Permanent Dentures
If you felt that something was placing limits on you professionally, socially, romantically in your day-to-day life, then you would want to address it or make changes. That is the case for more than half of the people who wear dentures on top of the fact that they can’t eat certain foods. The good news is permanent dentures can be the solution to the problems of traditional dentures.
Fixed dentures, non-removable dentures, permanent dentures, implant-supported dentures, and implant-secured dentures are different ways to say dentures that are held in place with dental implants. Because the implants are fused with the jawbone and the dentures are connected to implants, you can eat, chew, bite, talk and smile without the problems that come along with traditional dentures. You will not need to worry about your prosthetic teeth slipping and sliding when you go about your daily activities.
Permanent dentures are not removable like common dentures, so they will feel almost exactly like natural teeth. You won’t get sores on your gums from uneven rubbing and you can't misplace them. Dentists use dental implants to replace single missing teeth, partial dentures and full dentures.
Denture Implant Candidates
If you are someone who is looking to replace multiple missing teeth with dentures and you are in overall good health, then you are on your way to considering permanent denture implants. You will need enough bone in your jaw to support implants. And you will need to commit to taking care of your mouth throughout the process to ensure that your mouth heals from the surgery and the implants fuse with the jawbone.
Pros of Permanent Dentures
Removable dentures started being used in 700BC and have been a consistent way to replace missing teeth. The materials have changed since the start of the use, but the form hasn’t improved their performance greatly. With the introduction of dental implants, dentures are now more modern than ever. The advantages of permanent dentures include:
Less Pain
Most people have issues with improper fit of their dentures and the resulting pain is persistent throughout their day. With the dentures secured in place, they do not rub against the soft, sensitive tissue in your mouth.
No Unnecessary Chemicals
The dental implants help you avoid using adhesives and overexposure to zinc. The FDA warns against the use of denture adhesive with zinc to avoid nerve damage from excessive mineral levels.
Better Facial Structure Support
When you wear dentures that you take in and out every day, your face lacks the support while you sleep and when you are not wearing your dentures. Without that support, your face will have more wrinkles, especially around your mouth in shape of a witch’s chin and marionette lines around your mouth. Permanent dentures help you avoid having slack skin and allows for your cheeks and lips to have constant support.
Meal Enjoyment
Conventional dentures require you to change your diet; you need to eliminate hard foods and sticky foods. Implant dentures allow you to eat without worry. You can pick up an apple, enjoy a caramel, and enjoy fresh carrots with your permanent dentures. You may even be able to enjoy a more well-balanced diet and feel the benefits of improved nutrition.
Permanent Denture Procedure
In order for the dentist to place the implants into your jaw bone you will need to have at least one surgery. If you do not have enough healthy bone or gum tissue, then the dentist may need to perform grafting surgeries. The process for permanent dentures is multistep and may take months to ensure your mouth has healed enough before moving on to the next step. Depending on the step and your comfort, the dentist may use local or general anesthesia to help.
First, the dentist will need to remove any damaged remaining teeth.
Next, the dentist will make sure your jawbone is prepared for the surgery with a bone graft if it is not strong enough to support the implants. If you do have a bone graft, this make take months to heal, depending on your body.
Then the dentist will place the implants into the jawbone below the gumline. The posts will act the roots of your replacement teeth. It will take two to six months for the implants to fuse with the bone in order to provide a strong base.
Finally, the dentist will place your artificial teeth on top of your implants to give you a complete and natural smile.
Preparing for Permanent Dentures
Before the dentist can determine that you are an ideal candidate for permanent dentures, the dentist will need to complete a full dental exam with X-rays. In order to create natural looking and proper fitting dentures, the dentist will take molds of your existing teeth.
Next, you will want to talk to the dentist about your medical history. Details that include medications, heart conditions, and orthopedic implants are very important to share with the dentist.
Finally, the dentist will give you instructions about fasting before your procedure, depending on the type of anesthesia. You may need to plan on getting a ride from someone home and resting for the remainder of the day.
After the Procedure
After the dentist places the dental implants, you will be uncomfortable as your body tries to heal. Most people experience facial and gum swelling and bruising. Some minor bleeding from the incisions may be noticeable. Those areas will be sore and possibly painful but cold compresses will help. The dentist may recommend a pain medication and an antiseptic oral rinse to keep your mouth clean. Warm salt water is a great option to prevent infection as well. If any of your symptoms do not start to improve or start to get worse, then be sure to follow up with the dentist. The dentist may have you use an antibiotic to prevent infection as well. If the dentist did not use self-dissolving stiches, then you will have to return to have them removed.
Finally, you are going to want to keep soft and plain foods while your mouth initially heals. Foods high in sugar, like ice cream, may seem like a good idea but are good sources of food for the bacteria in your mouth.
What are the Considerations for Wearing Dentures?
While there is a very high success rate with dental implants, it is still a surgery with anesthesia. You could experience infection, inflammation, or other painful ailments. Permanent dentures have a higher price tag than traditional dentures but you and the dentist can determine if they are the right option for you.