Aftercare of complete denture patients Dr. Kamal Shigli Professor in Prosthodontics Modern Dental College & Research Centre , Indore

Introduction Success of complete denture service depends on regular denture maintenance by the patient combined with periodic consultation with dentist.

Individuality of patient Mastication Tongue position Appearance After care of denture Individuality of patient Speaking with new denture Tissue health Periodic recall Denture adhesives Educational material

“Every new denture is like a new shoe , which require some time and care to adjust “.

Individuality of patients His denture is better than mine? why Physical condition of patient. Mental condition . Oral condition .

Appearance with New dentures Repositioning of orbicularis oris muscle Restoration Of facial dimension Time Appearance Change in hair style and glasses

Mastication with new dentures Learning to chew satisfactorily require- 6- 8 weeks New memory patterns of muscles. “ These muscles must learn what they should and should not do” Accomodation of salivary glands

Eating habits should be changed Pattern of chewing

Use of handkerchief is needed to avoid embarrassment

Tongue position Loose mandibular denture-most common complaint Patient must be educated for 3 basic reasons…… Basal seat area Muscles around the lower denture Tongue position

Speaking with new dentures To speak normally Require practice. Advised to read aloud and repeat words

Maintaining tissue health Tissue rest Denture placed in water Denture should be removed at least 8 out of 24 hours to allow tissues to rest

Complete denture hygiene Long handle brushes for cleaning Cleaning of denture Placing the denture in a cleanser for 30 minutes

Complete denture hygiene How to handle lower denture Avoid using tooth paste for cleaning of denture

Tissue hygiene and massage Mucosal surface of ridges and dorsal surface of tongue should be brushed daily to increase circulation and to remove debris

Denture adhesives Adhesives ,and especially home-reliners, can modify the position of the denture on the residual ridge that can result in a change of both vertical relations and CRs or a change in occlusal contacts , which may cause irreparable damage to residual ridges in a short time.

Educational material for patients Printed information about the use and cleaning of denture. How to handle denture during cleaning.

Periodic recall for oral examination 6- 12 month interval is suggested time between recall appointment

Conclusion Dentist should accept responsibility for providing adequate instructions as an essential part of patient preparation to receive a denture.