Patients that chose to wear dentures for the replacement of missing teeth often find that they come with quite a few limitations and challenges. Traditional dentures can often limit the types of foods which can be consumed because of the risk of the dentures slipping, becoming damaged, or even breaking. Through recent enhancements, permanent dentures can help resolve these challenges and offer patients an excellent tooth-replacement solution.
Permanent dentures, also known as denture implants, are prosthetic teeth which are connected to the jaw bone through surgically placed dental implants. Unlike traditional dentures, permanent dentures are not removable by the patient. This tooth-replacement treatment gives patients similar appearance and function of their natural teeth. The implants that are used as a secure base for the dentures eliminate the risk of the dentures coming loose or slipping as they do with traditional dentures. Patients also eliminate the risk of losing, throwing away or misplacing their permanent dentures. While a perfect tooth-replacement solution does not exist, permanent dentures provide patients with an excellent option.
The procedure for receiving permanent dentures begins with the dentist performing a thorough oral examination. This is followed by a comprehensive evaluation of the jawbone. During this evaluation, the dentist identifies where exactly to place the implants. This also allows the dentist to determine if the patient has a sufficient amount of jawbone required to support the implants. Once the implants are placed and the jaw bone has completely healed, the permanent dentures are then attached to the implants. During the healing process, the implants fuse to the jaw bone through a process called osseointegration.
Permanent Denture Candidates
If a patient has sufficient bone in their jaw necessary to support the implants, they are a good candidate for permanent dentures. Candidates also need to have good oral health and overall physical health to undergo the procedure. Denture implants are an ideal solution for patients who are missing one or more teeth. To ensure the implants properly heal and are successful, patients must continue practicing good oral hygiene after they receive their permanent dentures.
Benefits
It is suggested that some form of dentures has been around since as early as 700 BC. While the procedures, materials, and education requirements have changed significantly, traditional dentures have quickly become an outdated solution. The more modern solution using permanent dentures is more modern and eliminates many of the challenges commonly affiliated with traditional dentures. The following are top advantages of permanent dentures:
* Patients can continue eating their favorite foods without modifications or removing their dentures
* Special cleaning procedures are not required
* The chewing forces are evenly distributed
* Long life expectancy
* Extremely secure base, similar to the natural teeth
* Excellent fit
* Comfortable to wear
* Jaw bone is stimulated and bone resorption is prevented
* Attractive solution
Another benefit of permanent dentures is that adhesive products are not required. These products often leave a bad taste in the patient’s mouth. The adhesives also commonly contain zinc. According to the FDA, excess consumption and frequent use of zinc may lead to permanent nerve damage in the feet and hands.
Facial Support
When traditional, removable dentures are used, patients often experience bone loss or a change in their facial structure. This can cause the face to appear sunken-in and increase the amount of wrinkles. Because permanent dentures use implants, the jaw bone is stimulated and they aid in maintaining the facial structure.
Diet
Because permanent dentures are so secure, patients have an increased confidence in chewing and their ability to consume their favorite foods. With traditional dentures, patients often have to make dietary restrictions or they need to remove the dentures entirely when eating.
Implant Procedure
In order to replace dental implants, oral surgery is required. Depending on the status of the patient’s jawbone and type of implant being used, additional procedures may be required. Local or general anesthesia is typically used to ensure the comfort of the patient.
First off, the damaged teeth must be extracted if they are still in place. In most cases, the damaged teeth have already fallen out and removal is not required. Next, the jawbone is prepared for surgery. Some patients require a bone graft procedure so they can properly support the implant.
The metal, screw-like implant post is then placed by the dentist. Some patients use an oral surgeon for the procedure. The implant serves the role of the root for the artificial tooth. Once the mouth has completely healed and the implant has fused to the jaw bone, the artificial tooth is attached to the implant. The crown or artificial tooth gives the permanent denture its tooth-like appearance. The process usually takes a few months to complete in its entirety.
Before placing dental implants, a complete dental exam is required. During this exam, the dentist typically obtains X-rays and makes molds of the teeth. It is very important to share your health history with the dentist and discuss any medications you are taking. The dental team will provide specific instructions to follow in preparation for the procedure. When a general anesthesia is being used, transportation will need to be coordinated as the patient will be unable to drive themselves home. For most patients, the recovery is manageable and they are able to return to their routine activities within a few days. It is important for patients to rest and take it easy the day of the procedure. The post-operative guidelines provided by the dentist should be closely followed.
Recovery
Following the implant procedure, most patients experience slight discomfort. Any discomfort should be easily managed and improve after a few days. Some of the most common side effects include swelling, bleeding, and bruising. There may also be some tenderness and soreness around the implant area. The dentist typically recommends patients use an over-the-counter pain medication and cold compress to manage any discomfort. To help keep the area clean and prevent infection, patients can use a salt-water rinse.
If any of the symptoms fail to improve or get worse after the procedure, patients should reach out to their dentist right away. In some cases, antibiotics are required. Patients should closely follow all instructions provided by the dentist. This typically includes consuming soft foods, avoiding hot food and drinks, and avoiding rigorous activities. The dentist will typically use self-dissolving stitches which do not require removal.