Tissue Conditioning

If your dentures are old and have been neglected, it is very likely the gum directly beneath them has been traumatized. The tissue may be abnormally red, swollen or misshapen.

While your tissue is in this unhealthy state, there is little purpose in providing you with relined or new dentures. This would only transfer the problem to newly relined dentures or to your new dentures. For this reason, tissue conditioning is prescribed.

Tissue conditioning, sometimes called a palliative reline because of its medicated properties, is a temporary reline. Tissue conditioning is usually soft and pliable. It will make your denture fit tighter, minimizing the lateral movements that can cause cankers and abuse your tissues.

Once your tissues return to a healthy state, and inflammation subsides, you will be ready to proceed with permanent relines or new dentures.

NOTE:

Tissue conditioning allows you to wear your dentures while your gums are healing. Alternatively, you could leave your dentures out, sometimes for several weeks, to prevent your dentures from harming your gums. In very severe conditions, a referral to an oral (mouth) pathologist may be necessary.