Summary about Disease
Okay, here's the information organized into the requested sections regarding issues and considerations related to overdentures: Overdentures, while beneficial for many edentulous (toothless) individuals, can be associated with specific issues that are not infectious diseases but rather complications arising from the appliance itself. These can include:
Soft Tissue Irritation: Inflammation, ulceration, or hyperplasia (tissue overgrowth) of the gums, palate, or tongue due to denture pressure, poor fit, or hygiene.
Denture Stomatitis: Inflammation of the oral mucosa under the denture, often associated with Candida fungal infection.
Caries and Periodontal Disease in Abutment Teeth: Decay or gum disease affecting the remaining natural teeth supporting the overdenture if hygiene is inadequate.
Ridge Resorption: The bone that supports the denture continues to shrink over time, potentially leading to instability and poor fit.
Poor Nutrition: Discomfort while eating can lead to patients to make poor dietary choices, leading to nutritional deficiencies.
Symptoms
Soft Tissue Irritation: Redness, swelling, pain, sores (ulcers) on the gums, palate, or tongue. May experience difficulty or pain while eating or speaking.
Denture Stomatitis: Redness, especially under the denture; sometimes a burning sensation; white patches (in some cases, indicative of thrush).
Caries and Periodontal Disease in Abutment Teeth: Toothache, sensitivity to hot/cold, bleeding gums when brushing, loose teeth, visible cavities.
Ridge Resorption: Loose denture, requiring frequent adjustments; difficulty chewing; changes in facial appearance.
Causes
Soft Tissue Irritation: Poor denture fit (ill-fitting denture base), excessive pressure, rough denture surfaces, allergic reactions to denture materials, inadequate denture hygiene, continuous wearing of dentures (especially overnight).
Denture Stomatitis: Candida albicans overgrowth (often linked to poor hygiene, overnight denture wear, diabetes, or weakened immune system), poor denture hygiene, trauma from ill-fitting dentures.
Caries and Periodontal Disease in Abutment Teeth: Inadequate oral hygiene around abutment teeth (leading to plaque buildup), diet high in sugars, infrequent dental checkups.
Ridge Resorption: Natural consequence of tooth loss; accelerated by denture pressure, poor denture fit, and genetics.
Medicine Used
Soft Tissue Irritation: Topical corticosteroids (to reduce inflammation), topical anesthetics (for pain relief), antifungal medications (if a fungal infection is present).
Denture Stomatitis: Antifungal mouth rinses (e.g., nystatin), antifungal creams (e.g., miconazole), in severe cases, oral antifungal medications.
Caries and Periodontal Disease in Abutment Teeth: Fluoride toothpaste, fluoride varnish, antibacterial mouth rinses (e.g., chlorhexidine), antibiotics (in cases of severe infection).
Other medications: Anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen) may be used to help with pain or inflammation.
Is Communicable
No, these conditions are generally not communicable (not directly spread from person to person), with the exception of Candida infections (thrush). Thrush can be passed through close contact, but it usually only affects individuals with weakened immune systems or those taking certain medications. However, issues related to overdentures are typically caused by the factors listed above and not by a contagious agent.
Precautions
Oral Hygiene: Meticulous cleaning of the overdenture and abutment teeth daily. Remove dentures at night to allow tissues to recover.
Denture Care: Clean dentures daily with a denture brush and denture cleaner. Soak dentures in a denture-cleaning solution when not in use (follow product instructions).
Regular Dental Visits: Regular checkups with a dentist for denture adjustments, oral hygiene instruction, and early detection of any problems.
Proper Fit: Ensure the denture fits properly; seek adjustments if it feels loose or causes irritation.
Balanced Diet: Maintain a healthy diet to support overall oral health and immune function.
Control Systemic Conditions: Manage underlying medical conditions like diabetes, which can increase the risk of denture stomatitis.
Avoid Overnight Wear: Unless specifically advised by a dentist, remove the overdenture at night.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration varies depending on the specific issue and the effectiveness of the treatment:
Soft Tissue Irritation: With proper care and denture adjustments, irritation may resolve within a few days to a few weeks.
Denture Stomatitis: With antifungal treatment and improved hygiene, symptoms usually improve within 1-2 weeks.
Caries and Periodontal Disease in Abutment Teeth: Progression can be rapid without intervention. Treatment and healing can take weeks to months, depending on the severity.
How is it diagnosed?
Soft Tissue Irritation: Visual examination of the oral mucosa, assessment of denture fit, patient history.
Denture Stomatitis: Visual examination, patient history, potentially a swab of the affected area for microscopic examination or culture to identify Candida.
Caries and Periodontal Disease in Abutment Teeth: Visual examination, probing of gums, dental X-rays.
Ridge Resorption: Clinical examination, radiographic evaluation (X-rays) to assess bone loss.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline is variable:
Soft Tissue Irritation: Can appear within days of a poorly fitting denture or poor hygiene practices.
Denture Stomatitis: May develop gradually over weeks or months due to fungal overgrowth.
Caries and Periodontal Disease in Abutment Teeth: Develops gradually over months or years as plaque and bacteria accumulate.
Ridge Resorption: Occurs gradually over years, accelerating after tooth loss and denture placement.
Important Considerations
Denture Adhesive Use: Using excessive denture adhesive can trap food particles and promote bacterial growth. Use sparingly and clean thoroughly.
Proper Denture Fabrication: The quality of the overdenture's construction and fit is crucial for preventing many of these issues.
Patient Education: Thorough patient education on proper denture care and oral hygiene is essential.
Underlying Health Conditions: Systemic diseases (e.g., diabetes, immune deficiencies) can increase the risk of denture-related problems.
Long-Term Maintenance: Overdentures require ongoing maintenance and adjustments to ensure proper fit and function. Replacing the denture as bone loss occurs is necessary for optimal function and health.