FIXED AND REMOVABLE DENTAL PROSTHESES

A dental prosthesis is a medical device designed to replace teeth that are irreparably damaged or completely missing. They play an indispensable role in improving the patient’s quality of life, as edentulism (the absence of teeth) has a negative impact on it, first and foremost in aesthetic terms and therefore also psychologically, but also in the simple act of chewing or articulating speech, which can sometimes be difficult to understand and cause further distress. The solutions offered by the experts at the Metica Medical Centre are varied and tailored to the specific needs of each patient.

It is the dental specialist who assesses whether dental implants are appropriate during the dental consultation. The consultation involves:

• gathering all the information needed to gain the best possible understanding of the patient’s medical history, which forms the basis of the diagnosis. The dentist carries out a physical examination, assessing the condition of the teeth and the mouth as a whole.

• The patient must then undergo specific diagnostic tests that enable the dentist to assess the situation, taking into account everything that is not visible to the naked eye. Once all the necessary data has been obtained, the specialist can draw up a report on the individual patient’s clinical condition and propose a tailored treatment plan.

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A removable denture is always designed to replace several missing teeth, but the patient must remove it for daily oral hygiene. After every meal, the removable denture – whether upper or lower – must be thoroughly cleaned to prevent the build-up of food debris, which could lead to the development of bacterial colonies and future gum infections. It is also advisable to remove it whilst sleeping at night to facilitate breathing, prevent micro-lesions on the gums caused by constant pressure, and avoid premature wear and tear of the denture.

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The most advanced removable dentures are also available with invisible clasps, made from non-metallic materials, which fit perfectly in the mouth and avoid the unsightly effect (particularly on the front teeth) of a highly visible foreign object.

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A fixed prosthesis allows a damaged tooth to be restored and one or more missing teeth to be replaced, as it is permanently anchored to the remaining teeth or to implants in the edentulous area. The patient must never remove the fixed prosthesis.

 

It can be made from materials that are aesthetically suited to each patient’s face, whatever the specific feature may be.