Our world is always changing. Flowers bloom and fade, seasons turn, and constellations shift across the sky as the Earth continues its rotation around the sun. Over time, those changes become visible in our own lives as well. We notice them in our appearance, especially when tooth loss affects how we see our smile and how traditional dentures function. We can’t stop time from moving, but we can combat the loose, unstable grip of conventional dentures with permanent dentures supported by dental implants.
These implant dentures bring strength back to your bite, allowing you to eat more food than before. Also called permanent roundhouse bridges or fixed bridges, permanent dentures tend to look more natural than traditional dentures, minimizing or eliminating the appearance of false gums.
You’re wondering: are you a candidate for permanent dentures? Maybe you’ve been told in the past that you don’t have enough jawbone for a dentist to place implant dentures. Thanks to mini dental implants, most patients are candidates for permanent dentures, even if they have bone loss.
Mini Implants Make Permanent Dentures Possible For More People
It used to be that many patients who would benefit from permanent dentures were not good candidates for them. Natural teeth connect to the jawbone, and chewing sends regular stimulation through those roots to keep the bone strong. When teeth are lost, that stimulation disappears.
Over time, the jawbone begins to weaken and shrink through a process known as resorption, which can limit the amount of bone available to support traditional dental implants.
Permanent implant dentures address that problem by restoring bone stability. Dentists place dental implants directly into the jaw, where they function as artificial tooth roots. These implants anchor a fixed bridge, allowing chewing forces to move through the jaw again and providing the support needed for a stable, permanent restoration.
Traditional dental implants require a certain amount of bone for secure anchoring. Because of that requirement, some patients are told they do not have enough bone to support an implant. Our office approaches that limitation differently. We offer mini dental implants, which improve on traditional implants in several key ways. Mini implants are more than 40% smaller in diameter, allowing them to work in situations where traditional implants may not.
Mini implants also allow for a less invasive placement process. Traditional implant placement typically involves gum surgery and a large incision. Dr. Magno places mini implants by creating a small opening at the site and guiding the implant directly into place. As a result, mini dental implants can make fixed dentures possible for many patients who are not candidates for traditional implant surgery.
How We Place Permanent Dentures
The process for placing permanent dentures is simple. Dr. Magno begins by placing roughly 10–12 mini implants using a technique that minimizes disruption to the gums. This approach helps reduce post-procedure discomfort and supports faster healing. The exact number of implants used depends on the size and density of your jawbone.
Once the implants are in place, Dr. Magno fits the roundhouse bridge to ensure it feels comfortable and looks natural. After final adjustments, she secures the restoration in place. With the bridge fixed, you’ll have a strong bite and a natural-looking smile restored. You’ll never need to worry about your teeth moving or falling out ever again! Plus, you’ll be able to reduce future bone loss by restoring strength in your bite.
Permanent dentures often feel closer to natural teeth than other options, particularly traditional dentures. However, Dr. Magno may recommend snap-in dentures or semi-permanent roundhouse bridges depending on your needs. These are two other great options to secure dentures and restore bite strength.
Start Your Implant Denture Journey
Maybe you’ve heard that you’re not a candidate for fixed implant dentures. But thanks to mini dental implants, you may be able to restore your smile with a permanent implant denture even if you have jawbone loss. Chew and smile with confidence once again. Even as the sands of time move forward, your denture will stay locked in place.
Ready to move forward with permanent dentures? Dr. Magno is excited to offer you high-quality permanent implant dentures to revitalize your smile. So text or call 510-591-0091 to set up an appointment, or contact our office by submitting a request form.