Health Manipulation

If you have one or several missing teeth, you can replace them with a partial denture. A partial denture is a stand-in for natural teeth. It can be removable or permanent/fixed.

Removable partial dentures, or RPDs for short, are designed to take the place of your missing teeth, so you do not become self-conscious or embarrassed by the fact that you have gaps in your mouth, due to missing teeth. Dentures also make it easier for you to eat or chew your food.

Removable partial dentures are not fixed. You can remove them at the end of the day, clean them with a soft-bristled toothbrush, store them in a container filled with water or soaking solution, then put them back in the next day.

Fixed partial dentures are also called bridgework or bridges. You do not remove them at the end of the day. They are designed to be set in place permanently.

Fixed partial dentures must fit perfectly. Poorly-fitted bridgework can harm the gums, jaw or the remaining teeth. Your dentist may ask you to use temporary dentures while your fixed partial dentures are being made, so that the shape of your mouth can settle.

There are several types of temporary dentures. When you have an urgent need for temporary partials, your dentist may make flippers for you. Flippers are crafted from acrylic. They have wire loops to hold them in place. They may not look realistic compared to other types of partial dentures, but they can be made quickly.

There are also partial dentures made from cast metal. They are attached to precision attachments or clips that are hidden from view, so that the dentures will look real and natural.

An experienced qualified dentist can make dentures with the perfect fit. However, you need to make several dental visits for fittings and adjustments. Poorly fitted partial dentures can be uncomfortable to wear, if not painful. They can cause the gums to bleed, the jaw to be improperly set, and the remaining natural teeth to become crooked.

Even partial dentures that fit perfectly the first time you get them can change their fit over time. The shape of your mouth may change, causing your dentures to budge and become painful or uncomfortable.

You need to visit your dentist regularly as part of your oral care program. Your dentist can help ensure that your teeth, gums and jaw are healthy. Your dentist may do prophylaxis and take x-rays to ensure that there is nothing wrong with your gums and teeth.

Your dentist can check your dentures to assess if they are in good shape, and that there are no cracks, chips or other forms of damage that need to be addressed. He will also check to determine if certain adjustments are necessary.

Why have a dental exam, and how is it important to maintaining general dental health? Having a healthy mouth can actually lower the risk of developing major non-tooth medical problems like stroke or heart disease. A dental exam is one of the ways to achieve optimal general health.

Dental exams are important, even if one has no teeth. They are used to check the mouth's overall health, including the jawbone, gums, and teeth. You should have a dental exam at least every six months, even more frequently if you are suffering from periodontal disease.

Importance of Dental Exams

Dental exams are vital for preventive dental care, and are needed to help you keep a healthy lifestyle. While many people would think that dental exams are frivolous, and are an unnecessary expense, dental exams are, in fact, one of the most cost-effective ways to achieve optimal general and dental health.

Not only are they designed to maintain your teeth, dental exams are also useful to treat and diagnose dental problems, as several dental conditions do not manifest outward symptoms. Not undergoing a dental exam may cause a minor dental cavity to develop into a more expensive treatment, particularly a root canal.

During the Exam

General dentists perform the exam, and such examination mainly consists of teeth cleaning and a checkup. However, the exams may vary depending on individual needs. In the case of adults, for instance, dentists may be more thorough looking for gum disease signs. In children, however, dentists may be more meticulous in looking for tooth decay signs.

During the examination, the dentist may perform various tasks aimed toward checking your dental health. Some things to expect during an exam are:

X-rays

Dental cleaning

Dental exam (visual exam)

Oral cancer screening

As the exam is finished, the dentist will diagnose your condition (if you have it) and he/she may pore over possible treatments. You may be referred to a more specialized dental professional, if required. If the dentist has not detected any problems, you still need to have your bi-yearly dental exam, anyway. The exam usually takes one hour, and you can go back to your normal activities at once after leaving the dentist.

Preparing for Your Exam

Why have a dental exam, and how will you prepare for it? You do not have to fear if you are undergoing an exam, which is after all relatively painless. To make your exam run smoothly, you may have to be mindful of some pointers.

For your initial examination with a new dentist, you may have to provide the dentist with your medical history, including non-dental illnesses. You may also be asked to list or name existing medication to help prevent any drug interaction possibility. You should also be honest when it comes to alcohol, drug, and tobacco use, as they may affect your treatment's outcome.

If you are pregnant, you may have to inform the dentist as X-rays and some treatments are not prescribed during pregnancy. For subsequent visits, inform the dentist of any prescription or medical status changes.

Why have a dental exam? It's not only about dental health, it's also about your general health.