Permanent Dentures
Many people who wear conventional removable dentures complain that these dentures limit their ability to enjoy certain foods and can also affect their ability to speak and smile comfortably, affecting their personal well-being as well as their social and romantic lives. Thanks to innovations in dentistry, however, permanent dentures can provide an effective solution to nearly all of the issues that are caused by removable dentures. Permanent dentures are dental restorations, also known as false teeth, that are attached to dental implants that are permanently affixed within the bones of the jaw. Because they are attached to dental implants, which function much like the roots of natural teeth, permanent dentures function just like natural teeth and don’t shift in the mouth or loosen and fall out at inconvenient times. Permanent dentures can be used to replace multiple missing teeth, and can be placed in precise locations, wherever a dental restoration is needed. In many cases, an entire row of replacement teeth can be placed on as few as two dental implants, though sometimes more implants are needed. Permanent dentures are a suitable solution for patients who have sufficient bone in their jaws to support implants, and ideal candidates for permanent dentures are in overall good health.
People have been using dentures in one form or another for thousands of years. Thankfully, the materials and mechanics for these dentures have changed, but removable dentures are no longer an ideal way to replace missing teeth. Permanent dentures that rely on dental implants, however, are the current gold standard for dental restorations, providing countless advantages over traditional removable dentures. While removable dentures are a cost-effective way to replace missing teeth, many people report discomfort, or even outright pain, due to ill-fitting dentures applying pressure on the soft tissues of the periodontium. Removable dentures also require adhesives that may contain potentially hazardous ingredients, like zinc, that can cause adverse effects when they accumulate at excessive amounts in the bloodstream, and, problematically, these adhesives aren’t even particularly effective. Permanent dentures require no such adhesives, and they also provide the added benefit of supporting the facial structure and helping to maintain and support the shape and structure of the lower mouth, lips, and cheeks, while removable dentures also contribute to the shrinkage of the jaw bone. The best news about permanent dentures, for many people, is that they allow their wearers to easily bite into and chew a wide variety of foods, improving both nutrition and overall quality of life.
The main deterrent related to permanent dentures, for many people, is that they require surgery. Sometimes, it takes more than one surgical procedure to place dental implants. Each surgery will require anesthesia, which will either be local or general. The first step in placing permanent dentures is to remove all the teeth that have been determined to be irreparably damaged. Then, the patient’s jaw is prepared for surgery; depending on the amount of healthy bone present in the jaw, this may require a bone graft, which will require several months of healing before the implant or implants can safely be placed. Once the jaw has fully healed, the dentist will surgically place small metal cylinders into the bone; these implants are then allowed to heal, fusing with the bone in the process. After the implants are fully healed, the dentist will place the replacement teeth on to the tops of the dental implants, attaching them with a connector called an abutment. Factoring in healing time, the dental implant procedure can take several months. To prepare for a dental implant procedure, patients first undergo a complete dental examination that includes x-rays and impressions of the teeth. At this examination, patients will also provide a complete health history and an overview of any medications that are taken and will receive pre-operative instructions for fasting and securing safe transportation. Each stage of the implant placement procedure can cause some discomfort, along with some swelling and bruising and possibly minor bleeding. Over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses can be used to reduce soreness and swelling, and salt-water rinses can keep the surgical site clean and free of infection. Dentists recommend maintaining a diet of soft foods for up to a week following each surgical procedure. If any symptoms worsen at any point in the treatment, patients should see their dentist immediately.
Each patient should weigh the pros and cons of the different types of dental restorations before beginning treatment. Permanent dentures that are placed on fewer dental implants require less surgical time and a shorter healing time than conventional implant-supported dentures but still provide support for the features of the face, helping maintain a youthful appearance. Compared to traditional removable dentures, fixed dentures allow their wearers to speak and eat comfortably, delivering a better distribution of biting and chewing force and fitting precisely in the mouth. Permanent dentures are long-lasting and can be expected to maintain their fit and comfort for a lifetime. They are easy to keep clean and to maintain with home care and regular dental appointments. While permanent dentures are more expensive than conventional removable dentures, for most wearers the long-term benefits far outweigh the expense. Your dentist can help you determine if permanent dentures are a good option for you, if you’re missing multiple natural teeth. Your dentist will check your permanent dentures periodically and can adjust them if needed. Otherwise, you will clean your permanent dentures just like you would clean your natural teeth, making sure to clean the gums, tongue, and other soft tissues of the mouth, and your dentist or dental hygienist will professionally clean them at your regular checkups. Permanent dentures may take a little bit to get used to, as they do feel different from natural teeth, but they will soon function and feel like a mouth full of natural, healthy teeth.
To find the best dental professional to design and place your permanent dentures, ask your dentist for recommendations and referrals, and don’t be afraid to ask to see a photo gallery of your cosmetic dentist’s other successful treatments. Treat permanent dentures like any other investment, and know that, with the proper care, permanent dentures can help you enjoy a lifetime of attractive smiles, eloquent conversations, and delicious meals.