Dental Prosthetics: When Should They Be Preferred?

Situations Where Dental Prosthetics Are Preferred

1. Multiple Tooth Loss

Losing multiple teeth can lead to severe functional and aesthetic issues. It affects your ability to chew, speak, and can alter the structure of your face. Dental prosthetics provide a practical solution to restore lost teeth, improve oral functions, and enhance your appearance.

• Treatment Options:
  • Complete Dentures: Used when all teeth in an arch are missing.
  • Partial Dentures: Used when some natural teeth remain.

2. Severe Tooth Decay or Damage

When teeth are severely decayed or damaged beyond repair, dental prosthetics may be necessary. While treatments like fillings and crowns are viable for less severe cases, advanced decay or trauma might require tooth extraction and subsequent replacement with prosthetics.

• Treatment Options:
  • Partial Dentures: Replace several missing teeth while preserving remaining healthy teeth.
  • Implant-Supported Dentures: Offer a stable and long-lasting solution by anchoring dentures to dental implants.

3. Periodontal Disease

Advanced periodontal disease can result in significant tooth and bone loss. When periodontal disease progresses to the point where teeth cannot be saved, dental prosthetics become essential to restore oral health and functionality.

• Treatment Options:
  • Complete Dentures: Suitable when extensive tooth loss occurs due to periodontal disease.
  • Immediate Dentures: Temporarily used immediately after tooth extraction to aid healing before permanent dentures are fitted.

4. Congenital Absence of Teeth

Some individuals are born without certain teeth, a condition known as congenital tooth absence. Dental prosthetics can be used to fill in the gaps and provide a complete, functional set of teeth.

• Treatment Options:
  • Partial Dentures: Replace missing teeth due to congenital absence.
  • Implant-Supported Dentures: Offer a more permanent and natural-looking solution.

Types of Dental Prosthetics

1. Complete Dentures

Complete dentures replace all teeth in either the upper or lower arch. They rest directly on the gums and are typically removable.

• Benefits:
  • Restore full functionality for eating and speaking.
  • Improve facial appearance by supporting facial muscles.
  • Customizable for a comfortable fit.
• Procedure:
  • Impressions of the gums are taken to create a custom-fit denture.
  • The dentures are adjusted for comfort and appearance.

2. Partial Dentures

Partial dentures are used when some natural teeth remain. They consist of a metal or plastic framework that supports artificial teeth, filling in the gaps left by missing teeth.

• Benefits:
  • Prevents remaining teeth from shifting.
  • Provides a cost-effective solution for multiple tooth loss.
  • Removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.
• Procedure:
  • Impressions of the mouth are taken to create a custom-fit framework.
  • Artificial teeth are attached to the framework, which is then fitted to the patient’s mouth.

3. Implant-Supported Dentures

Implant-supported dentures are anchored to dental implants that are surgically placed into the jawbone. This type of denture offers greater stability and a more natural feel compared to traditional dentures.

• Benefits:
  • Provides superior stability and comfort.
  • Prevents bone loss by stimulating the jawbone.
  • Long-lasting and durable.
• Procedure:
  • Dental implants are surgically placed into the jawbone.
  • After the implants integrate with the bone, the dentures are attached to the implants.

4. Immediate Dentures

Immediate dentures are temporary dentures placed immediately after tooth extraction. They allow patients to have teeth while their gums heal before permanent dentures are fitted.

• Benefits:
  • Provides immediate teeth replacement.
  • Protects gums during the healing process.
  • Helps patients adjust to wearing dentures.
• Procedure:
  • Impressions of the mouth are taken before tooth extraction.
  • Immediate dentures are made in advance and fitted immediately after extraction.

Maintenance and Care for Dental Prosthetics

Proper maintenance and care are crucial to ensuring the longevity and functionality of dental prosthetics. Here are some essential tips:

1. Regular Cleaning
   • Clean your dentures daily using a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive denture cleaner.
   • Rinse dentures after eating to remove food particles.
2. Proper Storage
   • When not in use, store dentures in a denture-cleaning solution or plain water to prevent them from drying out.
   • Avoid using hot water, which can warp the dentures.
3. Routine Dental Check-ups
   • Visit your dentist regularly to ensure your dentures fit properly and to monitor oral health.
   • Adjustments may be necessary as your mouth changes over time.
4. Handle with Care
   • Handle dentures carefully to avoid dropping and damaging them.
   • Avoid using abrasive cleaning materials that can scratch the dentures.

Dental Prosthetics in Ankara

Ankara offers a range of professional dental prosthetic services tailored to meet individual needs. Skilled dentists in Ankara provide personalized care and advanced treatments to restore your smile and improve oral health. Whether you need complete dentures, partial dentures, or implant-supported dentures, you can find effective solutions in Ankara.

Choosing dental prosthetics can significantly enhance your quality of life by restoring functionality and appearance. For more information and appointments, click here to schedule an appointment with Zehra Fırtına Ekincioğlu.