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PhrasesAt the DentistHo problemi con la protesi.
A2

Ho problemi con la protesi.

I have problems with my denture.

Pronunciation

pro-TE-zi — stress on second syllable. The 's' is like a 'z'. 'Protesi' is both singular and plural.

When to use it

Report issues with dentures at any dental visit. Ill-fitting dentures cause pain and difficulty eating.

What it means

'Ho problemi con' (I have problems with) is a versatile structure. 'La protesi' refers to a dental prosthetic — either full denture ('protesi totale') or partial denture ('protesi parziale'). Over time, dentures need adjustment ('ribasatura') because the jawbone changes shape.

Variations

La protesi non si tiene più bene.

The denture no longer stays in place.

Loose denture — common as bone resorbs over time

Mi fa male dove si appoggia la protesi.

It hurts where the denture rests.

Pressure sores under dentures — need immediate adjustment

Ho bisogno di una crema adesiva per la protesi?

Do I need adhesive cream for the denture?

Denture adhesive ('crema adesiva') available in Italian pharmacies

Mini Dialogue

— Ho problemi con la protesi. Non sta ferma e mi fa male la gengiva. — Da quanto tempo ha questa protesi? — Cinque anni. — L'osso si è riassorbito. Abbiamo bisogno di una ribasatura o di una protesi nuova. — Quale è meglio? — Dipende dalle condizioni. La visito e poi decidiamo insieme.

— I have problems with my denture. It does not stay in place and my gum hurts. — How long have you had this denture? — Five years. — The bone has resorbed. We need a relining or a new denture. — Which is better? — It depends on the condition. I will examine it and then we decide together.

Cultural Note

Dentures in Italy are still very common among older generations (70+). The SSN provides partial coverage for dentures in certain categories (over-75, low-income pensioners in some regions). Modern dentistry increasingly uses implant-retained dentures ('protesi su impianti') for better stability. The 'protesista dentale' (dental technician) makes the denture in a laboratory — they do not treat patients directly.