Dental prosthetics - types of dentures, indications for treatment

Why do you need dentures

Many patients believe that adentia is not such a serious problem. In fact, this is not true. Each tooth is an important organ of the oral cavity, which performs a specific function. The absence of one or more teeth in a row leads to the following problems:

• inability to fully chew food;
• increased load on the teeth located next to the defect, resulting in wear, chipping, pathological mobility and displacement of teeth;
• bone atrophy, change in appearance;
• temporomandibular joint disorders;
• aesthetic defect.

Ideally, the issue of dental prosthetics should be resolved before the removal of the diseased tooth. If for some reason this could not be done, the patient should contact the doctor as soon as possible - the sooner the defect is corrected, the fewer problems will arise in the future.

Classification of dentures

Dental prosthetics can be divided into two types - fixed and removable. The first group includes:

• crowns;
• bridges;
• microprostheses.

Crowns are used when the root is preserved. With their help, the doctor restores the crown part of the tooth and its chewing function. Today, metal-ceramic, ceramic and zirconium products are most often used. Metal structures are installed very rarely.

Bridges are used when one tooth is missing, but on condition that the teeth located next to the defect are healthy and can take the chewing load. If several teeth are missing in a row, the doctor will recommend using bridge prostheses supported by implants.

Microprostheses - veneers and lumineers - are widely used in aesthetic dentistry. Another type of microprostheses - root inlays - are used for severely damaged teeth. With their help, an additional base for the crown is created.

Removable dentures are classified depending on the material from which they are made. Today, dentists install acrylic, non-acrylic, nylon and clasp dentures. Partial removable dentures are performed on patients who have at least one tooth remaining in a row. In other cases, fully removable dentures are selected.

Indications for dental prosthetics

The most common indication for dental prosthetics is the absence of one or more teeth in a row. In addition, treatment by an orthopedic dentist is prescribed in the following cases:

• in case of pathological abrasion of teeth;
• in case of significant or complete destruction of the crown of the tooth, when the dentist-therapist is unable to restore it;
• large gaps between teeth.

In each individual case, the doctor will select the type of prosthetics that suits the patient best.

Contraindications to treatment

In some cases, dental prosthetics should be postponed. The main such situations include:

• acute infectious diseases and the recovery period after them;
• pregnancy;
• alcohol and drug abuse;
• in the first year after completion of radiation therapy;
• mental illnesses;
• cachexia of various origins;
• allergy to local anesthetics;
• chronic somatic pathology during exacerbation or decompensation;
• taking cytostatics, antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants.

There is also a group of so-called local contraindications. It includes:

• inflammatory diseases of the gums, oral mucosa;
• non-compliance with oral hygiene rules;
• the presence of carious teeth;
• periodontal diseases.

In such cases, the issue of prosthetics is decided after eliminating contraindications.

Complications of dental prosthetics

Judging by patient reviews, dental prosthetics performed by a highly qualified dentist, taking into account all the individual characteristics of the patient, is favorable. But sometimes the procedure is still accompanied by complications.

Most often, their cause is:

• improper preparation for prosthetics;
• errors made by the dental technician;
• improper installation of the structure, loose fit to the gum;
• damage to the product with the formation of chips, cracks, abrasions;
• allergic reaction to the materials from which the prosthesis is made;
• immunodeficiency states;
• failure to follow the recommendations for the care of dentures.

The most common complications are:

• denture stomatitis;
• caries of the teeth located under prosthesis;
• galvanic syndrome;
• pain or discomfort during use.

Each complication is characterized by a specific clinical picture. Most patients complain of pain in the teeth or gums, the appearance of erosions, pustular rashes in the mouth, metallic taste, headache. The severity of symptoms varies - from minor to quite intense. Regardless of the severity of the condition, the patient should consult a doctor immediately after the appearance of complaints. The doctor will determine the cause of discomfort and recommend treatment.

Care of dentures

Removable dentures are washed with water after each meal. They are cleaned twice a day using only a soft toothbrush and a special paste with a low abrasiveness index. After using conventional pastes, the product is damaged, its surface becomes uneven, where plaque settles more intensively. The service life of such a product is significantly shorter.

Deep cleaning should be carried out 2-3 times a week. A suitable product - a chemical solution or an ultrasonic bath - will be selected by a doctor.

At night, the denture is removed and placed in a container with water. Only chlorine-free water should be used to soak dentures with metal parts. The product should not be left in the air or immersed in hot water - it can deform and cause inconvenience during use.

Fixed dentures are cared for in the same way as healthy teeth - brushed twice a day, rinsed with special rinses. To remove bacterial plaque from the interdental spaces and contact walls, use dental floss.

Following these simple recommendations will significantly extend the life of your denture and help maintain a neat appearance.