Permanent Dentures
When more than half of the people who wear dentures feel that their professional, social and romantic lives are affected by the limits of dentures, it would stand to reason there has to be a better way to replace multiple or all of your teeth. When you are not able to eat the foods you like because your dentures prevent proper chewing, it is not surprising to know that while you need your dentures, you may not like your dentures.
Full Dentures - Are There Different Types?
As a way to secure dentures into place, dentists have looked to dental implants to keep the dentures from sliding around in your mouth. Dentists may refer to these types of dentures as permanent dentures, fixed dentures and non-removable dentures. In each one of these cases, a framework holding prosthetic teeth in a row is held securely by strategically placed implants. Without having to rely on suction and denture adhesive to keep the dentures on your jaw bone, the implants allow the dentures to function more like natural teeth when eating, chewing, biting, talking and smiling. Daily activities can move forward without having to worry that your dentures are going to slip or even come out of your mouth.
For the dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for permanent dentures, the dentist will need to examine your mouth. An X-ray image of your jawbone will give the dentist the opportunity to determine the exact placement of the dental implants in your mouth. Usually, there are four implants total, two in the front and two at the back of your jaw bone. After the dental implants have fused to the bone and healed, the dentures can be affixed to the implants.
What are Permanent Dentures?
Permanent dentures or denture implants are the type of dentures that are held in place by dental implants that are fused to the jaw bone. Unlike traditional dentures, implant dentures are not removable due to the way that they connect to the implants. This means your dentures will feel and act like natural teeth; no shifting or falling out risks with these dentures. You will not be able to lose these dentures either! Permanent dentures are customized for your mouth so they can replace all your teeth or just one jaw.
What are the Considerations for Wearing Dentures?
Like any dental implant procedure, permanent dentures require a surgery to place the implants into your bones. While your mouth is healing from the surgery, it is open to inflammation or even infection. These complications can be avoided with proper cleaning and regular dental checkups. The long-term success rate of dental implants is around 95% so most people do not have any type of ailments as a result of their surgery. Permanent dentures may cost more due to the surgery and the type of prosthetic as compared to regular dentures, the day-to-day benefits will certainly prove the investment you made in your mouth to be a smart one.
Who Should Get Denture Implants?
When you are talking to the dentist about tooth replacement options, the dentist will need to consider your health before moving forward with permanent dentures. First, you will need to be healthy enough for surgery without serious medical issues. Then the dentist will need to determine if your jaw is strong enough to support implants; the jaw needs to have enough bone for the implants to fuse to. Dentures are ideal for people who are missing multiple teeth or have damage to multiple teeth. Finally, you will want to make sure that you practice good oral hygiene habits daily to help the healing after surgery and prevent complications once the dentures are in place.
Benefits of Permanent Dentures
Removable dentures were first introduced around 700BC and continue to be a solution for missing teeth. The materials have improved, but there have been better updates that make dentures a current treatment option to replace teeth. Dental implants have helped move dentures into a modern solution with multiple benefits as compared to removable dentures.
- First, the pain that comes with traditional dentures and their improper fit is no longer an issue. Permanent dentures keep the dentures from sliding around and causing sore spots on the gums or pressure spots from chewing and talking.
- Second, you will be able to avoid denture adhesive and the chemicals that are in those adhesives. Some ingredients, like zinc, can lead to long term nerve damage.
- Third, the removal of dentures day in and day out leads to loss of facial structure. Without the support for your cheeks and lips that comes from teeth remaining in place, you will develop serious wrinkles, like witches chin and marionette lines.
- Finally, you will be able to chew without having to take care the type of food or the way it is prepared. If you have given up corn on the cob and fresh carrots with your regular dentures, you can give up mushy, steamed versions for good with permanent dentures.
Denture Implants Procedure
In order to secure the dentures in place permanently, the dentist will need to surgically place posts into your jaw bone to support the dentures. Depending on the health of your jaw bone, the dentist may need to perform a bone graft or other procedures before your mouth is ready for dental implants. These surgeries will require local anesthesia at minimum and general anesthesia for more serious cases. If you have any remaining damaged teeth, the dentist will first remove those and then prepare the jawbone with bone graft procedures if necessary. Your mouth may need time to heal after these procedures before it is ready for the implant placement. After the titanium or zirconium posts have been placed and started to fuse with the jaw bone, the tops of the posts are ready for a screw like attachment called an abutment. The dentures or replacement teeth are attached to the abutments to leave you with a natural looking smile.
Pros and Cons of Permanent Dentures
If you have already worn traditional dentures, you know how much they can move while you are trying to eat or talk. If you are looking to convert your dentures into a more modern tooth replacement with the functionality of your natural teeth, then permanent dentures should be addressed at your next dental appointment. Dentures are not the least expensive tooth replacement option, so the cost may make them less attractive.