What is a complete dental prosthesis (denture)?

Also known as palatal prosthesis, complete dental prosthesis is placed on the lower and upper palates when there are no teeth in the mouth.

How long does the construction of the prosthesis take, how many sessions will be needed?

A complete denture is prepared at an average of 5 sessions after impression taking and several try-in sessions. These 5 sessions take around 2 weeks.

Is it easy to use?

Since palate prosthesis is removable, its use is more difficult than other kinds of prostheses. It can be easily placed in and removed from the lower and upper jaws. However, it will not provide comfort and chewing efficiency as much as a fixed prosthesis will.

Will I be able to adapt to this prosthesis?

When first inserted, there may be scars and wounds in some areas of the mouth. After regular use for some time and the scars are healed, it serves as if they are the patient's own teeth.

How is it cleaned?

Cleaning of complete dentures is done under running water using soap and brush. Toothpaste is not used for cleaning. It can be cleaned with normal toothbrushes as well as brushes manufactured specifically for complete dentures. Also, some brands offer cleaning tablets. you may clean the prosthesis by keeping it in a glass of water with melted tablet.

Can I eat comfortably with a complete denture?

The retention of the prosthesis, which is custom-made by taking the impression of jaws, depends on the amount of bone in the upper and lower jaws. If there is enough bone to support the prosthesis, retention and stabilization are achieved and meals can be ground with prostheses easily. In the first uses of the complete denture, you may experience difficulties until the adaptation of cheek and lip muscles. However, later, you can perform biting, cutting, and grinding easily.

Do dentures move while eating?

If there is not enough bone in the upper and lower jaws, the retention and stabilization of the prosthetic teeth will decrease, so the prosthesis may move while eating. In such a case, special adhesives can be used or implants may need to be placed in the jawbone to prevent the prosthesis from moving.

Will I be aesthetically satisfied with the complete denture?

Complete dentures swell the sunken areas in the cheeks and lips. Also, the front teeth of the prosthesis can be porcelain veneers. In such a case, aesthetic satisfaction is high.

What should I keep in mind while using it?

You should care for the cleaning of the prosthesis, but should never use boiling water for it. The prosthesis should be taken out of the mouth at night before going to sleep and kept in a special container. In addition, you should keep in mind that the prosthesis is fragile and thus may fracture, if it is dropped while attaching, removing or cleaning.

Is it possible to repair the dentures when they fracture or fall out?

Depending on the shape and size of the fracture, they can usually be easily repaired. It may be necessary to take an impression from the jaws during the process. Dentures that fall off of the prosthesis are also easily repaired.

How long does it take to repair the dentures?

Although it varies depending on the shape and size of the fracture, the repair usually takes 1 or 2 days.

Is it possible for diabetic patients to get dentures?

Complete dentures can be applied to almost all patients with complete edentulism and complete denture treatment can also easily be implemented to patients with diabetes. It may take a long time for scars and wounds to heal, and it may be necessary to use special gels and artificial saliva, as the problem of dry mouth may be experienced.

Is it possible for osteoporotic patients to get dentures?

Osteoporosis in the body is generally not related to osteoporosis in the mouth. The suitability for the prosthesis is determined by checking the bone thickness and height with oral examination and films. In the case of severe resorption (osteoporosis), the bone volume can be surgically increased by trimming bones from other parts of the body.

Is it possible for allergic patients to get dentures?

Firstly, an allergy test should be done and allergies should be determined.  As no metal is used in the complete dental prosthesis, it can be easily applied to patients allergic to metals. However, if the patient is allergic to acrylic, which is one of the main components of the prosthesis, such patients cannot get a full prosthesis. In this case, implant-supported prostheses can be used.

What is the lifespan of complete dental prostheses?

Complete dental prostheses can be used for many years if well-maintained and hygienically preserved. In cases of weight loss or osteoporosis, the prosthesis may become loose over the years.

The complete dental prosthesis I have been using for years has become loose, what can be done?

For loosening of the prosthesis caused by weight loss or osteoporosis, the existing prosthesis can be re-adapted by reinforcement, but if too many changes are needed to be made in the lower and upper jaws, it may be necessary to replace the entire dental prosthesis.

I am very pleased with the prosthesis I got years ago but there is discoloration. Can my prosthesis be re-constructed?

If the discoloration of the complete dental prosthesis cannot be eliminated with professional cleaning, a duplicate of the existing prosthesis can be made.

I am satisfied with the retention of the dental prosthesis I have been using for years, but the teeth are not sharp enough. Can the dentures be sharpened?

It is possible to change only the individual dentures without changing the base of the existing prosthesis, and the new dentures will be sharper and not worn.

The complete denture in my upper jaw is very well-integrated, but the one in my lower jaw is not as well-integrated. Why?

The complete denture in the upper jaw occupies a much larger area than the complete denture in the lower jaw. The presence of the tongue in the lower jaw causes the prosthesis to move much more. In addition, bone volume affects retention. Since denture loss usually occurs earlier in the lower jaw, the bone loss happens sooner and the prosthesis shows less retention.

Do I have to have a full denture when I lose all my teeth?

It is very difficult for patients who have lost all their teeth and have never used a complete dental prosthesis before to get used to it. If there is enough bone volume in the lower and upper jaws, prosthesis placed on implants that are inserted in the bone is much more comfortable and easy to use than a complete dental prosthesis. In the case of complete edentulism, our first recommendation is implant-supported dental prostheses.

Author of the Article: Dr. Tuğrul Saygı