Oral Health and Dental Management

Managing the transition to dentulousness using partial transitional dentures for first time prosthodontic patients: Addressing unrealistic expectations - A case report

18^th Asia-Pacific Dental and Oral Care Congress

November 21-23, 2016 Melbourne, Australia

Gabrielle O�??Donoghue and Martina Hayes

University College Cork, Ireland

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Oral Health Dent Manag

Abstract:

Partially edentulous patients presenting with active oral disease and severely compromised teeth present a challenge to the clinician. Such terminal dentitions accompanied by patients�?? unrealistic treatment expectations further complicate restorative options. While restoring health and functionality to the patient�??s dentition is paramount, managing the patient�??s wishes is critical to success. Difficulties can arise with respect to treatment time, tolerance, and cosmetic result, especially with the first time, younger prosthodontic patient. In this instance, considerable efforts should be made to form a smooth transition to edentulousness in a functionally and aesthetically acceptable way. Treatment options range from traditional complete dentures to implant-retained fixed/removable prostheses. This case report describes a treatment plan utilizing a staged approach to restorative work and a staggered extraction pattern. Prosthetic management involved fabrication of cosmetic partial transitional dentures to assess patient tolerance and acceptability of new prostheses. An integral component of treatment included extensive management of the patient�??s expectations, who expressed a strong desire for full clearance and immediate complete dentures. The report details clinical work and communication undertaken to manage the patient�??s expectations with respect to the transition to edentulousness. Addressing the anticipated difficulties in the patient�??s tolerance to new prostheses was fundamental to treatment planning. Clinical photographs highlight the excellent aesthetic result achieved following completion. Treatment delivered in this case achieved a healthy, functional dentition with a cosmetic result that is satisfactory to the patient within an acceptable time frame. Those who encounter similar clinical situations may consider the report valuable.

Biography :

Gabrielle O’Donoghue, BSc BDS (Hons), completed her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from University College Cork, Ireland, with first class honors in June 2016.

Email: gabrielleodonoghue01@gmail.com