What are Complete Dentures: Overview, Benefits, and Expected Results

Definition and Overview

Complete dentures refer to a full set of replacement teeth that are used in the lower (mandibular) or upper (maxillary) regions to replace teeth that have been extracted due to serious gum disease or tooth decay.

The teeth are some of the hardest parts of the body but there are cases when they get damaged. Usually, it is because of tooth decay that develops due to plaque buildup or bacteria that penetrate the gums, causing inflammation and pockets.

A dentist’s role is to ensure that teeth are saved as much as possible. If not, at least much of the structure is preserved. Nevertheless, when the damage is severe, the teeth are extracted as a last option.

If there are remaining teeth, the option is a partial denture, which can also act as a bridge. When several teeth in the upper or lower section have to be removed, complete dentures are the best option.

Complete dentures can be immediate or conventional. They are conventional when they require multiple dental visits and when impressions are obtained only after the teeth have been removed and the gums are healed. On the other hand, immediate dentures are ready even before the teeth are extracted. This way, the patient doesn’t leave the clinic without teeth. These are readjusted once the gums have fully healed.

Different materials used to create dentures include metal, acrylic, and nylon. They can also be wax based to imitate the natural appearance of the teeth and gums.

Who Should Undergo and Expected Results

Complete dentures are recommended if:

• All set of teeth has been removed
• There are issues with the bite due to missing teeth
• Missing teeth make the patient less confident – One of the reasons why many prefer to get dentures is they want to boost their self-confidence. Missing teeth can certainly make someone feel more conscious, embarrassed, or even feel depressed

One can expect immediate results as soon as the dentures are attached. Though they may not look entirely the same as the original teeth, they can help restore certain functions including proper speech and bite. They can also avoid unnecessary teeth or jaw movement.

How Does the Procedure Work?

Whether the dentures are conventional or immediate, the first step is consultation. The dentist has to carefully assess the overall condition of the teeth, gums, and even bones. A variety of examinations including physical and imaging tests are carried out. If there are lingering issues such as a root canal infection, they are treated first to avoid further damage.

Before the dentures can be attached, the damaged or decayed teeth have to be extracted first. During the procedure, local anesthesia is administered to numb the pain. If the patient is restless, nervous, or anxious, sedation may be given.

Using tools such as forceps and drills, the teeth are removed from the roots and tissues one by one. It may take a couple of visits to the dentist before all teeth are extracted.

In conventional dentures, impressions are obtained once all the affected teeth have been extracted. The patient may be provided with temporary dentures to ensure ease of biting and eating. The dentures can also be used while the gums are healing.

In the next appointment, the dentures are then fitted into the mouth, making sure that they snuggle nicely into the roof or palate.

In immediate dentures, the dentist gets teeth impressions first before the teeth are removed. In the next visit and right after all the teeth have been removed, the immediate dentures are then fitted. The patient may have to go back, however, once the gums are healed to modify the size of the dentures.

Possible Risks and Complications

Dentures have the tendency to become loose, and nothing is more embarrassing than accidentally dropping them in public. Fortunately, there are already over-the-counter dental adhesives, which can help secure the base to the mouth. Further, the patient may have to regularly visit the dentist for readjustments.

Meanwhile, there are risks associated with tooth extraction such as swelling, pain, and infection. To minimize all three, the dentist may suggest an antibiotic and pain reliever. Home remedies such as an ice pack or compress can also reduce the swelling.

Some of the dentures may look unnatural, which may mean it’s easy for others to know you’re wearing them.

Reference:

• Stevenson RB. Denture Care. J Am Dent Assoc. 2011;142(6): 596-8.

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**What are Complete Dentures?**



Complete dentures, also known as full⁣ dentures, are a type of dental prosthesis‌ that replaces all of the missing teeth in‍ an arch. They are typically made of acrylic ⁤resin ⁢and can be either removable‍ or⁣ fixed. Complete dentures are used to restore oral ⁣function, improve aesthetics, and enhance self-confidence.



**Types of Complete Dentures**



There are two main types of complete dentures:



* **Conventional Complete Dentures:** These dentures are made after all the teeth have⁤ been extracted and ⁣the gums have healed. They typically take several weeks to fabricate.

* **Immediate Complete Dentures:** These dentures ⁣are made in advance and inserted immediately after teeth extraction. They provide immediate restoration but may require ⁢adjustments as​ the gums heal.



**Benefits of Complete Dentures**



Complete​ dentures ‍offer several benefits, including:



* **Improved Oral Function:** Dentures restore chewing and speaking ability, allowing individuals to enjoy ‍a⁢ more varied diet ‌and communicate effectively.

* **Aesthetic Enhancement:** Complete dentures improve the appearance⁣ of the smile and facial contours, boosting self-esteem and confidence.

*⁢ **Support for Facial Muscles:** Dentures prevent the facial muscles from sagging, which can lead ‌to ⁤premature aging.

* **Reduced Pain and Discomfort:** Dentures replace missing ‌teeth, eliminating pain associated with missing or‌ broken teeth.

*⁣ **Improved Oral​ Health:** Dentures can help ⁢prevent gum disease and bone​ loss, which are common complications of‍ tooth loss.



**Expected Results**



After receiving‌ complete dentures, patients​ can ‌expect the following results:



* ‍**Restored⁣ Oral Function:** ‌Patients ⁤should be able to chew and speak more comfortably and effectively.

* **Improved Smile⁤ Aesthetics:** The dentures​ should enhance the ​appearance of the smile and improve facial contours.

* **Increased Comfort:** Patients should experience reduced pain and discomfort associated with missing teeth.

* **Improved Oral Hygiene:** ⁣Dentures should be⁤ cleaned and maintained properly to prevent oral health issues.

* **Regular Maintenance:** Complete dentures may require periodic adjustments ‌and‌ repairs as⁤ the gums and jawbone ⁣change over time.



**Conclusion**



Complete dentures⁤ are an effective treatment option for individuals who have lost all ​of their teeth in an arch. They restore oral function, enhance aesthetics, ‌and improve overall well-being. ​However, it is important​ for patients to understand the maintenance and care requirements associated with complete dentures to ensure ​optimal results and long-term⁣ success.