural damage.
- Review of denture history, how old the denture is, if it was recently adjusted, and how it feels during daily use.
Dr. Gary Morris or Dr. Jeffrey Chen, both prosthodontists, are specially trained to diagnose and correct these kinds of denture complications.
What To Do If Your Dentures Cause Sinus Problems
Several solutions can relieve pressure, improve function, and eliminate sinus symptoms:
1. Denture Adjustment
A soft or hard reline reshapes the inner surface of the denture to fit your current anatomy. This relieves pressure on the sinus floor and helps the denture stay stable.
2. New Denture Fabrication
If your current denture is too worn or your jaw has changed significantly, a new custom denture may be needed. We take new impressions and adjust bite alignment to prevent sinus strain and other complications of denture wear.
3. Implant-Supported Dentures
For patients with recurring issues, implant-supported dentures offer added stability and remove pressure from the gums and sinuses. Implant dentures help preserve bone and soft tissue volume, improving both function and long-term oral health.
Preventive Tips for Denture Wearers
Take these steps to avoid sinus trouble caused by your dentures:
- Schedule annual denture checks, as fit can change gradually without obvious symptoms.
- Tell your dentist about sinus symptoms early to help prevent them from becoming chronic.
- Clean your dentures daily to reduce the risk of bacteria buildup near the sinuses.
- Remove your dentures at night and brush them with denture toothpaste as part of your daily routine.
Schedule a Denture Evaluation in Buffalo Grove, IL
At Morris Dental Solutions, our prosthodontists specialize in restoring comfortable, functional smiles for every patient. We also provide tooth replacement restorations and will work with your oral surgeon or periodontist to provide a comfortable, long-lasting denture.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Buffalo Grove, IL, call (847) 215-1511 or visit us at 195 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Suite 160, Buffalo Grove, IL.
FAQs
Common side effects include sore spots, tissue irritation, difficulty chewing, slurred speech, headaches, denture sores, and sinus discomfort. Long-term use may lead to jawbone loss or gum infections. These symptoms are a frequent concern with dentures that have not been properly adjusted.
Dentures that are not cleaned properly can harbor bacteria and fungi, leading to bad breath, infections, and even systemic illness in some cases. Denture plaque models show how bacteria can spread if denture care habits are ignored.
Denture stomatitis is inflammation of the tissue under the denture. Symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes white patches caused by yeast overgrowth. It is often painless, which makes it easy to miss without regular dental exams. Denture stomatitis treatment often includes antifungal rinses and changes to denture hygiene.
