Posted 4/16/2014 1:35 PM (GMT 0)
Please forgive me if I'm losing track of where you are in the progress of your implants and permanent denture. I'm trying to keep up, so if I've got it wrong, just let me know.
If I understand correctly, you've had all the difficult work done already,...the surgery, the implants, they've healed over (they must have if you're ready for the permanent denture to be screwed in, I'd assume). So I'm not sure what you're concerned about as the toughest part is over.
What will happen is this: The screws (do you have 4 of them on the top? Or 6?) will be exposed and the permanent denture plate will be clipped right over those screws through tiny holes in the denture which allow it to fit over the exposed screw ends. The denture will be tightened to fit properly and those little tiny holes where it slides over the screws will be sealed up with a strong denture material that you won't feel.
It's likely you may need to go back once or even a few times to have things tightened as the denture sits and as the screws settle with the new denture over it. But these visits are super quick as they tighten it to fit.
When you go for yearly cleanings, they'll be doing the same thing,...unscrewing the denture, clean, then screw it right back on. So it's something you'll always be doing, you'll get used to it.
I have regular dentures (the kind that come out every day and soak in a tray), and even I had to and have to go back for relines and the gums adjust. You will have less of that because the screws in your jaw will prevent bone loss, so your fit will be more secure.
M.