WHAT IS PROSTHODONTICS?
A prosthesis is prepared to solve a problem affecting a certain area or all of the oral cavity, to keep healthy chewing function which is the most important function of teeth.
A prosthesis is designed to suit the structure of the patient’ oral cavity and is completely individual. With restoring lost teeth, it eliminates functional problems and restores proper chewing.
HOW IS IT APPLIED?
When the patient has no teeth, edentulous, a full denture is prepared. A full denture is completed in 5 appointments including impression taking and several rehearsals. For these 5 appointments, 2 weeks is enough for most cases. More appointments can be scheduled if necessary.
- Fixed Prosthodontics: Loss of tooth structure is restored with prosthodontics that is cemented on teeth, providing the patient a natural tooth-like use. Fixed prosthodontics include crowns, inlays and onlays which restore lost structure on one tooth and bridges that restore missing teeth. Fixed prosthodontics is a general name to define crowns and bridges. When the problem includes a missing tooth, most of the time bridges are the treatment of choice. Crowns: Fixed prosthodontic treatment for one tooth. The natural tooth is prepared and made smaller in size, then the crown is cemented on the tooth and is not removable by the patient. Bridges: The adjacent teeth on both sides of the missing tooth is prepared and used as support. Then a bridge is cemented on these teeth, restoring the missing tooth.
- Removable Prosthodontics: This is an often used treatment method to restore multiple teeth loss when fixed solutions will not suffice. If there are multiple teeth missing in the jaw a partial removable denture, if all of the teeth in a jaw is missing, a full removable denture is the treatment of choice. With today’s technology dentures are highly natural-looking and esthetic. Full dentures are made of acrylic. Partial dentures are a combination of acrylic base and a metal framework.
- Implant supported prosthodontics: Implant is placed in the jaw bone and acts as a natural tooth root. So the patients feel like they have their natural teeth.
ADVANTAGES OF PROSTHODONTICS
- With a prosthesis, chewing will be easier and more comfortable
- With a prosthesis, talking and appearance will improve. Because missing teeth will alter speech and the support for lip and cheek.
- Provides successful solutions to every problem resulted from missing teeth
- There is no need for frequent repetition once it is completed
When the patient gets used to it, the use of prosthesis is quite easy - Resistant to breaking, caries, and deterioration
- Suitable for long term use
- Provides a comfortable feeling inside the mouth
AFTER HAVING PROSTHODONTIC TREATMENT
It is very important to take good care of prothesis whether it is fixed or removable. Perfect results are achieved with not only following the dentist’s instructions but also keeping the prosthesis hygienic and not delaying follow-up appointments. Depending on the prosthodontic treatment dentist might need additional applications after the treatment is completed. Especially in case of sensitivity, preventative applications will help reach successful results. During the first week post-op, consuming fluids might be needed. After the first couple of weeks, soft food consumption starts and then normal eating habits can be continued.
HYGIENE AFTER PROSTHODONTICS
Full dentures must be cleaned with a toothbrush, water, and soap. Toothpaste must not be used to clean dentures. While there are special brushes to clean dentures, regular toothbrushes are also suitable. Some brands have effervescent cleaning tablets. Putting the denture in the water with the tablet will make sure hygiene is achieved.