[Health Column] Why You Should Replace Dental Prosthetics Over 10 Years Old Right Now and How to Care for Them Properly

[건강칼럼] 10년 넘은 치아 보철물, 지금 바로 교체해야 하는 이유와 올바른 관리법

✨Hello! This is Dr. Oh Su-hwan, Chief Director of SmileD Dental Clinic, where your dental health always comes first. 👋

After a long time has passed since finishing dental treatment, I suddenly think, 'the tooth I had done before' Prosthetics Do you ever worry, 'Am I really okay right now?'? 😥

In particular, those of you with old dental prosthetics that are well over 10 or 15 years old are likely wondering whether you should visit the dentist immediately to replace them, or if you can continue using them until there are no longer any issues. 🤔

Today is your precious dental health To this end, let's take a closer look at the proper care of dental prosthetics and the smart timing for replacement. ✨

1️⃣ Why do worn-out dental prosthetics need to be replaced?

✨ This is because the adhesive securing the prosthesis gradually dissolves and disappears over time!

Dental prosthetics refers to a treatment that involves placing or attaching a restoration to repair damaged parts of a tooth.

At this stage, a special adhesive is used to firmly secure the prosthesis to the natural tooth. 🦷

The problem is The fact that this adhesive may gradually dissolve and disappear over time It is. ⚠️

If the adhesive melts away, invisible microscopic gaps may form, causing the prosthesis to lift or fall off. 😨

And if food debris penetrates through that gap, the tooth inside the prosthesis decays again secondary tooth decay The likelihood of causing becomes very high. 🦠

On average, the replacement cycle is considered to be 5 to 8 years for resin fillings or inlays and 7 to 8 years for crowns; however, since this can vary significantly depending on individual care habits, a thorough examination should be performed before removing the tooth simply because the replacement cycle has arrived.

2️⃣ Do I have to replace old dentures on schedule even if they don't cause any discomfort?

✨You don't necessarily have to replace it, but if the following 'warning signs' appear, you should have it checked immediately!

Just because the set average replacement cycle has passed does not mean you absolutely have to tear out and replace perfectly good prosthetics. 🙅‍♂️

If you usually take very good care of your oral health Over 20 years This is because there are actually very many cases where it is used sturdily without any problems. 😊

However, if you experience even one of the following symptoms that are different from usual, it is a sign that there is a problem with the prosthesis, so you must visit a dentist for a thorough examination. ⚠️

🚨 Warning signs of dental prosthetics requiring an immediate dental visit

💥 Breakage of prosthesis: If the prosthesis itself has a hole or is partially broken

😷 Suspected secondary cavity: If there is a persistent odor around the prosthesis or the gum line turns dark blue

⚡ Pain occurrence: If your teeth are particularly sensitive when eating cold food, or if you experience throbbing pain even when at rest

3️⃣ What are the best care tips to extend the lifespan of your precious dental prosthetics?

You can use your dentures for much longer just by changing small habits in your daily life!

To keep your teeth and dental prosthetics healthy for a long time, it is most important to correct small habits that you unconsciously practice in your daily life.

✨ Please remember these 4 key care tips to firmly extend your lifespan! 👇

❌ Avoid hard and chewy foods: Please refrain as much as possible from hard foods that can cause strong impact to your teeth and dental prosthetics, such as ice, nuts, and dried squid. 🥜

❌ Do not use teeth as tools: You must strictly avoid the habit of using your teeth forcefully like tools, such as opening bottle caps or cutting through tight packaging strings. ⚠️

✔️ Improving Bad Habits: If you habitually clench your teeth or grind them while sleeping, please consult a dentist and consider wearing protective devices such as a 'splint'. 💤

🪥 Thorough oral hygiene management: Dental prosthetics are just like natural teeth. You must brush thoroughly, including the edges where food particles tend to get trapped, and make the use of dental floss or interdental brushes a part of your daily routine. 🧵

💬 FAQ: Top 3 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Prosthetics

Q1. I can't see anything inside the prosthesis even in the mirror. How can I check it? 🤔

A1. That is correct. It is difficult to accurately check the condition of the inside of a prosthesis with the naked eye or standard photos. 😢 Therefore, even if there is no discomfort or pain Visit the dentist regularly once a year It is safest to do so and undergo a thorough check-up, including X-ray imaging. 📸

Q2. Is replacing old prosthetics more difficult and painful than the initial treatment? 😰

A2. Please rest assured that is not the case at all! 🙅‍♂️ The process follows exactly the same procedure as your initial treatment; the only difference is the addition of one extra step: safely removing the existing prosthesis. Please do not worry too much and feel free to consult with a specialist. 🩺

Q3. Do I really need to go to the dentist to get it checked even though I have absolutely no pain? 🤷‍♂️

A3. Yes, it is really important. There are unfortunate situations where patients live comfortably for 15 to 20 years without any discomfort, only to find their prosthetics removed for a check-up, only to discover the underlying tooth is already severely damaged and cannot be saved, ultimately leading to extraction. 😭 That is why Regular preventive inspections are a necessity, not an option. is. 📌

🎯 Conclusion: Dental treatment is all about timing!

Start peace of mind care before it's too late.

💸 Neglect is a cause of significant costs: If you miss the appropriate time for dental treatment, it will result in longer treatment times and enormous costs later on.

🗓️ 5-Year Status Check: Even if you do not feel any particular symptoms, if you have had dental prosthetics for a long time, please make it a habit to have your condition checked at the dentist at least once every five years.

💪 The Importance of Consistent Management: The secret to maintaining dental prosthetics in good health for many years is perfected only when combined with an accurate diagnosis by a specialist and your consistent daily oral care.

Smile D Dental Clinic

Chief Director Oh Su-hwan

Graduated from Yonsei University College of Dentistry
Major in Orthodontics, Yonsei University Graduate School of Dentistry
Ministry of Health and Welfare certified orthodontist
Regular member of the Korean Association of Orthodontists
Completed internship and residency in Orthodontics at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital
International member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO)
International member of the World Federation of Correctional Organizations (WFO)
Regular member of the Korean Association of Orthodontists
Certified by the Korean Association of Orthodontists

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