Full dental prosthesis is one of the most common removable denture treatments in modern dentistry that enables individuals who have lost all of their teeth to regain oral functions and an aesthetic appearance.
This method, applied in cases where teeth are completely lost in the upper and lower jaws, does not merely fill the gaps; it rearranges the jaw closure balance, supports facial aesthetics, and restores chewing function. At the same time, it helps the patient continue their social life more comfortably by reducing speech disorders.
What is a Full Dental Prosthesis (Total Prosthesis)?
A full dental prosthesis is a removable denture treatment planned for cases where all teeth in the upper or lower jaw are missing, prepared to support oral functions, increase speech comfort, and provide a natural smile appearance. Tooth loss does not only mean the formation of gaps in the mouth; it also means the deterioration of facial aesthetics, a decrease in muscle support, a change in the jaw closure balance, and a serious impact on the person's quality of life. Full dental prosthesis restructures this process and gives the patient a new oral order from both a functional and aesthetic perspective.
In Which Situations is a Full Dental Prosthesis Necessary?
Full dental prosthesis is a treatment option applied in cases where natural teeth are completely lost in the mouth. These tooth losses can occur as a result of advanced decay, periodontal diseases, traumatic injuries, various infections, or aging-related processes. In some patients, it may not be possible to preserve the teeth due to systemic health problems, and this situation can lead to total tooth loss.
Full dental prosthesis is evaluated as an effective alternative treatment method in patients with a bone structure unsuitable for implant treatment or in individuals who do not prefer surgical intervention. In this respect, it offers both an economic and non-surgical solution and helps the patient regain oral functions.
To Whom is a Full Dental Prosthesis Applied?
Full dental prosthesis is a treatment planned for individuals who have no natural teeth left in their mouths, aiming to restore a functional chewing structure to the patient. Individuals whose oral and general health conditions are deemed appropriate upon evaluation can benefit from full dental prosthesis treatment. Although it is frequently preferred in older patient groups, age alone is not a determining factor. What matters is the jawbone structure, the condition of oral tissues, and the patient's capacity to use the prosthesis. Before the treatment, a personalized planning is created by conducting a detailed clinical and radiological evaluation.
Does a Full Dental Prosthesis Provide Aesthetics and Facial Support?
Full dental prosthesis not only restores chewing function but also significantly improves facial aesthetics. Situations such as lip collapse, loss of cheek support, and a look of advanced aging that occur after tooth loss are largely corrected thanks to the prosthesis.
The form, color, and alignment of the teeth are planned appropriately for the patient's facial features, and thus a natural appearance is obtained. The goal in this process is not only to create an artificial row of teeth but also to rebalance the person's facial proportions.
Usage Process and Adaptation Period of Full Dental Prosthesis
In patients treated with a full dental prosthesis, an adaptation process occurs during the initial usage period for the body to get used to the new structure. In this process, a feeling of fullness in the mouth, an increase in saliva, and temporary changes in speech can be seen.
Patients may feel the prosthesis as a foreign structure, especially in the first days; however, with regular use, oral muscles rapidly adapt to this new order. Most patients start using the prosthesis like a natural part of themselves within a few weeks, and chewing and speech functions improve significantly.
Is a Full Dental Prosthesis Fixed?
Classic full dental prostheses are not fixed; however, they hold on by an effect of vacuuming through harmonizing with the intraoral tissues. While retention is usually stronger in the upper jaw, more of an adaptation process may be required in the lower jaw due to tongue and muscle movements.
Therefore, implant-supported prosthesis systems can be preferred in some patients to provide a much stronger stability. These systems keep the prosthesis more fixed in the mouth, significantly increasing chewing comfort in particular.
Implant-Supported Prosthesis (Overdenture) System
Implant-supported prostheses are removable denture systems placed on implants inserted into the jawbone. This method provides much higher retention compared to classic prostheses and helps the patient experience a safer usage in daily life. Generally, two to four implants are used in the lower jaw, and four or more implants are used in the upper jaw. The number of implants is determined according to the patient's bone structure, chewing power, and treatment plan. This system is a highly comfortable solution, especially for patients who are uncomfortable with the movement of the prosthesis.
The Production Process of Full Dental Prosthesis
Full dental prosthesis treatment is a planned process that is generally completed within 10 to 20 days. In this process, impressions are taken from the patient, jaw relations are determined, try-in stages are performed, and finally, the prosthesis is delivered to the patient. Since every patient's oral structure is different, the process progresses completely personalized, and laboratory stages are carried out meticulously. The goal is to provide the most appropriate and balanced result in terms of both aesthetic appearance and chewing and speech functions.
Maintenance and Lifespan of Full Dental Prosthesis
Regular maintenance carries great importance for full dental prostheses to be long-lasting. Prostheses should be cleaned every day, removed from the mouth while sleeping at night, and kept inside water. Leaving them in a dry environment can cause the form of the prosthesis to deteriorate. In addition, the adaptation of the prosthesis to the oral tissues should be monitored with regular dentist controls, and minor corrections should be made when necessary. Changes occurring in the jawbone over time can affect the fit of the prosthesis, but this situation can be easily corrected with a relining procedure.
Chewing and Speech Function with Full Dental Prosthesis
Full dental prosthesis helps maintain daily eating habits more comfortably by supporting the chewing efficiency that decreased due to tooth loss. Soft foods are recommended in the initial periods, but the patient can return to a normal diet after adaptation is achieved. In terms of speech function, there may be difficulty with some sounds at the beginning, but with regular use, tongue muscles adapt to the prosthesis, and speech becomes natural. This situation is a natural part of the adaptation process and usually resolves spontaneously over time without causing a permanent problem.
Where is Full Dental Prosthesis Treatment Applied in Adana?
Full dental prosthesis contributes to more comfortable food consumption and maintaining a balanced diet by supporting the chewing performance that decreased due to tooth deficiency. Dentrum Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic provides services with its advanced technological infrastructure and expert staff to patients coming from surrounding regions, primarily the central districts of Adana: Seyhan, Çukurova, Yüreğir, and Sarıçam. The treatment process is planned completely uniquely for the person and is shaped according to the patient's needs.
How Are Full Dental Prosthesis Prices Determined?
Full dental prosthesis prices vary according to the material used, laboratory process, jaw structure, and additional treatment requirements. Especially implants, tooth extractions, or additional surgical procedures can affect pricing. Therefore, the net fee is determined only after the examination, and a personalized treatment plan is created for the patient.
Complete Denture Hakkında Sıkça Sorulan Sorular
No. There is no specific upper age limit for full dental prosthesis applications. It can be applied to any adult individual whose general health condition is suitable.
While full dental prostheses offer an economic and non-surgical solution, implant-supported prostheses provide higher retention and chewing comfort. Which treatment is appropriate is determined by evaluating factors such as jawbone structure, general health condition, expectations, and budget.
In the first days when the prosthesis starts to be used, mild sensitivity and sores may occur on the oral tissues. This situation usually improves in a short time. When necessary, minor alignment adjustments can be made by the dentist.
Yes. Although a difference may be felt in the pronunciation of some sounds in the first days, the tongue and oral muscles adapt to the prosthesis after regular use. Most patients return to their normal speaking habits within a few weeks.
After the adaptation process is completed, many foods can be consumed easily. However, caution is advised with very hard, sticky, or shelled foods. Chewing comfort is higher with implant-supported prostheses.
Prostheses that are prepared correctly and are compatible with the oral tissues do not easily fall out during normal use. However, mobility can be observed in patients with advanced jawbone resorption. This situation can be largely resolved with implant-supported systems.
It is generally recommended to remove the prosthesis while sleeping at night. In this way, oral tissues can rest, and the cleaning of the prosthesis can be performed in a healthier manner.
In prostheses that are not cleaned regularly, bad breath can occur due to the accumulation of bacteria and plaque. Daily care and regular checks greatly reduce this risk.
The usage period of the prosthesis depends on the person's oral structure, bone changes, and care habits. Prostheses with regular maintenance can be used for many years. However, if a loss of fit occurs over time, it may need to be renewed.
A few control appointments can be planned in the first weeks following the delivery of the prosthesis. Afterwards, it is recommended to visit the dentist at least once a year. In this way, the fit of the prosthesis and the health of the oral tissues are regularly monitored.