If you’re missing multiple teeth, you may have considered removable dentures – or maybe you already have dentures. More than half of people who wear removable dentures report that their lifestyles are somehow limited by their dentures, either because they interfere with eating, smiling, and speaking, or because the dentures need to be removed overnight, which can make people who share beds feel awkward. Permanent dentures can be an effective solution for people who want to replace multiple missing teeth and aren’t interested in removable dentures. In many cases, a permanent denture can be placed on as few as two or four dental implants to support an entire row of replacement teeth, making permanent dentures less invasive than other dental implant treatments and also less expensive. Because these implants hold a denture securely in place, the bulk of the limitations of removable dentures are eliminated.
Permanent dentures are artificial teeth that are attached to dental implants, which are tiny cylinders that are surgically placed in the jaw. As the bone surrounding the implant heals, it fuses with the implant, creating a secure anchor for replacement teeth. Once the bone has fully healed, the permanent denture can be placed. If you’re missing a single tooth, the dental implant might support a dental crown, but permanent dentures can also replace a few missing teeth or an entire row, or both rows. When maintained properly, permanent dentures can provide a lifetime of secure smiles, clear speech, and balanced nutrition.
Because they rely on the health of the bone for support, in order for a patient to be eligible for permanent dentures, they should have enough healthy bone in the jaw to support dental implants and should be in overall good health. The procedure begins with a thorough oral examination and a review of the patient’s medical history. This examination includes x-rays of the jaw to determine the best location for the implants and assess the condition of the jaw. Depending on the extent of your treatment and the condition of the jawbone, additional procedures may be required before dental implants can be placed. If you have damaged natural teeth that remain in the mouth, these will be removed. If gum disease is present, it will be treated so that the mouth is restored to health before implants are placed. This treatment may include bone grafts if there is insufficient healthy bone to support the number of implants required, and patients must heal fully following any of these procedures before the implant procedure can occur. These procedures will be performed while the patient is anesthetized with either a local or general anesthetic.
Once the oral cavity has been prepared, the implants are placed into the jaw. They are then given time to heal. Because dental implants are made of biocompatible material that effectively supports bone, as the bone heals around the implants, it fuses to the implant itself. This process is called osseointegration, and it’s the element of implant surgery that helps make implants stable and strong over the long term. Because they stimulate healthy bone, dental implants can also help maintain the health of the jaw and the structure and appearance of the face.
Following the implant procedure, you may experience some of the same side effects of any dental surgery, which can include bruising on the face and swelling on the gums and face. There may also be minor bleeding in the mouth, and the surgical sites may be painful or sore. Over-the-counter pain medication can help with pain, and cold compresses applied to the outside of the face can address pain and swelling. Rinsing the mouth with salt water can also help keep the area clean and prevent infection. Follow your dentist’s recommendations for aftercare. If you get a prescription for antibiotics, make sure to complete the entire course of medication to prevent recurring infection. Follow the recommended diet of soft foods while your mouth feels tender, and make sure to see your dentist for recommended followup visits.
After the implant sites have completely healed, the implants are exposed from beneath the gums and the permanent denture is affixed to the implants. Depending on the health of the jaw, it can be possible to place an entire row of replacement teeth on two or four dental implants without sacrificing their stability. Permanent dentures are long-lasting and easily maintained, as they remain permanently in the mouth. It’s important to care for your permanent dentures, brushing them like you would your natural teeth and taking care to clean the soft tissues inside the oral cavity to reduce bacteria buildup. Professional checkups and cleanings will also help ensure the longevity of your permanent dentures. While dental implant procedures are popular and safe, they are still surgical procedures and require the recommended preparation and aftercare. Permanent dental restorations are also more expensive than removable ones, but their benefits far outweigh the cost for most people, who consider them an investment in their improved quality of life.
The benefits of permanent dentures are particularly clear when weighed against removable dentures. In addition to the aesthetic benefits provided by dental implants and their beneficial effects on bone, permanent dentures provide better support to the facial structure. Regularly removing and reinserting dentures can affect the facial structure, causing or worsening wrinkles around the mouth and leading to a slack appearance of the face even when the dentures are in place. Removable dentures are often reported to cause painful friction on the tender tissues of the oral cavity, due to an improper fit; as the bone in the jaw changes in the absence of teeth and under the pressure of the denture, the denture requires constant adjustment to ensure correct fit, and this isn’t convenient if it’s even possible. Because permanent dentures are permanent, they don’t rub on the gums, and because they stimulate the bone, they don’t need to be refitted, though they may require periodic adjustments and tightenings.
The adhesive used to attach removable dentures in the mouth are widely known to be unpleasant tasting at the very least, and they also tend to include zinc, a mineral that can damage the nervous system when ingested in excess. Denture adhesive can also be painful to remove from the gums and can interfere with the taste of food. In fact, removable dentures can interfere with the ability to eat in multiple ways, while permanent dentures allow patients to eat a balanced variety of foods, including foods that might be off-limits for removable-denture wearers. This can help the patient maintain their overall health and quality of life while enjoying a lifetime of comfortable smiles.