Q. I have heard of programs for school children where a dentist seals the teeth and it protects them for years. Is this available for us seniors?

A. While this is a procedure that could be done for anyone, it is most useful and beneficial for children and therefore done in that population. The biting surfaces are most at risk for cavities in the young age group.

Q. Would you please tell me is it natural for me to feel like gagging every time I try to talk with my new upper dental plate? I have just had them for a day now and feels very bulky and long.

A. This is a common feeling and it is generally fixable. It may be that the denture is a little long in the back causing the gagging feeling. Your dentist can easily adjust the denture in that area.

Q. I am a 77 year old male. My Molars have started to disintegrate. I have no pains should I just live with it? If I do seek help is there a outline as to what to expect? Procedure wise , pain wise and cost ?

A. It is difficult to give you an exact answer without seeing the teeth. I would recommend that you have the teeth looked at by your dentist to see the extent of the damage and what it would take to repair them.

It could be anything from smoothing the tooth, to fillings, or pulling the tooth, or other treatment.

Q. I am 51yrs old but 4 of my bottom teeth are wobbly and hurt. My dentist said I do not have gum disease so why am I losing my teeth?

A. Teeth that move and are loose can be caused by gum disease or occasionally bite problems. You may want to get a second opinion for help in understanding the reason you have that problem.

Q.My denturist says that my new upper plate fits perfect, its just that I'm weak and it's hard to put them in and take them out. What can I do?

A. Getting used to a new denture is a new experience.

Sometimes it is a little easier to get the denture out if you take your finger and place it against the top of the denture (the rim) and try to release the suction of the denture from the tissue.

Try this in the area of the "eye" teeth or a little behind that on the side. If you continue to have trouble, ask the dentist to show you the easiest way to take them in and out.

Q. I have 6 unsavable upper teeth, plus periodontal gum disease. Question is, could this condition lead to chronic sinusitis?

A. That would be unlikely.

Q. I need to replace a fixed type bridge in order to have dental work done to two of four remaining molars. My question is would it be best to have a partial removable plate made in the event other molars need work done in the future and also is it possible to add additional dentures to this new partial?

A. Without knowing more about your dental condition, it is difficult to give you a good answer.

I would recommend that you visit your dentist and have a conversation about the condition of the teeth, options for treatment and how the treatment might work with future dental needs. Your dentist can help you with answers so you can make a good decision for you!