Dental Prostheses

What is a prosthetic tooth?
In case of damage or loss of teeth, gums and surrounding tissues due to different reasons, the prosthetic tooth is specially prepared for the person. Thus, a person regains the healthy chewing function by having the teeth again, which are considered the beginning of the digestive system. Prosthetic teeth, which also allow speech to improve and the person to have an aesthetic appearance again, increase the person's declining quality of life. Dental prostheses produced specially for the person can also be defined as artificial teeth that fully adapt to the patient's oral structure, can be used comfortably, can be fixed into the mouth or can be easily inserted and removed into the mouth.

The prostheses that patients can use can be classified as fixed and movable prostheses. When deciding which prosthesis to use, the patient's request is also kept in the foreground and the health of the teeth and surrounding tissues and the general health of the patient are evaluated.

FIXED PROSTHESES

In case of excessive tooth deficiency, a fixed prosthesis can be designed with implant applying for patients who do not want to use a mobile prosthesis. Fixed prostheses are of two types, crown and bridge prostheses. 
Crown prostheses are the only dental veneers applied when there is a loss of excess material in the tooth that cannot be completed with filling. In the absence of a single tooth, a crown prosthesis can also be performed on the implant made in the missing area. Bridge prostheses, on the other hand, are the filling of toothless cavities through neighboring teeth or implants. In order for a bridge replacement to be performed by taking support from the teeth, the toothless area should be short and the teeth to be supported should be healthy. In cases where toothless cavities are long, it is not enough to get support only from solid neighboring teeth. In cases where neighboring teeth are not healthy, bridge prostheses performed cause the loss of teeth in a short period of time.

In cases where the toothless spaces are long, even in patients who do not have any teeth, a fixed prosthesis can be designed with the use of implants. For this purpose, factors such as the patient's general health, oral hygiene, bone quality and quantity should be evaluated.

MOVEABLE PROSTHESES

Movable dentures are applied in cases where the supporting teeth cannot handle the future load, in cases involving a large lack of teeth, or when there are areas of missing teeth that do not end with a tooth, or when there are no teeth in the mouth at all. It can be inserted and removed by the patient. Mobile prostheses applied in cases where there are teeth are called segmented (skeletal) prostheses, mobile prostheses applied when there are no teeth left to be taken as a support in the mouth are called total prostheses.

In segmented prostheses, metal tips called crochet, which remain under the cambered part of the teeth close to the gum, are used to get support from other teeth in the mouth. In this way, it is ensured that the movable prosthesis can stand in the mouth without falling, and the patient can comfortably perform speech and chewing functions. Sensitive connected prostheses can be designed as a more aesthetic solution for patients who do not want metal crochets to appear. These prostheses with hidden hooks are also known as snap-on prostheses Decently among the public. There are protrusions that fit into specially prepared sockets on the teeth so that the prosthesis does not move.

In order for total prostheses made to toothless patients to stand without falling in the mouth, the shape and amount of the patient's bone are very important. It is usually difficult to make conservative prostheses, especially in the lower jaw. A movable total prosthesis with implant support can be designed by making at least 2 implants in the lower jaw and at least 4 implants in the upper jaw to ensure retention.



How do prosthetic teeth feel?
It may take a few months for the patient to get used to the prosthetic teeth. During this time, the prosthesis may cause the patient to feel strange and uncomfortable. The feeling of fullness or looseness felt in the mouth at first is normal. It is easier for patients to get used to the use of fixed prostheses.

How is the care of prostheses performed?
Patients can use fixed dentures as their own teeth. It is necessary to brush 2 times a day, use dental floss to clean between it and other teeth Decently. Dental floss designed for under-bridge, called superfloss, can be used in bridge prostheses to clean the underside of the tooth that has been replaced with a missing tooth. Mobile dentures, on the other hand, can be cleaned using liquid soap, toothbrush and water. The surface of the prosthesis can be scratched when toothpaste is used. Specially prepared solutions can be used for certain prostheses. Chemicals such as bleach should never be used. When stains and dental calculi form on dentures, cleaning should be performed by a dentist.

What materials are used in prosthetic teeth?
Ceramic coatings on zirconium and metal can be used in fixed prostheses to provide aesthetics in the closest way to natural teeth. When deciding between the two, the region where the prosthesis will be made, the future loads on the prosthesis, patient Deciency and expectation are evaluated. Plastic teeth called acrylic are used in mobile prostheses. A harmonious and natural aesthetic can also be provided with these teeth.

How long is the life of prostheses?
With the changes that occur in the teeth and tissues over time, the harmony of the prostheses may deteriorate and need to be renewed. Damages detected at an early stage during periodic dental check-ups can be repaired. Crochets and delicate connections used in dentures with movable sections loosen over time and need to be checked by a dentist.

How long does it take to make a prosthesis?
Before the prosthesis construction, necessary arrangements should be made on other teeth and gums, if any, rotten teeth should be treated, the teeth to be pulled should be pulled and wound healing should be expected. For the prosthesis, the patient's jaw relations should be recorded, and the measurement of the teeth and surrounding tissues should be taken. Then, on this measure, the technicians need to prepare the prosthesis in stages, and the dentist needs to rehearse it on the patient. After the measurement procedure, an average of 2 sessions are required for fixed prostheses and an average of 4 sessions are required for mobile prostheses.

How often should mobile prostheses be removed?
Prostheses should be worn continuously for 1-2 days while patients are getting used to the prosthesis, and then they should be removed at night when going to bed. Prostheses should definitely be left in water when they are removed.