What Is a Dental Prosthesis?
A dental prosthesis is an artificial tooth structure used to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Loss of natural teeth can cause problems both aesthetically and functionally, affecting chewing, speaking, and overall oral health. Dental prostheses compensate for this loss, restoring both appearance and oral function.
Dental prostheses can be designed as fixed or removable, depending on the patient’s oral structure, number of missing teeth, and individual needs. Fixed prostheses are permanently attached to natural teeth or implants and cannot be removed by the patient. Removable prostheses can be taken out and reinserted as needed.
Modern dental prostheses are designed to closely resemble natural teeth aesthetically and provide high comfort during use. They also help prevent issues such as jawbone resorption, tooth shifting, and temporomandibular joint problems that may result from missing teeth.
Complete Denture (Total Prosthesis)
A complete denture is used for patients who have lost all their teeth. It fits precisely onto the jawbones and is usually made separately for the upper and lower jaws. These prostheses are designed to meet both aesthetic and functional needs, providing significant support for daily activities such as chewing, speaking, and smiling.
The production of a complete denture begins with impressions taken from the patient. It is then custom-made in a laboratory and adjusted by the dentist for a proper fit. Prostheses made from modern materials offer a natural appearance and comfortable use. With proper care, they can last for many years.
Immediate Denture
An immediate denture is a temporary prosthesis placed immediately after tooth extraction. This allows the patient to avoid a period without teeth and continue daily life comfortably. Immediate dentures are prepared based on impressions taken before extraction and are inserted right after the procedure.
These prostheses provide both aesthetic and functional support during the healing process. However, since jawbone and gums change shape over time, immediate dentures are typically not a permanent solution. Once healing is complete, a permanent prosthesis is planned.
Implant-Supported Prosthesis
An implant-supported prosthesis is attached to titanium screws (implants) placed in the jawbone. This method prevents movement of the prosthesis, offering a stable and comfortable fit.
Implant-supported prostheses are especially recommended for patients with adequate bone structure. They can be fixed or removable. In the fixed type, the prosthesis is secured to the implants and can only be removed by the dentist. In the removable type, the prosthesis is attached to the implants using special connectors and can be removed by the patient for cleaning.
These prostheses provide one of the closest experiences to natural teeth. They enhance chewing ability, facilitate speech, and offer a natural appearance aesthetically.
Partial Prosthesis (Parsiyel Protez)
A partial prosthesis is used to replace several missing teeth while preserving the remaining natural teeth. The gaps are filled with artificial teeth attached to metal or acrylic bases.
Partial prostheses are anchored to natural teeth using clasps or precision attachments. They offer functional and aesthetic benefits, improving both chewing and speech. Additionally, they prevent shifting of remaining teeth and maintain the integrity of the jaw structure.
Fixed vs. Removable Prostheses
Fixed prostheses are permanently bonded to teeth or implants and cannot be removed by the patient. Crowns and bridges are examples of fixed prostheses. They are often preferred for their natural appearance and ease of use.
Removable prostheses can be inserted and removed by the patient. Complete dentures, partial dentures, and implant-supported removable prostheses fall into this category. They are an important alternative in cases where fixed prostheses are not possible.
Both types have advantages. Fixed prostheses provide a more natural feel, while removable prostheses are practical for cleaning. The choice depends on the patient’s oral and jaw structure.
Cementation (Simantasyon)
Cementation is the process of permanently attaching fixed prostheses to teeth or implants using special dental adhesives. This ensures the prosthesis remains stable and provides long-term secure use. The adhesives used are biocompatible, protecting both tooth and gum health.
Cementation is a precise procedure. The tooth surface is cleaned before bonding, and prosthesis fit is carefully checked. After the procedure, the patient cannot remove the prosthesis on their own. Regular dental check-ups are recommended for cleaning and maintenance.