Are Permanent Dentures the Same as Implants?

Statistics show that more than 36 million adults in the United States have a condition known as edentulism, which means they are missing all of their teeth. There are several potential reasons for tooth loss, including natural wear and tear, cancer, tooth decay, gum disease, lack of dental care, and more. This results in many oral and overall health issues.

Approximately 90% of the edentulous population has dentures. While dentures are a good solution for tooth loss, at Shahbazyan Dental Studio in Fresno, we offer a better option: permanent dentures.

Permanent dentures, also known as All-on-4 or All-on-6, are false teeth that are supported by dental implants inserted into the jaw. The result is a tooth restoration solution that allows you to chew, talk, laugh, and smile more naturally than with traditional dentures. Permanent dentures can be partial (replace only a few teeth) or complete (replace an entire arch).

In this article, we will discuss the various benefits of permanent dentures, as well as explain how they attach to your jaw.

Permanent dentures offer several benefits over traditional dentures and other tooth restoration solutions. These benefits include:

• A Secure Fit

  Permanent dentures are secured in place with dental implants. This means that they won't slip and slide around in your mouth like traditional dentures. Also, you don't have to deal with messy adhesives.

• Improved Comfort

  Since they are secured in place, they are more comfortable and feel more natural than traditional dentures.

• A Natural Look

  The prosthesis will be custom-made to fit your mouth. Therefore, it will look, feel, and function more naturally than traditional dentures. Plus, since it is secured to dental implants and not just resting on the gums, it won't move around which further contributes to the natural look.

• Improved Oral Health

  Permanent dentures are secured to the jaw with dental implants. The implants provide stimulation for your jawbone, keeping it healthy so that it will not deteriorate. Also, since the implants are artificial tooth roots, you don't have to worry about decay. However, you do need to practice proper oral hygiene and visit the dentist every 6 months for an exam and cleaning.

• Fewer Surgeries/Shorter Recovery

  If you were to replace each tooth with a single implant, you would require several surgeries and the recovery would be long and tedious. However, many of our patients refer to permanent dentures as "teeth in a day" because technically, you can walk out with a full set of teeth in one day. It is important to note that the dentures you leave with on the day of your implant surgery are temporary. You will need to return for your permanent prosthesis later, once the jawbone has fused with the implants.

Permanent dentures are supported by 4 or 6 implants, depending on the size of your jaw and other factors. Dr. Shahbazyan will determine how many implants you need during your consultation visit. During the consultation, we will conduct a comprehensive exam, including x-rays and other necessary imaging. We will also discuss your needs and your personal goals for treatment. This information will be used to create your treatment plan.

The next step is to insert the implants. We will make an incision in your gum and drill a hole in your jawbone. Then, the implant will be placed, and the incision closed. You may be given a temporary denture to wear while you are waiting to heal. During this healing time, osseointegration will be taking place, which is where the bone heals around and fuses with the implant, securing it in place. This may take up to 6 months.

Once the implant is secure, the incisions will be opened again, and an abutment will be placed. This is what will secure the prosthesis to the implants. Healing caps will be placed on the abutments to keep the gums from healing over the abutments. We will then take impressions of your mouth to send to the lab for the fabrication of your custom prosthetic. This stage usually takes two weeks.

By this time, your permanent prosthesis will be back from the lab, and we can ensure that it fits properly and attach it. Once attached, you will not be able to remove the prosthesis. Only a dental professional will be able to remove it for cleanings and exams.

If you live in or near Fresno, CA and you are missing most or all of your teeth, contact Shahbazyan Dental Studio today for your consultation. Dr. Shahbazyan received her degree in 2001 and continues to further her studies and professionalism in dental implants and other restorative solutions. She can help you get your smile and your confidence back.

We are located on North Cedar Avenue in Fresno. Our office hours are Monday through Thursday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

When it comes to tooth restoration, the team at Shahbazyan Dental Studio understands that you have questions. After all, there are so many denture options, it can be overwhelming. We are here to address your questions and concerns. Below are some of the most common questions we hear about permanent dentures.