Permanent Dentures

The problems with traditional removable dentures are widely known. More than half of denture wearers regularly report that dentures are uncomfortable and adversely affect their ability to eat and enjoy certain foods, as well as their ability to speak clearly or smile comfortably, and taking them out every night can be awkward and inconvenient. Denture adhesives are often made of potentially harmful materials like zinc, which can cause nerve damage when it accumulates in the blood. Not only that, the pressure placed on the gums and bone by a removable denture can lead to the gradual shrinkage of the bone that supports the denture, and repeatedly removing and reinserting dentures can cause wrinkles and also affect the shape of the lower face. It’s actually kind of unbelievable that dentists still use removable dentures, which have been in use since around 700 BCE. Granted, there have been multiple material innovations since that time, but the technology remains the same, and it is no longer the best solution for multiple missing teeth. Thankfully, permanent dentures can provide a solution to these woes. If you have one or more missing teeth, permanent dentures may be just the replacement option you’re looking for and can restore the beauty of your smile and your ability to speak and eat easily.

Permanent dentures are denture appliances that are made up of a row of artificial teeth braced by a framework that attaches to dental implants that have been surgically placed into the jaw. Because they are affixed to a permanent fixture in the mouth, they allow their wearer to eat, chew, talk, and smile freely, assured that their dental restoration won’t slip or interfere. Dental implants are considered a permanent dental restoration, as the implants fuse with the jawbone as they heal. The first step in a dental implant procedure is a visit to the dentist. You and your dentist will review your medical history, including any medications you take, as certain conditions and certain medications could affect your ability to heal properly or fight infection. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have a heart condition, or if you already have any implant replacements in your body. Your dentist will examine your jaw, visually and with x-rays, to ascertain whether there is sufficient bone present to support dental implants and to determine the best location for the implants; many types of permanent dentures can be attached to as few as four implants, with two implants in the front of the mouth and two in the back. If there are any damaged teeth remaining, the dentist will remove these teeth and prepare the jaw for surgery.

If there is insufficient bone present to support the required number of dental implants, the dentist may perform a bone graft procedure as part of the preparation for surgery. Depending on the amount of bone that is missing, the bone graft procedure may need a few months to heal before the implant can be placed. Once the jaw is prepared, the implant surgery can commence. Your dentist will provide you with instructions for preparation, such as fasting before receiving anesthesia or avoiding certain medications. If you are planning to receive general anesthesia, you will also need to secure a ride home from the dentist’s office following the procedure. To begin, your dental surgeon will cut back your gum tissue and place the dental implants, which are small cylinders that are usually made of titanium, into the bone of the jaw and then replace the gum tissue. The implant is then given time to heal. During healing, the important process of osseointegration occurs; during osseointegration, the bone that surrounds the implant fuses to the implant as it heals. This creates a permanent, sturdy support for the permanent denture. Once the implants have healed, your dentist will fix your denture to the implants.
Dental implants can also be used to support individual crowns, with each implant supporting its own individual prosthetic tooth. This necessitates a greater amount of healthy bone to support a higher number of implants, and the surgery required to place multiple implants is more complex than the surgery used for permanent dentures. Permanent dentures are less invasive and therefore lead to less discomfort following the procedure. It’s common for patients to experience some discomfort following the dental implant procedure. Common side effects can include swelling and bruising, minor bleeding in the mouth, or soreness or tenderness around the implant. Cold compresses and pain medication can help reduce swelling and pain, and salt-water rinses can help keep the surgical sites clean. Proper healing is an important part of the success of implants, and your dentist will recommend that you eat soft foods to avoid putting excess pressure on the implant sites; you may also receive a prescription antibiotic if your dentist is concerned about infection for any reason. Be sure to rest while you recuperate, to allow general anesthesia to wear off and to adjust to the way your mouth feels.

Permanent dentures are long-lasting and low-maintenance, and they help patients speak comfortably and eat a variety of foods. They require a minimal number of dental implants, and they help restore the shape of the face and improve the appearance of the wearer. They fit well and can even be custom-made to fit specifically in your mouth. To maintain the appearance and function of your permanent denture, proper cleaning is important, and regular dental visits are required. While permanent dentures do cost more than removable dentures, the benefits they provide far outweigh the cost, according to many patients who’ve chosen permanent dentures. Of course, the benefits provided from a mouth full of healthy, natural teeth far exceed the benefits of any dental restoration, and proper oral hygiene can help maintain the life of the natural teeth and prevent you from needing any dentures at all. Brush your teeth at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss or otherwise clean between your teeth daily. Regular dental visits can help detect gum disease early on and are an integral part of maintaining the health of your teeth and the shine of your smile.