“Do I need a prosthodontic follow up after getting my dentures?”
My doctor said that I need to have a follow up after getting my dentures. What will he look for other than fit and maintenance? Is there anything I should expect from this follow-up?
17 Answers
I usually require at least an annual exam for patients that have dentures. I usually check the fit, and the bite to make sure it is ok. Dentures ideally need to have the teeth replaced after 5-7 years. Most dentures have a lifetime period of about 7-10 years. Every 2-3 years, a patient who has only dentures will need a panoramic x-ray to make sure all is well in the patient's upper and lower jaw.
It is true that less is on the agenda for follow up care with dentures than teeth, but that is not to say unnecessary. A denture results in an "organized entrapment " of oral bacteria that are called upon to live in a very unnatural state under acrylic and not being subjected to the normal cleansing action of saliva and food passing over it. . Exams do need to be done to make sure the soft tissue now living under the denture is reacting well to this environment. Denture sores are also a factor, but the likelihood is that a patient will seek out the dentist to rectify that kind of a situation, but people are different and it is recommended to take a look. It is useful also to check to see that a patient is being compliant with adequate hygiene practices to maintain the denture well.
We recommend follow up every 6 months-1 year for complete dentures to check tissues for any sore spots, do oral cancer screening and also to clean them ultrasonically. Bite check and wear pattern is also evaluated at this appointment. We check for candida albicans and go over home care. For partial dentures we recommend follow up every 6 months to check on teeth, just like a regular dental check up. If any gum issues are noted, then follow up could be 3 or 4 months to address gum issues.
There should be a follow-up with dentures at least once/year. Also, if the patient has had any weight loss, they should have the dentures evaluated.
Yes, As a Prosthodontist, I need to follow-up my patients with any Prosthesis I have made. Either, fixed or removable in conventional crown & bridge, Implant fixed or removable prostheses. In general any Restorative or Comprehensive Reconstructive work.
You should get a follow up with the dentist who fabricated your dentures. If there are problems with the fit, adaptation or mobility that you dentist can not fix, then you should get Referral to a specialist. You may require placing implants to hold the dentures or even remaking the dentures.
There are other conditions that can occur in the mouth. Problems with teeth and gum health are just two of them; the most common two but every year thousands of people are diagnosed with oral cancer and thousand more are diagnosed with throat cancer by dentists.
Have you mouth and the surrounding area checked by your dentist at least annually.
Have you mouth and the surrounding area checked by your dentist at least annually.
Yes definitely. I typically see a patient at 1 month, three month 6 month and finally at yearly intervals. Regular evaluation and maintenance is that best way to keep your gums and supporting jaw bone healthy. Dentures on average should be relined every 3-5 years and remade every 5-7 year for optimum function
Yes, you need just to check your soft tissue and occlusion of dentures and the overall of how you feel.
You should always have a follow up appointment to look for any areas which may be irritating to tissue but not noticed by you. You should obviously hope nothing is found but also be thankful if it is and is corrected before it does become a problem for you.
Yes, tissue irritation, occlusion in centric and lateral excursions, as well how well are you maintaining your home care.