Full prosthesis

If all teeth in a jaw are missing, a full prosthesis may be an option to replace them. This brochure tells more about this.

Causes of tooth loss and toothlessness can be many. For example, caries (tooth decay), gingivitis, trauma, severe tooth wear and lack of oral hygiene can be some of the causes of tooth loss, especially in older people. Some have not had the opportunity to preserve their teeth. Good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist or dental hygienist can help prevent tooth loss.

Is it easy to have a full prosthesis?

The vast majority of people learn to use an upper jaw prosthesis within a few weeks. However, it can be more challenging to get used to the lower jaw prosthesis, but this varies greatly from person to person. For example, there is no avoiding that food debris can get under the dentures during a meal. In the beginning, one may also have challenges with phonetics (pronunciation), but this is mostly transient.

In the upper jaw, as a rule, the prosthesis can be made so that it has a usable attachment, and you can talk and smile without too much difficulty. In the lower jaw, it is usually more difficult to get a good fit due to anatomical conditions. Both prostheses are designed so that the muscles of the tongue, lips and cheeks help to hold them in place. Getting the muscles to work in this way takes time to learn. In a transitional period, using a fastener can be a help.

Is the treatment result lasting?

The palate (jaw comb) fades somewhat after the teeth are pulled. The shrinkage is greatest in the first few weeks after teeth are pulled, but continues for the rest of life. In some, the waste is large, in others small. The changes also don't happen as quickly all the time; periods of a lot of shrinkage alternate with more stable periods, and this cannot be prevented by making a “right” prosthesis.

The shrinkage can cause the appearance to be gradually changed, that the mouth seems whimsical and that you do not show teeth as before. The prosthesis becomes more spacious, and the ratio of the teeth of the upper and lower jaw is displaced. Such changes also lead to the fact that it can become increasingly difficult to use the prosthesis. There may be a need for adjustments or alterations to the prosthesis over time.

Should the last teeth be pulled out?

It is almost always an advantage to preserve some teeth, even if they are not so good. They can help ensure that the jawbone does not fade so quickly, and you can get by with a partial prosthesis that is finer than a full prosthesis and is better fixed. Although the last teeth can only be preserved for a transitional period, they are still useful because they can facilitate the habituation to full prosthetics later. The dentist assesses which teeth can be retained.

Is it possible to see that I have a prosthesis?

Denture teeth come in so many shape and color variations that there is rarely trouble finding suitable teeth. Many people would like their appearance to be improved, but at the same time they do not want the change to be visible. It is also possible to imitate both amalgam and gold fillings and even imitate discolored, rooted teeth. Dentures can therefore be made very lifelike, and the dentist makes every effort to ensure that it is not possible to detect that you have received a prosthesis. However, for various reasons, in some cases it can be difficult to get a fully lifelike look.

Do I have to go toothless for a period?

Previously, one had to wait several months after the extraction of the last teeth before being able to get the prosthesis. Today, it is common for the dentist to insert the prosthesis as soon as the teeth are pulled. Such a prosthesis is called an “immediate prosthesis”, and it acts as a protection over the wound after the tooth extraction. However, you need to count on the fact that the dentist will have to make minor changes in the first few days after the denture is inserted. As a rule, major changes will also be needed after a few months.

Is it necessary to go to the dentist regularly?

Since the jaws are constantly changing, and because inflammation of the mucous membrane under the prosthesis can occur due to the coating of fungi or bacteria, you should go to the dentist regularly for check-ups. If the prosthesis is adjusted periodically, the quality of the prosthesis can be maintained with small changes.

How long does a prosthesis have?

It is difficult to say in advance how long a prosthesis will have because some wear it down quickly, and in some, the changes in the jaw occur faster than in others. Most people will still be able to wear a prosthesis for 10 years, or longer, if it is adjusted over time. The lifespan of a prosthesis is also dependent on good denture hygiene.

Wat can be doneres to correct the prosthesis?

As a rule, there is no need to make a new prosthesis. The dentist can usually make changes to improve conditions. The prosthesis can be modified by embedding on the underside, so that it fits better against the substrate (lining).

The prosthesis can also be rebuilt by replacing the plastic material in the prosthesis (rebasing). Then you can simultaneously change the shape to provide better support for the lips and cheeks. Teeth can be replaced if they are worn out.

What about particularly delicate palates?

Some people have particularly sensitive mucous membranes in the mouth and therefore have great difficulty using a full prosthesis. As a rule, this is due to thin mucous membrane and little saliva. Especially if you suffer from dry mouth, it can be difficult to get used to the prosthesis. However, you can use agents that stimulate the formation of saliva, for example, sugar-free chewing gum, lozenges or sugar-free lozenges.

HWhat can I do myself?

The prosthesis must be taken out for cleaning. Your dentist or dental hygienist will give you advice and instruction on how to clean your teeth and dentures in the best possible way. To preserve the remaining teeth, you should use fluoride toothpaste or other fluoride preparations.

If you ensure good daily cleaning of teeth and denture and regular check-ups at the dentist, you can enjoy the denture for years. Without careful follow-up, complications easily arise, and the benefit becomes short-lived.