Prosthodontist - Denture and Prosthodontic Questions
Q. What is a prosthodontist?
A. A prosthodontist is a specialist in the restoration and replacement of broken and missing teeth. Their training lasts an additional three years after four years of dental school. During that time, a prosthodontist is taught in greater detail about both removable and fixed prosthodontics.
Removable prosthodontics includes replacing missing teeth with appliances that the patients themselves can take in and out of their mouth, such as dentures and partial dentures.
Fixed prosthodontics includes replacing missing and/or broken teeth with restorations that the patient cannot take in and out, such as veneers, crowns, bridges, and implants.
Q. What are dentures?
A. Dentures are removable prosthetic devices designed to replace missing teeth.
Q. What are complete dentures?
A. Complete dentures are dentures that replace a complete set of missing teeth.
Q. What is the difference between conventional dentures and immediate dentures?
A. Conventional dentures are dentures that are made and placed after the remaining teeth are removed and the tissues have healed. Immediate dentures are dentures that are placed immediately after the removal of the remaining teeth.
Q. What is an over-denture?
A. An over-denture is a denture that fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth or implants.
Q. What do dentures feel like?
A. For a few weeks, new dentures will feel awkward until you become accustomed to them. They might feel loose until the cheek and tongue muscles learn to hold them in position. It is not unusual to feel minor irritation or soreness. The patient needs to see his or her dentist or prosthodontist for regular fit adjustments to relieve any sore areas.
Q. Are you able to eat with dentures?
A. Eating with dentures will take a little practice. You should start with soft foods that are cut into small pieces. As you become used to chewing, you can return to your normal diet.
Q. Are there foods you should avoid if you wear dentures?
A. There are only a few eating restrictions for denture wearers. Avoid biting down directly on crunchy or hard foods, like whole apples, hard pretzels, crusty bread, or large sandwiches. They can break because of the angle where the denture comes into contact with the hard surface.
Biting is limited only by the stability of the dentures themselves. Insufficient bone structure (shrunken bone ridges covered by gum tissue), old or worn dentures, and a dry mouth decrease stability.
Q. If you wear dentures, are dental adhesives necessary?
A. Today's dentures have been significantly improved through advances in both dental and materials technologies. As a result, dentures that fit properly usually do not require adhesives to secure the dentures. When you are just getting used to dentures, adhesives may be advised, but otherwise should not be necessary.
A loose denture is a sign that it doesn't fit your mouth correctly. When first getting used to dentures, you may notice them slipping when you laugh, smile, or cough, which is caused by air getting under the base and moving it. The more you wear dentures, the better you will be able to control their movements in these situations.
If your mouth has insufficient bone structure, dentures will be more difficult to retain. Your dentist or prosthodontist may advise the placement of implants. These are placed in the bone and retain the denture with small, precision attachments.
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Is It Time for New Dentures?
Dentures that fit well can improve your looks and enhance eating and speaking. Talk to your prosthodontist about your current situation and whether you need new dentures. In general, the life expectancy of false teeth is about five to seven years.
Factors that affect the satisfaction and life span of your prosthodontics include:
- General health status
- Significant weight increase or decrease
- Time since loss of teeth
- Denture care and cleaning
- Tobacco and caffeine use
- Shape of your mouth
- Changes in facial and oral muscles
- Variation in skin tone or color
The color match of false teeth to a natural tooth color can seem to change, especially if the natural teeth are darker due to stains or lighter because of past dental treatment. Also, dentures can wear, stain, chip, or fracture over time. Today's denturists are able to modify the look of smiles and gum tissues in order to compliment existing teeth, skin color, or tone.
Dentures, like all manufactured goods, require regular maintenance and eventual replacement. To maintain proper fit, appearance, function, and to avoid any damage to oral structure, a prosthodontist should regularly evaluate your false teeth. The gum and bone tissues that support dentures undergo changes over time and with age. Often, these changes include a good amount of bone shrinkage. Bone shrinkage causes a denture to become loose, less functional, and slip during eating and speaking. Age-related changes in facial muscles, complexion, and lips also will affect the function and appearance of your prosthodontics. Oral hygiene habits, use of tobacco, and drinking coffee or tea will also affect the appearance of a denture, as well as any odors associated with them.
Since dentures are in use every day, for many years, it is reasonable to periodically replace those that no longer fit properly. If you have not visited a denturist recently, if your false teeth slip, have lost their good looks, cause discomfort, or if they are more than five years old, you may need to replace them.
by Denise J. Fedele, D.M.D., M.S.
+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.