Teeth do more than just chew food; they contain blood vessels and nerves and maintain the shape and power of the jawbone. Without teeth, the integrity of the jawbone is compromised, and a patient may have to adjust their diet.
Kettering and Miamisburg dentists work hard to help people maintain the health of their teeth and keep as many natural teeth in place as possible. If a tooth or teeth is ever lost, a dentist will talk to the patient about replacement options usually either some form of denture or dental implants. The easiest way to substitute a tooth is with a denture and in many cases people are choosing the option of overdentures.
Most people understand that dentures are molded to fit the gums and jaws of each patient and may be held in place with some sort of over-the-counter adhesive or, in the case of partial dentures, with a hooking around an existing tooth.
Overdentures can be fitted in either the upper (maxilla) or lower (mandible) jaw, though they will require more support in the upper due to the lesser bone quality as compared to the lower. An overdenture is supported by clamps fitted onto the existing abutting teeth after they have been root canaled and a portion of the tooth to below the gum line is removed to accommodate the clamp. Once clipped into place, the overdenture is remarkably stable and works almost as effectively as real teeth. For a patient with no existing teeth, the dentist will opt to place at least two dental implants to support the overdenture. This method provides support and stability similar to the roots of natural teeth and allows the good function of the overdenture.
Like other varieties of dentures, overdentures are usually made in a polymer or plastic material. Most patients investing in overdentures will opt for the more costly polymer because of its natural appearance and its known durability.
Overdentures are cared for in the same manner as traditional dentures. They should be cleaned, along with the teeth and gums, following each meal, and removed while sleeping to allow the mouth opportunity to cleanse itself through saliva production.
Dentures of all sorts may sometimes cause tenderness in the gums and the tissues lining the mouth, and therefore these regions should be maintained very diligently. Lack of good oral hygiene combined with denture wear can lead to gum disease and infections or other more severe medical conditions.