Recognising denture problems in patients
Could your patients have problems with their dentures?
Recognising denture problems in patients is not always simple.British Society of Prosthodontics (BSSPD) guidelines recommend that:1
- Adjustments should be made to dentures in light of the patient’s experiences or complaints
- Denture bearing areas should be examined for trauma even in the absence of patient complaints
- The importance of attending regular appointments for review should be explained to the patient
Recognising denture problems in patients: denture troubleshooting checklist
| Patient jaw size2 | Small lower jaw, flat alveolar ridges and a small basal seat can lead to poor denture stability,2,3 retention,2,4 chewing ability3,4 and denture satisfaction3 |
| Polypharmacy/medical conditions2 | Ageing and increased medication use2 may lead to oral health problems, such as xerostomia (dry mouth),5 and limit normal denture retention2 |
| Bone resorption6 | Poor retention6 with changes in denture fit and comfort7 |
| Removable partial denture8,9 | Excessive functional forces on natural teeth may cause further mobility and tooth loss8,9 |
| Psychological and physical wellbeing10 | Reduction in quality of life: discomfort, avoiding particular foods, difficulty relaxing and avoidance of social situations10 |
For more advice and guidance on oral health care, visit our Learning Lab.
Recognising denture problems in patients and helping them on their journey to optimal denture care
Causes and mechanisms
Find out more about the factors that can limit denture performance and compromise hygiene.
Impact on patient quality of life
Find out about the impact that dentures have on patients’ daily lives.
