Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. They have both full and partial options depending on your needs. Technological advances are making dentures more comfortable and reliable for patients. Not only do the dentures of today fit better and feel more natural, but they are also highly customizable.

Mark Levy DDS specializes in creating the perfect dentures for you. He works closely with his patients to ensure you get the ideal look and feel. Now, science is taking this popular tooth replacement option to another level. Your denture appliances may now be able to help cure a number of conditions. Even with dentures that fit perfectly, patients are susceptible to infections. The first condition targeted by this new incredible technology is stomatitis.

Special Coatings for Dentures

The University of Massachusetts at Lowell may take denture wearers to the next level. The researchers working at the university are focusing on developing a special coating for denture appliances. This coating will help treat Candida infections. Researchers also believe that this new technology is able to treat other conditions as well.

Candida, also known as stomatitis, is a normal fungus found in the mouth. Candida doesn’t pose a threat to most people. However, people who wear dentures may be at risk for a gum infection from the fungus. Since many people who wear dentures also have compromised immune systems, this problem can quickly escalate.

Candida infections can typically be avoided with proper oral care. However, elderly patients or patients who suffer from arthritis may be unable to effectively clean their dentures. These people have the highest risk for developing infections.

Dentures to Fight Candida Infections

The idea of using dentures to fight Candida infections is not new. In fact, denture appliances have previously been infused with anti-fungal medications. However, the medication diffuses rather quickly, leaving patients unprotected.

The new coating researchers are developing at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell takes this idea to the next level. The idea is to create dentures that will fight these infections for a much longer period of time. This is accomplished thanks to a new polymer coating. When applied, it remains effective for a period of up to 30 days. The medication is infused into a water-soluble polymer and the polymer is applied to the dentures.

Previous techniques require the the patient apply medication directly to the denture appliances. Treatment also included wearing the dentures as little as possible until the infection cleared. The medication could also potentially change the look of the dentures. The infection is difficult to fight. If it is not completely treated then it has a high chance of reoccurrence.

With this new coating, patients only need to renew medication every 30 days for the desired effect. Patients no longer need to apply medication constantly to treat or prevent Candida infections. Not to mention that this technology opens the door to deliver other medications in a similar fashion.

The best part of this technology is that patients can use it in conjunction with implants and FOY dentures. Any medication that is stable enough to be combined with the polymer can be delivered in this method.

Who Will Benefit from This New Technology for Dentures?

This technology will be beneficial to all individuals who wear dentures. However, Veterans will be the first people to test the new coating. Veterans sacrifice so much in the name of our country. This often also includes sacrificing their oral health. It’s not uncommon for Veterans to loose teeth in combat. Many also experience significant tooth loss after leaving the service for various reasons.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs has cofounded this research to allow veterans to benefit from this technology as soon as possible. If the trials go well then FDA approval could be just around the corner. This will open up this treatment option for many different patients. It is a great advancement in dental technology for so many people.

This technology can be life changing for Veterans and other patients. Anyone who has difficulties maintaining an appropriate level of oral hygiene can benefit from the anti-fungal medication. As the technology adapts to other medications then the benefits will expand to help even more patients.

Many of the patients who wear dentures also rely on several medications for their overall health. The ability to provide another delivery option for medications can help ensure they get the medications they need. This technology will help reduce the amount of pills that patients will need to take. This means fewer missed doses of medication.

We look forward to seeing how this technology will continue to develop. We hope to offer this knowledge to our own patients as soon as possible.

Call Mark Levy DDS at (614) 777-7350 for more information on this new special coating for dentures.