Denture fitting: procedures, side effects, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What are dentures?

Dentures are dentures that can be removed and replaced to replace missing teeth or gums. These dentures are made very much like natural teeth.

Dentures can be divided into two types, namely:

Complete dentures. These dentures are made to replace all the missing teeth. Whether it's the upper or lower teeth. Usually, this tooth is used by the elderly who don't have natural teeth anymore.
Partial dentures. Dentures are made only to replace one or more missing teeth. This type of denture is equipped with an adhesive clip made of metal or rubber to clamp the natural teeth that clamp it.

Regardless of the type, dentures can be damaged if not cared for properly.

When do I have to put in dentures?

Dentures are usually installed to replace teeth that are toothless due to loss or damage.

Tooth that is left toothless can change the structure of the jawbone, making your face look asymmetrical. On the other hand, missing teeth can also make it difficult for you to chew and speak.

Tooth loss can be caused by many things. Starting from the factor of age, gum disease (periodontitis), a hard impact in the mouth, and other tooth decay. Whatever the cause, missing teeth must be replaced with new teeth.

Both men and women can install dentures if necessary. However, before installing dentures make sure you consult the dentist first for more complete information.

Precautions & Warnings

What should I know before installing dentures?

There are many things you need to know before installing dentures. Some of these include:

Make sure you do this treatment at an experienced professional dentist. As long as the denture is installed in any place and people can cause dangerous side effects.
You may need a denture adhesive cream to increase stability, bite strength, and feel comfortable when used.
Denture adhesive creams are safe when used according to regulations and requirements. On the other hand, if the denture adhesive cream is used excessively it can irritate the soft tissue in your mouth.
Denture adhesive cream should not be used on people who have allergies to the ingredients contained in the adhesive.
After installing your dentures, it may be difficult for you to speak or say certain words. No need to worry, keep practicing speaking while wearing dentures so that you get used to it.
Dentures can fall out when you laugh, cough, or even smile. Therefore, pay attention to your every movement when you are wearing dentures.
Dentures can last a long time and even years if treated properly.
If the denture does not fit properly after inserting it, notify the doctor immediately. The doctor can perform a new denture replacement that fits perfectly into your oral cavity.
If there is irritation and swelling, consult a doctor immediately to get the right treatment.

Preparation & Process

What should be prepared before installing dentures?

The first thing you need to prepare before installing dentures is to consult a dental surgeon. You may need several visits to the dentist.

In the first session, the doctor will check the condition of the gums and bones that support the teeth. This is done solely to determine the right treatment plan according to your condition.

In order for the doctor to get a comprehensive picture of the condition of your oral cavity, the doctor may involve an oral X-ray, panoramic film, or CT scan.

During the physical examination and imaging, the doctor will usually ask about your medical history.

Tell your doctor if you have any medical history, both those related to your teeth and your overall health. Also tell your doctor if you are taking any type of medication.

When finished, the doctor finds a problem with the jawbone, oral surgery can be performed. This oral surgery is performed to repair the bones that support the teeth. That way the stability of the denture will not be disturbed.

If needed, the doctor can also remove one or more of your teeth before the denture is placed. In essence, the installation of new dentures can only be done when the condition of your mouth is really good.

How is the denture fitting process?

Based on the type, here is the process of installing dentures that you need to know.

Partial dentures

Partial dentures are used to replace one or two missing teeth. This type of denture helps fill in the empty tooth space while preventing other teeth from changing position.

Partial dentures consist of replacement teeth that are firmly attached to a pink, gum-like plastic. The replacement teeth are then attached by a metal frame. This skeleton serves to hold the denture in place at once

acts as a hook. That way you can easily remove and use your dentures.

Before the partial denture is placed, the doctor will print your teeth and jawbone using a special wax. After that, the doctor will ask you to wear the wax denture several times. This trial and error process is carried out so that the dentures actually fit and are comfortable when used.

Once fitted, the actual dentures will be made for you. When used for the first time, you may feel uncomfortable because it looks like something is stuck in your mouth. No need to worry. These sensations are usually temporary and you will get used to it over time.

Complete dentures

If you are using a complete denture, the doctor will remove all of the upper or lower teeth. Complete denture manufacturing can be done "immediately" or wait some time (conventional).

Conventional denture fitting is performed after all the damaged teeth have been removed. After that, the doctor will print a "new tooth". Before this new tooth is placed, it is important that the part of the gum where the tooth is extracted is completely healed.

Usually, the gum healing process after tooth extraction takes about 2-3 months. While waiting for the gums to heal, the doctor will usually temporarily put in the dentures to make it easier for you to chew and bite the food.

Meanwhile, "immediate" dentures can be installed immediately after several teeth are removed, without waiting for the gums to heal. Yes, if you put in your dentures "soon", you don't have to wait for all the teeth to be pulled out just yet.

Unfortunately, because the installation process is fast, these dentures require a lot more adjustments. This is because the bones that support teeth and gums can shrink and change shape quickly.

Both partial and complete dentures can cause side effects. Usually after the denture is successfully inserted, your mouth feels like something is stuck.

In the first weeks of use, the dentures may still feel loose. But there's no need to worry. When the cheek muscles and tongue get used to the presence of dentures, this unpleasant sensation will end soon.

In addition, some people also experience wounds on the gums due to rubbing against their dentures. These wounds are relatively minor and can heal without special treatment.

If you can't stand the pain, don't hesitate to report to the doctor. Your doctor can prescribe a pain reliever medication such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen to treat the problem.

Care

What to do after installing dentures?

Just like natural teeth, dentures must also be well cared for so that they can function optimally and last. Here are some treatments you need to do after installing dentures.

To keep dentures free of plaque and food debris, make sure you remove them from your mouth and wash them under a running stream after eating.
Line the dentures with a rag, cloth, or tissue to prevent them from breaking or falling into unclean places while washing.
Make sure you don't bend or break the plastic / hook when cleaning it.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
Also make sure that the toothbrush you use has soft bristles so as not to damage your artificial teeth.
Move your hands slowly when brushing dentures and then rinse with clean water.
Clean the dentures according to the grooves of the teeth and gums to remove any remaining adhesive.
Also avoid using teeth whitener as it will only make your dentures turn reddish in color.
Soak the dentures in a special solution or in water overnight. This immersion serves to keep the teeth moist and maintain their shape.
Avoid using hot or lukewarm water to soak your teeth, as this can cause them to become more curved.
Before use, you should first clean the dentures.

Apart from those mentioned above, it is also important for you to pay attention to your daily food intake. Here are the eating rules when wearing dentures.

Avoid eating foods that are hard, sharp, and sticky.
Also avoid foods that are too hot or sour.
Avoid using toothpicks. To clean leftover food between your teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
We recommend that you choose soft and soft foods.
Tuck the food you eat slowly using both sides of your mouth.
When you eat, make sure you chew your food slowly.

Check with the dentist regularly

Perform regular checkups to the doctor at least every 6 months. This examination aims to monitor the overall health of your teeth and mouth. The doctor can clean the denture from plaque and food debris that sticks to the surface of the tooth.

The doctor can also help repair dentures that do not fit in the mouth. Yes, as we get older, the shape of our facial bones tends to change. As a result, it is possible that at any time the dentures may feel ill-fitting in the mouth.

During the consultation session, share any complaints you feel to the doctor. In order not to forget, make notes and make reminders in a special book.

Immediately report to the dentist if:

Your denture does not fit properly
The denture feels uncomfortable
The denture looks worn
You experience signs of gum disease or tooth decay, such as bleeding gums and bad breath.

Wearing dentures can cause mouth discomfort. It even triggers various problems that may include sores on the gums, infections, difficulty chewing food, and talking.