Prosthodontics

Dentures

Dentures are custom made appliances that replace a person’s missing teeth and restore the appearance and oral functions that were lost. Two common types of denture that are available include complete denture and partial denture.

Dentures

Complete Denture

Complete dentures are prescribed when all the natural teeth are missing. It can be either immediate or conventional.

Complete conventional denture

It is a dental prosthesis that replaces all of the natural dentition and associated structures. The denture teeth are made out of porcelain or acrylic and held together by an acrylic base. They can be taken out at night or any other time for cleaning. The Fabrication of conventional dentures requires multiple dental visits. They are inserted after all natural teeth are removed and gums are completely healed, which usually takes about 4-5 weeks.

Advantages of complete conventional denture:

Replaces missing teeth
Improve pronunciation and speech
Improve self-esteem.
With proper care and maintenance they can last for many years.

Disadvantages of complete conventional denture:

Gagging
It will become loose over time
They can feel very bulky
Lower denture can be difficult to manage
Upper denture covers the palate that may reduce the sense of taste.

Immediate complete denture

Immediate dentures are dentures that are fabricated in advance and are placed immediately following tooth extraction. Immediate denture is best used as a temporary appliance until a conventional denture is made after gum and bone healing. The immediate denture can be disposed of once the healing process is complete.

Procedure of immediate complete denture

In this process, preparation is done before extraction. Dentist begins by taking impressions of the existing teeth and gums. This impression is then sent to a dental laboratory where the immediate denture is fabricated. In next appointment, extraction is done and immediate denture is placed.

Advantages of immediate complete denture

The advantages of immediate denture are as following:

Patient does not need to be without teeth while the denture is being made.
Immediate dentures restore dental function, they help to eat and speak while the gums are healing.

Disadvantages of immediate complete denture

Since immediate dentures are crafted prior to extraction, it is possible that denture will fit improperly due to swelling.
After surgery the shape of the jaw changes as they heal so it may be necessary to have an immediate denture relined or reshaped.
Denture cannot be tried in advance.
It becomes loose over time.

Aftercare of immediate complete denture

It is very important to follow all postsurgical instructions, such as:

For the first 24 hours immediate denture should not be removed from the mouth.
Soft food diet should be maintained for few days.
In case of swelling, ice bag should be applied over the affected site.
Medication should be taken as prescribed.

Partial Denture

Partial dentures are recommended when one or more natural teeth need to be replaced. A removable partial denture consists of artificial teeth attached to a gum-colored plastic base. There are two types of partial dentures-removable and fixed.

Removable Partial Denture

It is a removable appliance that fills the gap between two healthy teeth. It usually has replacement teeth attached to a gum- colored plastic base and is held in place with the help of clasp. It can be easily taken out of the mouth.

Aftercare

Like natural teeth, denture must be brushed daily to remove food deposits and dental plaque.

It is important to remove denture before going to sleep, this allow gum tissues to breathe.
Denture should be rinse thoroughly before reinserting into mouth.
Partial dentures are very delicate, so it’s important to handle them with care.
Regular dental visit is important.

Benefits of partial denture

It is the most cost effective way of replacing teeth.
It maintains the shape of the face.
It prevents the teeth from shifting into empty space.

Disadvantages of partial denture

Partial dentures will have to be replaced as they become loose overtime.
It affects speech as it covers most of the palatal surface.
It causes mobility of the adjacent teeth.
Patient with dentures are more prone to caries.
Trauma to the abutment teeth or gums can occur from pressure.

Fixed partial denture

FPD are also called as dental bridge. It is one of the most commonly preferred treatments to replace a single missing tooth with fixed prosthesis. Fixed partial dentures are indicated when:

One or two adjacent teeth are missing in the same arch.
Suitable abutment teeth are present.
Supportive tissues are healthy
Patient can afford the treatment.

Material used

Types of material used are:

All metal
Metal-ceramic
All ceramic
Metal with resin facings

Benefits

Fixed partial denture prevents tooth migration.
They feel more natural while talking and eating.
They don’t require removal for cleaning.
They cost less than implants.

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