Teeth can be missing for many reasons, it can be genetic, negligence of dental cavities which lead to tooth fracture and extraction, failed root canal treatments, injury, or aggressive periodontal disease. Whichever is the reason, many adults might need dentures, whether full or partial dentures.
A full denture is indicated when there are no teeth at all, either in the upper arch or lower arch. A partial denture is recommended when multiple teeth are missing in an arch, but it can also be an option for even 1 missing tooth.
A partial denture is removable, and it is recommended when implants cannot be placed due to lack of bone, or it is not financially feasible. A full denture can be removable or fixed over dental implants.
The purpose of a denture is to reinstate the functions of mastication and speech. The denture base is made of resin or metal, and the teeth are made of porcelain or plastic depending on the patient’s preference.
Caring for a Denture is easy. Daily soaking and brushing with a nonabrasive denture cleanser is necessary to reduce levels of plaque and potentially harmful bacteria and fungi. In many cases, hand soap is effective enough.
When not in use, placing dentures in water or a denture cleanser solution helps the denture retain its shape, remain pliable, and keep it from drying out.
Removable dentures should not stay on to sleep. If so, accumulation of plaque and moisture on the denture can cause stomatitis, a condition where the gum presents with inflammation and sores.
Denture adhesives are only needed in small amounts to increase stability if there is not enough saliva in the mouth. The denture should be removed and completely cleaned before reapplying adhesive.
The American College of Prosthodontist, recommends replacing dentures if one of the following signs are present:
- If chronic irritation (inflammation) exists beneath the denture bases. If denture adhesives are required to eat, or to retain the dentures socially (i.e., when the dentures will not remain in place by themselves), or when adhesives must be used more than once daily.
- If the patient will not, or cannot, wear the removable prostheses.
- If the denture has degraded sufficiently so that it is not stable in the mouth, no longer matches the other dentition, no longer fits well or if the denture itself or the prosthetic teeth are discolored, cracked, broken, or missing.
- If there is a change in the teeth supporting a removable partial or overdenture.
- If it has been more than 5 years since the denture was fabricated.
If you are missing teeth, a comprehensive exam with radiographs is needed to assess the best treatment option for you.
Schedule an appointment today.
Jennifer Pettit, CRDH.
HQ DONTICS Team.
If you have any questions or need more information, you can contact us!
