hello ann,
the only option that your granny has to go for is the dentures. its basically the artificial replacement of teeth. the main reason for the tooth replacement in your granny`s case would be for function ie. to eat & chew. with out teeth there may be more problems with
indigestion, acidity, malnourishment etc.
the success of a complete denture depends on 2 things, the adaptivity of the patient to the dentures and the skill of the clinician.
the fit (retention) of the denture depends upon the status of the ridge ie the gums. if the gums are fuller and big the denture will be more retentive and vice-versa.
every denture wearer comes across few difficulties initially like.
1. difficulty in speech,swallowing.
2. increased salivation.
3.intial ulcers.
4.difficulty in placement and removal of the dentures.
the patient usually takes a month to get used to the new dentures. in most of the cases the tongue and cheek muscles helps to hold the denture in its place ( especially the lower denture)
the problem with less ridge or loose denture can be managed by using dental implants for support. ( implant retained over dentures)
more over if few teeth like the premolars can be saved and can be used to support the dentures ( tooth supported over denture)
hope this helps
dr.roshan khan MDS.
prosthodontist.
www.smilezone.org