Taking care of the teeth of senior patients is very important.
Tooth loss leads to a reduced ability to chew with possible disturbances of the digestive process . In elderly patients, the gum has frequently withdrawn due to problems of periodontal disease, the teeth are frequently subject to decay at the root level which, if not treated early, provide the necessary extraction of teeth .
Senior patients have more difficulty in brushing their teeth properly due to manual skill and sight reduction. Failure to remove the plaque greatly enhances the formation of decay process on the root surfaces of the teeth. Professional dental hygiene sessions are very important to minimize the progression of decay and periodontal disease
One of the biggest problems of total prosthesis, commonly known as dentures is the unsatisfactory stability, especially in the lower denture. The early loss of teeth often leads to bone resorption of the upper mandible and maxilla.
The presence of at least 2 teeth in the upper or lower arch which are still well-anchored to the bone can greatly increase the stability of the prosthesis.
The residual teeth are used as an anchoring system to the prosthesis.
Preparing teeth anchors
Residual teeth are devitalized: the nerve is removed. The entire crown of the tooth is removed. The aim is to reduce the leverage effect that the prosthesis can exert on the teeth to which it is attached as much as possible. The root of the tooth is prepared, an impression is made and a stud is made in the laboratory with a ball that fits into the prosthesis. There is a retentive rubber in the prosthesis which must be replaced periodically.
Implant anchors
If there are no more teeth in the patient’s mouth, the same type of prosthesis can be made by inserting Osseointegrated implants into the bone to which a ball will be screwed.
It is necessary to insert 2 implants in the mandible, one on the right side and one on the left.
At least 4 implants connected by a bar are required in the upper maxilla, where the bone has a different texture.
Maintenance of prosthesis
The studs which are cemented into the roots or screwed into the implants must be thoroughly cleaned 3 times a day with toothpaste and a toothbrush.
Dentures should be removed from the mouth at least 2 times a day and cleaned with a specific brush and liquid soap.
Periodically, the rubber in the prosthesis must be replaced because they lose retention with regular wear.
Every 1-2 years the prosthesis should be rebased: the gums are constantly changing and lose contact with the prosthesis.
When there is not enough contact, it is necessary to take an impression and reconstruct the area of contact between the prosthesis and the gums.