What is DENTAL PLAQUE

Dental Plaque

Dental plaque is a general term for the diverse microbial community (predominantly bacteria) found on the tooth surface, embedded in a matrix of polymers of bacterial and salivary origin. Plaque develops naturally on teeth, and forms part of the defence systems of the host by helping to prevent colonisation of enamel by exogenous (and often pathogenic) microorganisms (colonisation resistance).
Plaque is an example of a biofilm; current research is showing that the properties of bacteria associated with a surface in a biofilm can be markedly different than those of the same cells growing in liquid broth (planktonic cells). Plaque is found preferentially at protected and stagnant surfaces, and these are at the greatest risk of disease.

How Plaque is formed

• absorption of salivary proteins and glycoproteins, together with some bacterial molecules, to the tooth surface to form a conditioning film (the acquired pellicle).


• Long-range (>5Onm), non-specific interaction of microbial cell surfaces with the acquired pellicle via van der Waals attractive forces.


• Shorter-range (10-20nm) interactions, in which the interplay of van der Waals attraction forces and electrostatic repulsion produces a weak area of attraction that can result in reversible adhesion to the surface.


• Irreversible adhesion can occur if specific inter-molecular interactions take place between adhesins on the cell surface and receptors in the acquired pellicle.


• Secondary or late-colonisers attach to primary colonisers (coaggregation), also by specific inter-molecular interactions.


• Cell division of the attached cells to produce confluent growth, and a bioflim

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Denture Vs Implant

DENTURE :Many people with missing teeth wear conventional upper and lower dentures or partial dentures because they are cheaper.Lower dentures never fit or feel like natural teeth. They become loose fitting due to shrinking gum tissue, which then causes irritation to the mouth, sores and pain. The only relief is in using messy dental adhesive to improve the fit.

Upper dentures are easier to wear because the suction in upper palate (roof of the mouth) helps keep the denture in place. But having the palate covered can also reduce the taste of foods that you are eating. Sores and pain in chewing and talking are quite frequent as the gum tissue shrinks, and many people suffer from having to use dental adhesive with upper dentures as well.

The advantage of upper and lower dentures is that they can be constructed quickly and they initially cost less than implants. They may last a lifetime, but over the years with aging, new sets need to be made to fit the changing gum tissue and chewing surfaces of the teeth in the dentures.

DENTAL IMPLANT

With the introduction of dental implants, the need to suffer with uncomfortable restorations has been eliminated. As our life span has been increasing, the need for some type of highly functional dental replacement system has become increasingly important. Dental implants are permanent dental replacements that are both natural looking and very functional. Implants look much better and feel better, and offer the same force for biting as natural teeth. If you are a non-smoker with good oral hygiene habits, dental implants should last for a lifetime.
Dental implants are a major investment and the procedure can be time consuming. As with any complex surgery, there is always the risk of complication even after a thorough examination and consultation prior to care. But dental implants are a dependable and life long solution to missing teeth. Compared with dentures, which can be loose and unstable, implants provide a permanent solution that is both functional and natural in appearance, giving you the confidence to smile and show your pearly whites.

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