Teeth extraction done in 1980!

[Conurekim]

Hello!  My Dad had all of his teeth removed in 1980 when he was 31 yrs old.  They fitted him with dentures but he claimed the dentures made him gag when he put them in so he refused to try to get used to them.  He is now going to be 60 years old and for the past 30 years he has had NO TEETH!  Ironic thing is, NOBODY can tell her doesn't have teeth because he has always had a moustache, which covers up his upper lip and disguises any sign that he may not have teeth.  Throughout the years he has continued to eat normally - steaks, chips, etc. as if he had teeth so I can't imagine what his gums must be like!  He doesn't complain of any mouth pain.  My Mom is worried because she heard that his jaw bone is continually deteriorating with age and eventually will need to be built up or reconstructed.  What options does my Dad have????  Thank you for your time!  Kim

[scottma]

Once a tooth is lost, the supporting alveolar bone will resorb, implant placement can preserve the bone. Since your father has lost teeth for almost 3 decades, there is probably not much we can do about it.however, complete denture can still be fabricated with success. Seeing a prosthodontist is advised.

[Conurekim]

Thank you so very much for your input!  Now the trick is getting him to go ;)  I really appreciate the help - atleast now I can find some more information on exactly what he may be up against and ease him into the whole thing.  Not knowing what he may be up against is probably the scariest thing so this is a step in the right direction!!!  Thanks again! Kim