Full denture
What is a full denture?
A full denture is a tooth replacement used when all the teeth in the jaw are missing. It consists of a plastic material that serves as an attachment for plastic or porcelain teeth. The full denture is made by a dental technician from an accurate impression of the jawbone. The fabrication requires several visits to the dentist.
What is an immediat prosthesis?
An immediate prosthesis is a prosthesis that is inserted immediately after the bad teeth are removed. Impressions of the upper and lower jaw are taken beforehand and the actual prosthesis is made by a dental technician. The advantage of immediate dentures is that you don’t have to go without teeth after they have been removed. However, you will feel soreness in the jaw for the first time after the prosthesis is inserted. In addition, the jawbone will undergo changes during healing, which means that the fit will gradually deteriorate. This can be solved by filling the prosthesis internally. Alternatively, once healing is complete, a new prosthesis can be fabricated to suit the changed conditions.
Getting used to the prosthesis:
It takes time to get used to your new prosthesis. For those receiving a prosthesis for the first time, increased saliva production and vomiting may be common complaints immediately after insertion. Furthermore, it will take time for the muscles and mucous membranes to get used to the new situation. During the adjustment period, liquid food and lightly chewed food should therefore be used. The food can be divided up and chewed gently. Sore spots and chafing may still occur in the mouth where the denture presses too hard. This can be corrected by grinding the denture at the dentist. Many people will find it difficult to speak clearly with their new dentures at first. The “s” sound in particular can cause problems. Training in the form of reading aloud to yourself will speed up the adjustment process. If pronunciation problems persist, correction by a dentist may also be necessary.
How long does the prosthesis last?
A prosthesis is not a one-off purchase. Gradual changes to the jaw mean that over time the prosthesis becomes looser and therefore functions less well. It is then possible to “feed” it so that it adapts to the changed conditions. However, it is often better to fabricate a new prosthesis. The time interval for this may vary from person to person and must therefore be assessed individually.
Even if you have a full denture, it is important to visit the dentist annually for an examination.
Cleaning:
The prosthesis must be kept clean 1-2 times a day with a soft toothbrush or special brush. In addition to the denture teeth, it is particularly important to brush the inside of the denture carefully. When cleaning, you can, for example, use low-abrasive toothpaste or zalo. The denture should be held over a sink filled with water to avoid damaging it if it is dropped. Denture cleaner can be used, but the instructions for use must be followed carefully. Also clean the gums, palate and tongue with a soft brush. Inadequate cleaning can lead to a bad taste in the mouth, fungal growth in the mucous membrane and bad breath.
Storage:
It is an advantage to remove the prosthesis at night. This reduces the risk of fungus forming in the mucous membrane. When the prosthesis is not in the mouth, it should be kept moist, for example in a glass of water. If you still want to wear the prosthesis at night, both the prosthesis and the mouth must be thoroughly cleaned before going to bed.