Permanent Dentures – Rio Rancho, NM
The Next Best Thing to Natural Teeth
If you have suffered extensive tooth loss, you might be thinking about getting traditional dentures, which are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. However, they do have their downsides. Is there a better alternative? Yes! The team at Southwest Dental in Rio Rancho may be able to provide you with permanent dentures, which are the next best thing to natural teeth! What are permanent dentures, and what can you expect from the treatment process? This page explains what you should know.
What Are Permanent Dentures?
Permanent dentures are also known as implant dentures. That is because they are anchored in the mouth via prosthetic tooth roots known as dental implants. After the implant posts are surgically placed within the jawbone, they bond with the surrounding tissue, which enables them to provide an incredibly strong base of support for the dentures that go on top of them.
There are two main categories of permanent dentures. During your consultation, we will help determine which one is right for you.
Fixed Implant Dentures
Fixed implant dentures are permanently attached to the implants that support them, meaning they allow patients to enjoy the convenience of having their teeth in their mouth 24/7. The biggest downside to this option is that it requires more implant posts, and therefore greater bone density, than removable implant dentures.
Removable Implant Dentures
With removable dentures, the implant posts are permanently fixed in the mouth. However, the teeth on top of them are easy to remove. These prosthetics tend to require fewer implant posts than their fixed counterparts, meaning that they are often ideal for patients who have lost some bone density in their jaw.
The Permanent Denture Process
The implant denture procedure involves four main stages of treatment:
- We will learn about your goals for treatment, verify that permanent dentures are right for you, and start planning the details of your procedure.
- Implant placement surgery. Ranjbaran is a skilled professional who can perform this complex procedure right here in our office.
- Over the course of a few months, your implant posts will form a strong bond with the surrounding bone tissue.
- You will receive your beautiful new teeth!
Although the permanent dentures process requires more time than what you would expect with traditional dentures, the end results are worth the wait!
Am I a Candidate for Permanent Dentures?
Permanent dentures might be right for you if:
- You have suffered the loss of all or most of your teeth.
- Your oral and overall health are decent. (For example, you should be free of active gum disease.)
- You stick to good habits that will support your implants’ long-term health.
Even if you are not sure whether permanent dentures are a good fit for your circumstances, you can still visit us for a consultation. Most patients can qualify for this procedure!
Benefits of Combining Dentures & Dental Implants
Permanent dentures offer some outstanding benefits:
- Strength and stability. Permanent dentures can allow you to eat virtually all foods, including ones that are off-limits with traditional dentures.
- Jawbone preservation. Dental implants stimulate the jawbone, helping it to stay whole and healthy.
- Beauty and naturalness. Permanent dentures are carefully designed so they offer optimum aesthetics and a comfortable feel. You might even forget they are not your natural teeth!
- Whereas traditional dentures last for just 5 – 7 years, permanent dentures can last for much longer.
- Easy maintenance. In some ways, caring for implant dentures is just like taking care of natural teeth.