Permanent isn’t necessarily a good or a bad thing. For example, tattoos are permanent, meant to last forever. In some cases, this is exactly what someone wants: a permanent reminder of a person or thing they love. In other cases, people may come to regret their permanent ink as they age out of their love for their tattoos. When it comes to permanent dentures, how you feel about their permanence is totally up to you! Some patients desire removability, as they can easily take out and clean their prosthetic. However, others desire a more permanent solution that mimics the strength and convenience of natural teeth! With permanent dentures held in place by dental implants, patients like you can enjoy a stable smile that is built to last.
Understanding Dental Implants
Dental implants are metal screws made with a biocompatible titanium alloy. Thanks to their titanium structure, these implants gradually integrate with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration. This natural process allows your bone to grow around your implant, keeping it securely in place!
At Bivona Family Dental, we place these implants in your jaw to provide reliable support for your restorations. Whether you need to replace a single tooth with a dental crown, multiple teeth with a dental bridge, or all of your teeth with a denture, dental implants are the most secure method of replacing missing teeth.
However, it’s important to note that these implants require ample bone structure for support. For those without enough jawbone, we’ll need to provide additional procedures that help rebuild lost bone. Then, once your jaw is strong enough to support dental implants, we’ll begin the implant process.
Permanent Dentures: The Process
At Bivona Family Dental, we begin all implant procedures with a free consultation. During this appointment, we will take 3D digital X-rays of your smile to assess the quality of your jawbone. If you’re eligible, we’ll schedule your first placement procedure.
To place dental implants, we begin with a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. Once you’re numb, we create an incision in your gum tissue to access your jawbone. Then, we use a series of drills increasing in size to create an opening in your jaw. After carefully screwing the titanium implant in place, we will stitch up your gums to begin your healing process.
After a few months, your implant body should be secure in your jawbone. We’ll then reopen the incision and place the abutment, or connector piece, that allows your implant to support a temporary restoration. After a shorter healing period, your implants should finally be able to support your final denture!
We cement your permanent dentures in place, mimicking the strength and stability of your natural teeth. These restorations remain in place while you eat, brush, and even sleep!
Keeping Permanent Dentures Permanent
Traditional dentures and removable dentures require constant maintenance. After eating, we recommend removing these prosthetics and rinsing them off. Without maintenance, you risk infections, as food can slip underneath your denture base and accumulate bacteria.
Additionally, removable dentures should be removed overnight and soaked in a denture-safe cleaning solution. This not only keeps your denture in good condition, but it also gives your gums a break from the constant pressure dentures cause.
Permanent dentures are much easier to care for, as you never have to remove them!
Instead, we suggest taking care of your dentures in the same way you care for natural teeth. After eating (or at least twice a day), brush your denture with a soft-bristle brush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Then, we recommend using a water flosser to gently clean your smile, ensuring you reach underneath the dentures and other hard-to-reach areas.
With proper denture maintenance, your permanent denture can truly be permanent, lasting a lifetime!
Find Lasting Solutions at Bivona Family Dental in Jasper, AL
If you’re looking for dentures that mimic the strength and stability of your natural smile, we recommend permanent dentures. These restorations are secured in place by dental implants, which are anchored to your jawbone. With these prosthetics in place, patients like you enjoy a permanent solution to tooth loss that restores your smile.
Book a free implant consultation today to learn if permanent dentures are he right option for you!
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