Hussein Hassanali describes replacing edentulous spaces with removable prostheses.
Replacing edentulous spaces with removable prostheses sounds a simple concept.
Your main clinical aim is to restore function.
But for the patient, their aim is to have something that fits with their lifestyle with acceptable aesthetics.
Often, the main complaint I get from patients is that their dentures are loose.
Why
Take a look at why first.
Don’t assume a new set is the answer.
You have to assess why things are loose to see what improvements you can make.
History
Take a detailed history and perform a thorough exam to get the right diagnosis.
Then comes patient choice, don’t forget to mention fixed options to cover all bases.
Discuss both NHS and private options, and have a (surveyed) set of study models, before making your final treatment plan.
I liken the construction process as a snowball effect.
Material
Select the right material for the clinical situation as this is important to get the detail you require.
Get a good set of impressions, and things should head in the right direction.
Get it wrong, and the end product might not reach the vision you or your patient pictured at the start.
Fitting the new dentures isn’t the end.
Go through denture hygiene to make sure that your aims and objectives are maintained.
Plus this is essential to make sure that the surrounding hard and soft tissues remain in good health, especially for partially dentate patients.
It’s not until your patients starts using their new dentures that you really know whether you’ve improved things for them.
You may find that some patients will be back a few times to have adjustments made.
Don’t blindly grind away the acrylic and undo all your good work.
Remember it’s easy to take away, but not easy to add back on.
