Permanent Dentures
If you are missing one or more natural teeth, you may want to learn about replacement options. Perhaps you have memories of your parents or grandparents and their removable dentures, which were likely poorly fitted and may have slipped while they were eating or talking, and perhaps these memories have been dissuading you from seeking your own dental replacements. The good news is that innovations in dental technologies have vastly improved both the quality and quantity of available treatment options, and there’s a good chance that there’s a suitable dental prosthetic option that can help restore your ability to eat and speak comfortably and smile confidently. While removable dentures are a cost-effective option for replacing missing natural teeth, they can be uncomfortable, affect the wearer’s ability to eat and speak comfortably, and can gradually lead to shrinkage of the jawbone. Permanent, or fixed, dentures, are a non-removable way to address these challenges. Permanent dentures are rows of replacement teeth that are affixed to dental implants that have been surgically placed in the jaw. Because they are held securely in place by implants, they allow their wearers to chew, talk, and smile without the fear of their dentures slipping or rubbing against their gums or falling out entirely.
To be fitted for a permanent denture, a patient first has a consultation appointment. At this appointment, the dentist assesses the patient’s teeth, soft tissue, and bone with a clinical examination and x-rays. Then, the dentist determines the optimal location for dental implants -- usually four for the upper jaw and four for the lower jaw when all the teeth are missing. After these implants are placed, they are allowed to heal, slowly fusing together with the bone in a process called osseointegration, which usually takes up to six or seven months. Then, the denture is affixed to the implants. Permanent dentures require less time to heal than conventional implants, and the surgical procedure itself is also more brief and less invasive. Permanent dentures also help distribute the forces from biting and chewing more evenly throughout the jaw, helping the patient eat a wider variety of foods more comfortably and without disproportionately damaging the jaw. Permanent dentures are long-lasting, durable, and easy to clean, and they also support the structure of the face and prevent the sunken appearance that can develop after prolonged use of removable dentures. They may also be custom-made and are more likely to provide a precise fit than removable dentures.
While permanent dentures are considered a safe tooth replacement option, they do require surgery, which can be daunting for some patients. With the proper care and cleaning, infection and inflammation can be kept at bay, and, over the long term, permanent dentures can provide greater benefits despite costing more than removable dentures, making them a wise investment for many patients. Your dentist can refer you to a respected cosmetic dentist so you can learn more about the pros and cons of permanent dentures and to determine whether you are a good candidate for permanent dentures. Generally speaking, permanent dentures are an appropriate option for patients who have a sufficient amount of bone in their jaw to support dental implants. Ideally, candidates for permanent dentures are also in good overall health, with a demonstrated ability to care properly for their teeth with daily oral hygiene. Whether the patient is missing just one tooth or multiple teeth, permanent dentures can be a good replacement solution for many patients.
Permanent dentures are a modern alternative to removable dentures, which have been used for centuries. Removable dentures, which are often ill-fitting, can cause pain or discomfort that is eliminated when permanent dentures are used. Additionally, removable dentures are held in place with denture adhesive, which often has a foul taste and contains ingredients that can be unhealthy when ingested in excess, like zinc. Permanent dentures remove these risks, as no adhesive is needed to hold them into place. Permanent dentures can also help improve the patient’s overall health, as they open up a whole new set of dietary options and allow patients to eat a wide variety of healthy foods without having to worry about loosening their dentures and without foul-tasting adhesive getting in the way of enjoyment.
To prepare for a dental implant procedure, patients must have a complete dental examination that includes x-rays and impressions of the teeth. Review your entire health history with your dentist, as certain medical conditions or medications may affect healing, healing time, or the overall success of the implant. You may require one procedure or more than one, depending on the condition of your jaw and your overall health. Each procedure may cause some discomfort, but this is usually brief and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. In addition to discomfort or soreness, common side effects may include bruising or swelling on the gums or face and minor bleeding at the surgical site. Cold compresses applied to the outside of the face, adjacent to the implant, can help with swelling, and rinsing the oral cavity with salt water can help with soreness and prevent infection; some patients are also prescribed oral antibiotics. Contact your dentist if symptoms are severe or worsen in the days following your surgical procedure. Your dentist will give you specific aftercare instructions, which usually include directions to eat a soft diet until tenderness or soreness subsides. Most symptoms subside within a week, allowing patients to eat, speak, and smile with newfound confidence, comfort, and enjoyment. Of course, in an ideal situation, no dentures would be necessary at all; to help ensure a lifetime of healthy, natural teeth, brush the teeth and the oral cavity twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and see your dentist regularly for checkup examinations and professional cleanings. The good news is that even for people who are missing one or more of their natural teeth, despite their best efforts, permanent, safe, durable, and attractive dental restoration options are available, and more options are developed regularly. Talk to your dentist to learn which dental restoration options may work best for you.