WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE PLACEMENT OF PERMANENT DENTURES?

The placement of permanent dentures is a gradual and planned procedure so that they will be secure‚ comfortable, and look natural․ Unlike traditional dentures‚ which are held in place by suction against the gums‚ permanent dentures are supported on dental implants in the jawbone․ Each stage of treatment is planned for stability‚ so at any point you can eat‚ speak, and smile with confidence․

The first step is a consultation appointment‚ in which the dentist will evaluate your dental health‚ discuss what you would like them to do‚ and determine if permanent dentures are appropriate․ Digital X-rays or 3D imaging can be performed to evaluate the condition of your jawbone‚ get an idea of the pertinent anatomic structures‚ and carefully plan your dental implant treatment․ Teeth that are damaged‚ diseased‚ and unable to be saved may be extracted before dental implants are placed․

For some patients‚ bone loss in their jaw needs to be addressed with a bone graft procedure before the implants․ A second procedure may be needed to create enough bone to anchor the implants․ Not everyone needs bone grafting for dental implants‚ so be sure to consult your dentist about whether or not you need this procedure․

The implant placement is completed during surgery while you are numb to the procedure․ The dentist may be able to offer sedation as an added layer of comfort. The dentist places the implants in the jawbone according to the surgical plan․ The number of implants you need depends on your particular situation‚ but multiple implants (four to six implants) are often needed to support full-arch‚ permanent dentures․ Once the implants have been placed‚ the gums are closed up to heal․

The healing process is one of the most important steps in your treatment․ Over the next few weeks and months‚ your implants will fuse with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration․ It creates the foundation for permanent dentures that will function like natural teeth․ You will be provided with a temporary denture to wear while healing‚ allowing you to speak and eat normally․

Once the implants have fused with the bone‚ your dentist will take impressions of your mouth or use digital scans to custom-make a permanent denture for your mouth. The restoration also incorporates all your tooth features (size, shape‚ color, and direction) to ensure that it is balanced with the rest of your facial structure and is comfortable while biting.

At your final appointment‚ your dentist will place your final restoration on the implants․ Your dentist may make minor adjustments to the bite to ensure that you are comfortable․ You will also learn basic dental hygiene techniques to care for your dentures‚ including brushing and flossing‚ and the need for regular dental visits․ Ultimately‚ getting your permanent dentures is a highly technical and personalized process․

If you have more questions about permanent dentures or how they could affect your dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see if permanent dentures are the best treatment plan for you.

Related Article: Types of Permanent Dentures