Even without teeth, oral assessment remains important. Dentures wear out, the jaw changes and oral abnormalities can cause few complaints for a long time. Regular checks can often identify problems before eating, speaking or wearing becomes really difficult.
Van Hoften Tandprothetiek advises patients with a removable denture for the mouth and prosthesis at least once a year to be assessed. Depending on your own teeth, implants, health, oral hygiene and complaints, a shorter check-up interval may be necessary.
Why check if I have no complaints?
Many changes occur slowly. You become accustomed to a prosthesis that gradually loosens or to artificial teeth that continue to wear out. As a result, you sometimes only notice a problem when the fit has changed significantly.
During a check-up we not only look at the dentures. We also assess:
- the mucous membrane of jaws, cheeks, lips, and palate;
- the tongue and floor of the mouth;
- pressure sores, wounds, redness and swelling;
- the fit and hold of the prosthesis;
- the edges and space for lips, cheeks, and tongue;
- the bite and distribution of chewing force;
- wear, cracks and weakened parts;
- oral hygiene, deposits and tartar on the denture;
- any own teeth, roots, implants and attachment parts;
- changes in eating, speaking, saliva and medication.
Checking a complete denture
With complete dentures, the jaws continue to shrink slowly. The prosthesis does not change. This can cause it to loosen, tilt or press harder locally. The artificial teeth can also wear out, causing the bite and bite height to change.
We assess whether:
- the upper and lower dentures still connect evenly;
- the teeth and molars still make good contact;
- whether relining is appropriate;
- the artificial teeth or denture base are worn;
- a repair or new prosthesis is needed;
- there are indications of a severely shrunken jaw.
A poorly fitting prosthesis does not always need to be replaced immediately. Sometimes an adjustment or new lining can restore the fit. In other cases, the bite, teeth or materials have changed so much that a new denture makes more sense.
Checking a plate or frame prosthesis
With a partial denture, your own teeth remain present. That is why checking by the dentist is important in addition to checking the prosthesis. Cavities, gum problems or changes in supporting teeth can develop without causing immediate pain.
Extra attention is paid to:
- teeth and molars on which brackets, anchors or supports rest;
- gums under and around the plate;
- wear or bending of metal parts;
- food accumulation and areas difficult to clean;
- an altered bite or pressure on one tooth;
- possible loss of a tooth, which may require expansion.
A frame that does not fit completely should never be clamped down with force. Have it checked before teeth, brackets or the frame are damaged.
Checking implant-retained removable dentures and implants
Implants can last a long time, but are not maintenance-free. Plaque, tartar and inflammation can form around implants. In addition, stud attachments, plastic rings, clips and other retention parts wear out.
In case of implant-retained removable dentures we check, among other things:
- the gums around the implants;
- cleanability of stud attachments, locators or bar;
- hold and clicking in and out;
- wear of matrices, clips and plastic inserts;
- space and fit under the prosthesis;
- the bite and load of the implants;
- cracks or weakening around mounting parts.
When implant treatment or an implant check-up takes place at Van Hoften Tandprothetiek, collaboration with the implant dentist may be needed. Implant care carried out within our practice takes place in Gulpen.
Assessment of the oral mucosa
A toothless mouth can still become inflamed or develop abnormalities. Redness under the denture, white spots, non-healing wounds, thickenings, painful corners of the mouth or a burning sensation require attention.
Many changes are harmless and easy to treat. However, an area that does not heal or that changes should be assessed professionally. During a check-up, we also examine areas that are difficult for you to see.
Medication, dry mouth and general health
Many medicines reduce saliva production. A dry mouth can deteriorate the hold of a denture and make the mucous membrane more vulnerable. Diabetes, reduced immune function, neurological disorders and changes in manual dexterity can also affect wearing and cleaning.
Therefore, please inform us of any changes in medication, health, telephone number and email address. If necessary, bring a current medication list from the pharmacy.
Signals that you should not wait until the next check
- the prosthesis suddenly or gradually loosens;
- you use more and more adhesive paste;
- pressure points, wounds or pain develop;
- eating or speaking becomes more difficult;
- the prosthesis chatters, tilts or almost breaks;
- a tooth, hook, clip or other part is loose;
- implant-retained removable dentures no longer click into place properly;
- the gums around implants bleed, swell or hurt;
- you see a white, red or dark spot that does not disappear;
- you have a persistent bad taste or unpleasant odor;
- you unintentionally lose weight due to chewing problems.
What happens at a check-up?
- Conversation. We ask how you eat, speak, wear and clean and whether your health or medication has changed.
- Examination outside the mouth. We look at lip support, mouth corners, jaw movement and facial proportion, among other things.
- Examination of the mouth. The prosthesis is removed and mucous membranes, tongue, native teeth and implant components are assessed.
- Checking the prosthesis. We look at fit, edges, wear, breaklines, hygiene and fastenings.
- Bite assessment. We assess how upper and lower teeth make contact.
- Advice. You will receive an explanation about maintenance, aftercare and possible treatment options.
Not every check-up leads to treatment. Sometimes reassurance and a new check-up moment is enough.
What are you taking with you?
- your current prosthesis and, if relevant, an old spare prosthesis;
- a valid ID when requested;
- your insurance details;
- an up-to-date medication list for important medications or health changes;
- an overview of complaints or questions;
- any information from dentist, implantologist or oral surgeon.
How often are check-ups needed?
The KNMT also advises wearers of dentures to have an oral care check performed at least annually. The personal interval may differ:
- complete denture without implants: usually at least annually;
- plate or frame prosthesis: according to the advice for checking your own teeth, often once or twice a year;
- implant-retained removable denture: usually at least annually and more often in case of inflammation, cleaning problems or technical wear;
- after installation or adjustment: according to the agreed aftercare moments;
- in case of complaints: contact us earlier and not wait for the annual check-up.
Your practitioner may advise a different interval based on risk, health and oral situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have no teeth anymore. So what can be checked?
The mouth consists of more than teeth. Mucous membranes, tongue, lips, jaws, saliva, prosthesis, bite and possibly implants must all remain healthy and functional.
My prosthesis is still in good condition. Is assessment necessary?
Yes. Wear and shrinkage of the jaw often goes unnoticed. Moreover, oral abnormalities may be present without causing immediate pain.
Can Van Hoften Tandprothetiek also check my implant-retained removable dentures?
We assess the prosthesis, fit, hold and visible implant components. When specialist implantological assessment is necessary, we coordinate with the dental implantologist.
Should I wait until my dentures are five years old?
No. A possible replacement term or insurance rule is no reason to continue with complaints. Checking, repair or adjustment may be required sooner.
Make an appointment
Would you like to have your mouth and dentures checked? Go to appointment and contact or call the practice. When making the appointment, please state whether it concerns a complete denture, partial denture or implant-retained removable denture.
Sources
- KNMT – periodic check-up, also with dentures
- Ivoren Kruis – assessment and changes in dentures
- Ivoren Kruis – plate or frame prosthesis
- Ivoren Kruis – overdenture
This information is general. Your personal check-up is tailored to your mouth, health, type of prosthesis and any implants.