Treatments · Prosthodontics
Prosthodontics
A prosthesis replaces lost teeth and the surrounding tissues with artificial teeth. The aim is to restore chewing and speech, facial support and appearance. Fixed, removable and implant-supported options are available.
Prosthodontics restores function and appearance after tooth loss with a fixed bridge, an implant-supported prosthesis or a removable (full or partial) denture. Fixed prostheses are completed in 1–2 weeks, removable dentures in 3–5 visits; adapting to a removable denture takes 2–4 weeks. The choice depends on the remaining teeth, bone volume and general health.
Options
Fixed bridge: the teeth on either side of the gap are reduced and crowned, and the gap is bridged with a pontic. It is not removable and feels close to natural; the disadvantage is that neighbouring teeth are cut. It makes sense when those teeth are already filled or need crowns anyway.
Partial denture: a removable prosthesis held by clasps or precision attachments on the remaining teeth, used when many teeth are missing and implants are not suitable.
Full denture: for complete tooth loss, resting on the palate and jaw ridge. In the upper jaw it holds well by suction; in the lower jaw retention is limited and implant support makes a big difference.
Implant-supported prosthesis: a clip- or bar-retained removable denture on 2–4 implants, or a fixed prosthesis on more implants. It brings the clearest improvement for patients struggling with a lower full denture.
Process and visits
- Fixed bridge: neighbouring teeth prepared, impression, temporary bridge; permanent bridge cemented 1–2 weeks later. 2–3 visits.
- Implant-supported fixed prosthesis: impression, try-in and fitting after the implants have healed; 2–4 visits. See Dental implants.
- Partial denture: metal-framed or flexible; impression, try-in, fitting; 3–4 visits.
- Full denture: impression, bite registration, try-in with teeth, fitting; 4–5 visits over 2–3 weeks. Immediate dentures made after extractions are relined after 3–6 months.
- Implant overdenture: a removable denture clipping onto 2–4 implants, greatly improving retention.
With a digital scan and laboratory workflow the number of try-ins can be reduced — useful for patients with limited time in Istanbul.
Adaptation and care
In the first days with a removable denture, changes in speech, more saliva and sore spots are normal; 1–2 adjustment visits are needed and adaptation takes 2–4 weeks. Start with soft food; reading aloud speeds up speech adaptation. Sore spots are adjusted by the dentist — do not grind the denture yourself. Remove it at night and clean it with a denture brush and cleaner, not toothpaste. Under fixed bridges and around implants, use superfloss or interdental brushes. Because the jawbone changes over the years, removable dentures are relined or renewed every 2–3 years.
Which is right for me?
For a single missing tooth, an implant protects the neighbouring teeth; a bridge is faster. For several missing teeth, an implant-supported prosthesis if bone allows; otherwise a removable denture or a denture supported by two implants. The decision is made with an examination and X-ray.
- Adapting to a removable denture takes 2–4 weeks; sore spots and speech changes are expected at first.
- Gum disease or decay in the remaining teeth is treated first.
- Retention of a lower full denture is limited; implant support may be considered.
- Do not grind or glue-repair a denture yourself.
FAQ
Prosthodontics
What can I eat with a denture?
After the adaptation period most foods are possible. Hard and sticky foods strain a removable denture; small bites and chewing on both sides are advised. Implant-supported prostheses allow a wider range.
Will a denture change my face?
Without teeth the lips and cheeks sink in. A denture made with the right lip support and vertical dimension brings the face closer to its natural look; this is checked together at the try-in.
Do I keep it in at night?
Removable dentures should be taken out at night to let the gums and bone rest. Fixed and implant-supported fixed prostheses are not removed.
What if it breaks?
Keep the pieces and bring them to the clinic; most fractures can be repaired. Do not use glue — it ruins the fit.
Bridge or implant?
If the neighbouring teeth are sound, an implant is usually preferred because it does not cut them. If those teeth already need crowns or bone is insufficient for an implant, a bridge may be suitable; decided at the examination.
Appointment
Examination appointment for Prosthodontics
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