Dentures, Here's What You Should Know

Dentures or dentures is a tool helpfor replace the missing teeth lost and surrounding gum tissue. Use of gfalse teeth could overcome complaint which appear due to teethis lost, like a nuisance eat and speak, and decreased self-confidence.

Dentures are divided into two types, namely partial dentures and complete dentures. Partial dentures are used to replace one or more missing teeth. Meanwhile, complete dentures are used to replace all teeth, both upper and lower teeth.

Dentures Indications

Dentures are usually needed by people aged 60 years and over, because generally at that age, teeth naturally begin to fall out on their own. However, dentures are also needed by children and adults who have lost their teeth.

Some of the conditions that can cause tooth loss or require the use of dentures are:

• Toothache

  Unbearable toothache can be a sign of tooth decay that radiates to the root of the tooth. If the damage is very severe, the tooth must be extracted and replaced with dentures.

• loose teeth

  In some cases, loose teeth can be a sign of gum disease. In this case, the loose teeth must be removed and replaced with dentures.

• Gum disease

  Gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis can not only cause gums to swell and bleed, but they can also cause teeth to fall out.

• Teeth fall out

  A person who has lost one or more teeth will be advised to wear dentures. In addition to preventing tooth shifting, wearing dentures will also improve appearance.

Dentures Warning

The following are some things to know before using dentures:

• Eating with dentures may be uncomfortable. This can last up to several weeks. To get used to it, start eating soft foods in small pieces and chew slowly.
• After wearing dentures, the patient may have difficulty pronouncing a number of words. This difficulty can be overcome by frequent practice of pronouncing the words that are difficult to pronounce. However, if it persists, the patient needs to see a doctor.
• The patient may be advised to keep the dentures on at bedtime for the first few days. This is so that the patient knows which part of the denture needs adjustment. After the adjustment, the patient can remove the dentures when going to sleep.
• It is recommended to go to the doctor if the denture feels loose, causing discomfort or injury to the gums. Examination is also necessary if the patient uses a lot of denture glue. This can indicate that the dentures need adjustment or need to be replaced with new ones.

Before Dentures Installation

Before undergoing the installation of dentures, there are several preparations that need to be done, namely:

• The dentist will measure the patient's jaw, then create a wax model of the denture for the patient to try on. This wax model serves to match the shape of the patient's dentures and jaws before the dentures are cast.
• Patients who will be fitted with partial dentures will not undergo tooth extraction first. However, in patients who will use complete dentures, the doctor will remove the remaining teeth.
• The doctor will print dentures from plastic, nylon, or metal. After the dentures are printed, the doctor will check the condition of the patient's oral health before placing the dentures.

Dentures Installation Procedure

The choice of partial dentures and complete dentures depends on the patient's condition. Here is the explanation:

partial dentures

Partial dentures are used when one or more teeth are missing, but the patient still has several healthy permanent teeth in the upper or lower jaw. Partial dentures are attached by attaching to healthy permanent teeth using metal hooks.

Complete dentures

Complete dentures are used when all the upper or lower teeth need to be extracted. This type of denture can also be used to replace dentures that have been worn by patients for a long time.

Complete dentures are made after the patient's problematic tooth is extracted. Installation of complete dentures can be done immediately after the natural teeth are extracted (immediate denture) or wait until the gums are completely healed (conventional denture).

Imediate denture need to undergo some adjustments, because the patient's bones and gums will shrink during the healing process after tooth extraction. Whereas, conventional denture does not require readjustment.

If needed, the doctor can use special glue to attach the dentures to the oral cavity. This special glue is useful for maintaining the position of the dentures and maintaining the stability of the teeth when biting. This glue also helps dentures stick to dry mouth sufferers.

Denture glue is applied little by little evenly over the entire surface of the dentures. If necessary, the glue will be added back gradually until the dentures stick perfectly.

After Placing Dentures

Dentures, both partial and complete, still require regular care just like natural teeth. To clean dentures, do the following:

• Gently remove the dentures from the mouth.
• Clean the gums, tongue, and roof of the mouth using a soft toothbrush. If using denture glue, remove any excess glue from the gums.
• Gently rinse the dentures under running water. To keep it from cracking when dropped, place a towel under it or fill the sink with water.
• Gently clean your dentures using a brush and toothpaste specifically for dentures.
• Wash dentures using clean water. After that, the dentures can be used again.

In addition to cleaning, you should also take care of your dentures by:

• Remove your dentures every night to give your mouth and gums some rest.
• Brush dentures in the manner described above, then soak them in warm water. If necessary, add a special cleaner for dentures to the water.
• Store dentures in a container of clean water when not in use. Keep in mind, do not immerse dentures in water that is too hot.
• Have regular dental checkups. If there are cracks in the dentures, take them to the dentist to have them repaired or replaced with new ones.

Side effects Dentures

Some of the side effects that you can experience while wearing dentures are:

• Bleeding gums
• Pain in the gums
• Swollen gums
• Injuries to the gums to form an abscess
• Bad breath