Permanent Dentures
Patients with traditional dentures that rest directly on their gums often experience a great deal of frustration and discomfort. While a well fitting denture may provide adequate support and comfort for some patients, many experience issues such as their denture frequently slipping out of place while they are talking or trying to eat. In addition to being a nuisance, having this happen in the company of others can be somewhat embarrassing.
Not only that, traditional dentures can also rub against the gums, especially if there are any food particles that become trapped or when the dentures are not cleaned thoroughly enough. This can also occur when the shape of the patient’s jaw changes, which it commonly will among patients with traditional dentures. This is due to the fact that traditional dentures do not stimulate your jawbone the way your natural teeth or a permanent denture does, which causes the jawbone to atrophy. When this happens, it will be necessary to get fitted for a new custom fit denture. This continued deterioration also increases the likelihood of additional tooth loss along with other oral health issues developing.
Fortunately, there is a better alternative for patients with missing teeth who are experiencing difficulty with their dentures. Permanent dentures can eliminate the limitations on one’s romantic, social, and professional lives and significantly improve the quality of life among patients with missing teeth. Please refer to the following to learn more about permanent dentures and whether you are a good candidate for this procedure. Scheduling this appointment could be your first step in significantly improving your quality of life and restoring your self-confidence!
Am I a Candidate for Permanent Dentures?
To determine your viability to have permanent dentures placed will require that your periodontist perform a thorough examination of your oral and physical health history, in addition to a thorough oral evaluation, which will include diagnostic exams that will let them see the density of your jawbone. If you have already experienced significant jawbone loss, or if you have any underlying heart conditions, this may preclude you from being a candidate for permanent dentures. It is also important that you provide your periodontist with a list of the current medications you are taking. In the case of patients who have deteriorated jawbones, oftentimes a bone graft can be performed to restore the jawbone to its necessary density, after which your implant can be placed.
Regardless of the current state of your oral health, having a permanent denture placed will require multiple visits and can takes months and even years to complete. For example, if you do require a bone graft, it will take three to six months for this graft to regenerate enough bone to support your implant. Once it can, the next stage of the permanent denture implant process will involve drilling a small hole into your jawbone into which a titanium or zirconia post will be inserted. Once in place, it will take an additional three to six months for this post to fully fuse with your jawbone. Once this process is complete, you will finally be ready to have your permanent dentures placed.
A common concern among patients considering permanent dentures is how painful the procedure will be. To ensure you do not experience any discomfort while the procedure is being performed, your periodontist will administer a local anesthetic. If you are still concerned about the discomfort involved with sitting in a chair with your mouth open for extended periods of time, talk to your periodontist about dental sedation options. Dental sedation will place you in a much more relaxed state, and depending on the level of sedation used, can even put you in a half-sleeping state where you will actually have no memories of the procedure even being performed.
Aftercare Following the Permanent Denture Procedure
It is common to experience some dental discomfort following the placement of your permanent dentures or after other stages of the procedure. If you did receive dental sedation during your procedure, make sure you arrange for a ride home and are able to rest for the remainder of the day and a day or two afterword if possible.
The most common side effects that occur following placement of permanent dentures is bruising and swelling on the gums and face. Minor bleeding may also develop, but this can usually be quickly stopped by placing gauze pads over the area that is bleeding. Soreness and pain around the implant are also common.
Cold compresses and pain medication are recommended to manage the swelling and pain, and a salt-water rinse can be done to reduce your risk of infection. If you are prescribed antibiotics, take as directed until your prescription runs out.
While serious side effects following placement of permanent implants are rare, they can happen, so be sure to contact your periodontist if any symptoms persist or get worse.
Finally, you will need to stick a soft food diet for the first few days or even weeks following your procedure. Introducing harder foods too quickly may cause pain and discomfort and could slow down your recovery process.
Benefits of Permanent Dentures
The benefits of permanent dentures compared to traditional dentures are almost too many to list! Along with improving your overall oral health and restoring your full smile back, you will also enjoy the following benefits of having permanent dentures:
- No more daily pain: One of the biggest complaints people with dentures have is how uncomfortable they can be. Permanent dentures will permanently eliminate this discomfort!
- Safe: In addition to being a very safe procedure, permanent dentures also eliminate the need for adhesives in your mouth. According to the FDA, denture adhesive can lead to an excess of zinc in your body, which can cause nerve damage in the feet and hands.
- More support: Over time, patients who have dentures will experience facial sagging, along with marionette lines, witches chin, and wrinkles. Permanent dentures will provide your cheeks and lips with the necessary support and preserve the youthful appearance of your face.
- Freedom to eat the foods you love: One of the biggest quality of life improvements you will enjoy with your permanent dentures is being able to enjoy all the foods you once did!