Permanent Dentures
A denture is a dental prosthesis that works to replace missing teeth in a patient's mouth. Many people picture a traditional denture that is held in place using suction and retention, and sometimes adding a denture adhesive. Fortunately, there is a superior option available to patients who are looking for a more permanent solution. A permanent denture is an implant – supported denture that cannot be taken out by the patient, but must be removed by a dentist. This type of denture utilizes the support of dental implants to provide a stable foundation on which the denture is secured. Depending on the patient's bone structure and mass, 4 to 8 implants are placed on each arch to support a full denture.
What are the benefits of a permanent denture?
One of the biggest issues concerning denture patients is comfort! Many patients avoid eating some of their favorite foods that may be difficult to chew with a traditional denture or they may feel uncomfortable eating or speaking around others. Since a permanent denture is held in place with dental implants, there is no room for slipping as can be the case with a traditional denture. When a traditional denture does not fit well, it can move around in the patient's mouth and cause irritation and sores on the gum tissue which can then make the denture painful to wear. All of this is avoided with a permanent denture!
An implant supported denture has an added benefit of supporting bone structure because a dental implant is essentially an artificial tooth root and therefore helps stimulate bone regeneration just like a root. Patients that wear a traditional denture for an extended period of time may notice changes in their jawbone and facial structure which can cause their denture to become ill-fitting and uncomfortable. Dental implants help prevent the deterioration of the jawbone that often happens with traditional dentures. This added benefit of bone health is a great reason that a permanent denture is the superior choice and overall healthier option.
Aesthetics is another great benefit provided by a permanent denture. An implant supported denture is much more natural looking than a traditional denture and they also have a longer lifespan. Even though a permanent denture is more expensive at the onset, their longevity can make them more cost-effective in the long run because they do not need to be replaced as often as a traditional denture. The implant surgery may be a one time expense as with proper care and maintenance, implants can last a lifetime, and only the denture may need to be replaced due to normal wear and tear which can still last decades. A traditional denture may last only 10 to 15 years before it needs to be replaced due to bone deterioration as well as normal wear and tear.
What is the process for getting a permanent denture?
Your dentist will evaluate your mouth and bone structure to determine if they think you might be a candidate for a permanent denture. If they believe that you are able to receive dental implants, they will refer you to an implant specialist for further evaluation. An oral surgeon or periodontist will be the dental professional to place your implants. Make sure that you provide both your dentist and implant doctor with your full medical history including any and all medications that you are currently taking. Your first visit with your implant doctor will be a simple consultation at which point they will further evaluate your mouth and jaw bone to ensure that you have sufficient bone mass to support dental implants.
Once they determine that you are a candidate for dental implants and a permanent denture, they will schedule you for extraction and implant surgery. Patients that do not have sufficient bone structure may need to undergo an additional preparatory surgery called a bone graft before the implants can be placed. A bone graft is performed by making an incision in the area being treated and implanting a piece of bone either from another area of your mouth or from even your hip or a cadaver donor that is harvested and sutured into place. The bone graft will need to heal for a few months before the implants can be placed.
When it comes time for your implant surgery, the doctor will administer a local anesthetic to the areas being treated and then make a small incision in the gum tissue and drill a small hole directly into the job bone in which they will place the dental implant. The gum tissue is then stitched up around the implant leaving a small portion protruding through the gum tissue. This little piece is what your permanent denture will be affixed to. Implants need up to six months of healing time before the permanent denture can be placed. During this time, your implants will be covered with a temporary abutment, or healing cap, to protect them while you heal and they integrate with your jaw bone. Your dentist will provide a temporary denture for you to wear while you heal which will also give your implants an extra layer of protection!
It is normal to experience mild discomfort for a few days after implant surgery but it should subside in a week or two. You may also notice slight bruising and swelling of your face and gum tissue and even minor bleeding or soreness at the implant site. These are all common side effects of implant surgery and should subside within a few days. Any symptoms that persist or do not get better after a few days should be addressed by your doctor as soon as possible to make sure that you are not developing an infection.
Am I a candidate for a permanent denture?
Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants but those who are otherwise healthy and can endure the lengthy process might be a great fit! Patients with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or osteoporosis may need to consider other options but that does not necessarily mean that these patients cannot have dental implants. Before you begin any treatment, it is important to discuss your concerns and goals with all of your doctors to make sure that together, you proceed with the best treatment for your individual case.