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Ill-fitting or loose dentures

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Brief description of the condition

Ill-fitting or loose dentures. This may be indicative of stroke or other underlying serious condition such as malignancy, especially if presenting as an emergency. 

Key signs and symptoms

  • Pain (general discomfort, localised) 
  • Difficulty speaking 
  • Difficulty eating 

Initial management

Determine if there are signs of stroke, e.g. facial weakness or distortion, arm weakness, speech problems; rapid onset of these symptoms (F.A.S.T). 

If there are signs of stroke, send the patient immediately to emergency care via NHS 24 or call 999. 

If there are no signs of stroke:  

  • Recommend optimal analgesia (see Appendix 2). 
  • Advise the patient to remove their denture to ease discomfort. 
  • If the patient experienced discomfort after having the denture fitted following tooth extraction, advise the patient to return to the dentist who fitted the denture. 
  • Advise the patient to seek non-urgent dental care. 

Subsequent care

Consider:  

  • Providing temporary relining of dentures. 
  • Making new dentures. 
  • Referring to local rapid access pathway to investigate potential malignancy.