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Types of dentures

Tooth loss or missing teeth can be caused by many things. Starting from tooth decay due to gum disease (periodontitis), age factors, a hard impact on the mouth, and various other factors that can damage teeth.

Whatever the cause, tooth loss should be replaced with new teeth. This is because teeth that are left toothless can change the structure of the jawbone so that the face is not symmetrical. Not to mention that you may find it difficult to chew food and talk everyday.

In order not to have experienced these things, you can do the denture fitting procedure. Quoted through the American Dental Association, dentures are dentures that can be removed and are usually made of acrylic, nylon, or metal. These removable dentures are made to closely resemble natural teeth.

Based on the type, dentures can be divided into two, namely:

1. Complete dentures

Complete dentures are dentures that are made to replace all of your missing teeth, whether they are upper, lower, or both. This type of denture is usually used more by the elderly, who on average have no teeth at all.

2. Partial dentures

Partial dentures are dentures made only to replace and fill in the gaps in one or more missing teeth. Types of partial dentures generally use plastic, nylon, or metal plates with a number of attached dentures.

The use of partial dentures can be considered if there are natural teeth with strong structures. So that the natural teeth can be clamped and hold the denture.

In the case of partial tooth loss, you may also consider using a type of permanent denture, such as dental implants or dental bridges, which are different preparation and placement procedures. This type of denture is permanent, so it cannot be removed like a denture in general.

Preparation before placing dentures

Before installing dentures, you will need to have several consultations with a dental surgeon. The doctor will check the condition of the gums and bones that support the teeth to determine the right treatment plan for your condition.

This examination may involve an oral X-ray, panoramic film, or CT scan. In addition to a physical examination and imaging, your doctor will also ask you about your thorough medical history.

Tell your doctor if you have a history of certain diseases or are regularly taking any type of medication. If the doctor finds a problem with the bone supporting the tooth, the doctor may perform oral surgery first. The goal is to fix the problem so that the stability of the dentures is not compromised later.

In other cases, you may have to undergo a tooth extraction procedure before the dentures are placed if the teeth are not in perfect condition. If the teeth and mouth around the installation site are in good condition, you can only undergo the denture fitting procedure.

Denture fitting procedure

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

Complete denture fitting

Complete dentures can be placed after all of the upper or lower teeth have been removed. The process of inserting dentures of this type can be done as soon as you remove the tooth or wait some time (conventional).

In conventional dentures, the doctor will print a new tooth after all the damaged tooth has been removed, then wait for the time for the gums and bone supporting the teeth to adjust to the new state. This means that it may take several visits to the dentist before the dentures are placed successfully.

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. During this time, you can be given temporary dentures to make it easier for you to chew and bite the food.

In addition, there are dentures that can be placed immediately after the tooth is removed. So, you don't have to wait for the gum recovery time after all the teeth have been extracted first. However, because the installation process is fast, these dentures require more adjustment time.

Quoted from Oral Health Foundation This is because the bones that support your teeth and gums can shrink and change shape, especially during the first six months since your tooth was extracted. So that your dentures may need to be adjusted or replaced depending on the results of your consultation with your doctor.

Installation of partial dentures

Partial dentures are used to replace one or more missing teeth. In addition, of course, this denture has a function to fill the empty tooth space. The installation of partial dentures also prevents other natural teeth from changing position.

Partial dentures consist of replacement teeth that are firmly attached to pink plastic with a gum-like appearance. The replacement tooth is then connected to a metal frame, which holds the denture in place. The metal frame also acts as a hook so you can easily remove and reuse it.

Before installing dentures, the doctor will first print the teeth and bones that support the teeth using special wax. Your doctor will ask you to try denture samples a few times first.

This trial and error process aims to make the dentures really fit and comfortable when used. Once fitted, the actual dentures will be made for you.

The first time you use dentures, you may feel a little strange and like something stuck in your mouth. This sensation will go away over time, a few weeks or so before you get used to it.

If during this process you experience oral problems, such as bleeding gums or bad breath, you should immediately consult and visit your doctor to check and adjust the dentures as well.