Partial denture
What is a partial denture?
A partial denture is a removable dental prosthesis that can replace one or more teeth. The prosthesis is attached with hooks (clasps) to the remaining teeth, but can easily be removed for cleaning, for example. The partial denture is made by a dental technician after an accurate impression of the remaining teeth and jawbone. The fabrication requires several visits to the dentist.
What is an immediate partial denture?
An immediate partial denture is a prosthesis that is inserted just after the bad teeth are removed. Impressions of the upper and lower jaw are taken beforehand and the prosthesis itself 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. Food can be divided 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 partial prosthesis is not a one-off purchase. The clasps may eventually become looser so that the prosthesis is not as secure. This can usually be adjusted by the dentist by gently bending the clasps back again. Gradual changes to the jaw mean that the fit of the prosthesis deteriorates over time. 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.
Cleaning:

The prosthesis must be cleaned 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 jaw ridge, 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. Also remember to brush your remaining teeth. These are important for the prosthesis to function as long as possible.
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 your dentures at night, both the dentures and the remaining teeth must be thoroughly cleaned before you go to bed. It is recommended that the prosthesis, oral mucosa and remaining teeth are checked annually by your dentist.